Research at the University of Bolton is 'world leading'

The university was given the accolade by the Research Excellence Framework (REF), which reviews the quality of research at universities across the UK.

The group graded the work, giving the best 4* — indicating it was world leading — down to 1* which reflects it is recognised nationally.

The assessment found that the University of Bolton’s research over the last five years in psychology, engineering, English and creative writing, education and communications and media included work of a world leading standard.

Research in social work and social policy was deemed to be of internationally excellent standard with a score of 3*.

Over 70 per cent of its research in engineering was scored as either 3* or 4* and work in English and creative writing was commended for its quality, and its important social and cultural impact.

The university’s Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Rob Campbell, said: "This is an excellent result for the university confirming that it continues to improve the quality of the research which informs its teaching.

“The university’s innovation and enterprise will continue to be an important resource for local, regional and national commercial and social enterprises, helping to drive regeneration, growth and prosperity.”

Bolton has ranked 128 out of 154 universities in the university research rankings table. Last year it was placed 119.

The results from REF are used to allocate research funding of around £2 billion a year to universities in 2015/16.

Three-quarters of universities had at least 10 per cent of their work graded as 4*, while three-quarters had at least 49 per cent of their work graded a 3* or above.

Oxford University remains top in terms of research, and in the North West Manchester was fifth, Salford was 73rd and Manchester Metropolitan was 56th.

Professor Madeleine Atkins, chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), said: "The 2014 REF represents an outstanding achievement. Rigorous assessment of high-quality research is at the heart of the REF and the results confirm that UK universities are in the top rank of an internationally competitive research community.

"UK research has improved from an already strong position in the last exercise, with many universities delivering more ground-breaking work of the highest quality. Universities have also demonstrated how their excellent research has impacted positively on economic growth, health and social well-being, and improved quality of life."