Research Excellence Framework

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Kent confirmed as a leading research university, with the majority of our REF submissions rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. 

The University also rises by 11 places to 38 in the Times Higher Education’s ranking for overall quality in the REF.

Quotation

Our results demonstrate that Kent continues to produce research that not only informs and underpins our teaching at all levels but also makes a very clear and significant difference to lives and livelihoods regionally, nationally and internationally.

Prof Shane Weller, DVC for Research & Innovation

Highlights

8 subjects ranked by the THE in the top 10 for research quality: Architecture; Classics; History (1st in UK); Law; Philosophy; Social Work & Social Policy (3rd in UK); Theology; Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies.

Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Economics & Econometrics, English Language & Literature, Modern Languages & Linguistics, Geography & Environmental Studies ranked in top 25.

  • 78 Impact Case Studies Studies submitted
  • 1688 Research uptputs submitted
  • 100% of all 830 eligible staff were submitted
  • 26 Units of Assessment submitted to (3 more than 2014)

Kent’s reputation for world-leading research across the arts and humanities, sciences, and social sciences confirmed.  

Featured story

Interview with Shane Weller

Shane talks about Kent's 2021 REF results and what they mean for the University.

Success Stories

Our research spans the arts and humanities, sciences, and social sciences.