In the 2008 RAE results announced in December 2008, the University of Bristol was ranked among the world leaders in research.
Almost 60 per cent of the research work assessed in the Faculty of Arts at Bristol was awarded either the top 4* rating, defined as ‘world leading’, or the 3* rating, classed as ‘internationally excellent’. The Department of Drama: Theatre, Film and Television achieved particular distinction.
Taking into account the 2* rating - defined as ‘recognised internationally’ - as well as the 3* and 4* ones, nearly 90 per cent of research in the Arts and Humanities at Bristol was deemed to be of international standard.
The RAE results have led to the Faculty of Arts receiving almost £4 million a year in quality-related research funding from HEFCE.
| Unit of assessment | 4* % | 3* % | 2* % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archaeology | 15 | 35 | 35 |
| Classics, Ancient History, Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies | 20 | 35 | 40 |
| Drama, Dance and Performing Arts | 45 | 30 | 25 |
| English Language and Literature | 20 | 50 | 25 |
| French | 5 | 30 | 45 |
| German, Dutch and Scandinavian Languages | 15 | 35 | 35 |
| History | 15 | 40 | 35 |
| History of Art, Architecture and Design | 15 | 30 | 45 |
| Iberian and Latin American Languages | 10 | 20 | 45 |
| Italian | 20 | 35 | 40 |
| Music | 10 | 75 | 10 |
| Philosophy | 30 | 35 | 30 |
| Russian, Slavonic and East European Languages | 15 | 45 | 30 |
| Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies | 15 | 30 | 40 |
The RAE is an independent assessment of the quality of research in UK universities, carried out on behalf of the higher education funding bodies. Panels of experts produce a quality profile for each area of research within a university. The profile determines how much quality-related funding each research area will receive.
Summary information about Bristol University’s RAE 2008 results. Further information about the national RAE 2008 results is available at www.rae.ac.uk. The next RAE results are planned for 2013.
