Research quality

How research at University of Portsmouth was rated in the REF 2021 — the UK's official assessment of university research quality.

4★ research is world-leading; 3★ is internationally excellent; 2★ is internationally recognised; 1★ is nationally recognised. Each bar shows the percentage of research at each quality tier, broken down by subject area (Unit of Assessment).

  • 4★ World-leading
  • 3★ Internationally excellent
  • 2★ Internationally recognised
  • 1★ Nationally recognised
  • Unclassified

3. Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy

40.1 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

90% world-class

4. Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience

45.4 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

70% world-class

7. Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences

33.8 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

82% world-class

9. Physics

19.8 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

100% world-class

10. Mathematical Sciences

19.0 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

95% world-class

11. Computer Science and Informatics

29.8 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

68% world-class

12. Engineering

42.2 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

66% world-class

14. Geography and Environmental Studies

18.4 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

53% world-class

17. Business and Management Studies

93.5 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

79% world-class

18. Law

19.6 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

44% world-class

20. Social Work and Social Policy

37.3 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

78% world-class

24. Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism

20.5 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

95% world-class

25. Area Studies

73.6 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

84% world-class

27. English Language and Literature

27.0 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

66% world-class

32. Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory

34.0 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

71% world-class

33. Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies

19.8 full-time-equivalent academics submitted research

61% world-class

Source: REF 2021 results