University of Manchester RAE Outcomes

The University of Manchester stands as one of the UK’s most distinguished and influential institutions, renowned for its academic excellence and exceptional research contributions. With a legacy that dates back to the 19th century, the university continues to thrive as a leading research powerhouse, consistently ranking among the top research universities in the country. Its outstanding performance in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) is a testament to its commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge across a wide range of disciplines. The University of Manchester’s dedication to research is not only reflected in its high rankings and accolades but also in its ability to foster a vibrant academic environment that encourages innovation and collaboration across fields.

The 2008 RAE was a pivotal moment for the University of Manchester, confirming its place at the forefront of global research. According to the exercise, 65% of the university’s research activity was judged to be either 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*), placing Manchester among the highest-performing research institutions in the UK. This result is a direct reflection of the university’s rigorous research culture, which spans a wide array of academic disciplines and covers both theoretical and applied research. The RAE 2008 ranked the university 3rd in the UK in terms of research power, a measure that combines both the quality and the volume of research output. This achievement demonstrates not only the university’s ability to generate high-quality research but also its capacity to mobilize substantial research resources and attract talented faculty across numerous fields.

One of the most notable aspects of the University of Manchester’s performance in the 2008 RAE is the breadth and depth of its research across various departments. The university submitted research across 53 Units of Assessment, more than any other UK institution. This comprehensive approach highlights the university’s commitment to being a leader in both traditional academic fields and emerging areas of research. Manchester’s ability to sustain research excellence across such a wide range of disciplines reflects its strength as a multidisciplinary institution and its ongoing role in driving academic and societal progress.

The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Manchester is a prime example of this research strength. The school has been recognized as one of the best for pharmacy research in the UK, with 95% of its research activity classified as internationally significant. An impressive 70% of the school’s overall research was rated as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, placing it second in the nation for research quality. This recognition is a reflection of the school’s longstanding commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences and its critical role in improving healthcare through groundbreaking research. The school's research focuses on drug discovery, development, and delivery, contributing to the development of new treatments and therapies that improve patient outcomes. The high volume and quality of research in this field underscore the University of Manchester’s position as a leader in healthcare-related academic disciplines.

Similarly, the School of Computer Science at the university is recognized as a world-class centre of excellence. The school’s research was rated 5th in the UK for its overall quality and 2nd in terms of research power. This impressive ranking speaks to Manchester's position as a hub of innovation in the field of computing. The school’s research covers a broad spectrum of topics, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and software engineering. These areas of expertise are becoming increasingly critical in our data-driven world, with applications ranging from healthcare and transportation to finance and entertainment. The university’s ability to sustain a high level of research output in this rapidly evolving field is indicative of its role in shaping the future of computing and technology.

Another area where the University of Manchester excels is in the arts and humanities. The Department of Music, for example, received the highest 6* rating in the 2001 RAE and was placed among the top three music departments in the 2008 RAE results. This continued success underscores the department’s reputation as a leader in music research, with faculty conducting cutting-edge studies in musicology, performance studies, and the intersection of music with other art forms. The university’s success in music research is part of a broader commitment to the arts and humanities, with other departments such as Art History and Visual Studies also achieving outstanding results in the 2008 RAE. The Department of Art History and Visual Studies was rated 4th nationally, based on both the quality of research and the benchmarking of its output. This excellence in the arts and humanities contributes significantly to Manchester’s intellectual diversity and its role in fostering cultural and creative industries.

The University of Manchester’s excellence extends to the field of nursing and midwifery as well. The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work was ranked first in the UK for both the quantity and quality of its research. This is a significant achievement, given the growing importance of nursing and healthcare services in an aging society. The school’s research focuses on improving patient care, promoting public health, and advancing the education and training of healthcare professionals. The research output in this area is essential for developing evidence-based practices that enhance the quality of healthcare services and improve patient outcomes across the country.

The Manchester Business School (MBS) is another standout in the university’s research portfolio. Recognized as the UK’s leading centre for business research, MBS topped the results for research power, demonstrating its dominance in business and management research. MBS conducts pioneering research in areas such as entrepreneurship, finance, and corporate governance, with a focus on producing research that has a real-world impact. The school’s research is highly regarded not only for its academic rigor but also for its practical applications in the business world. By maintaining close links with industry and engaging with policymakers, MBS ensures that its research addresses the most pressing challenges in the global business landscape.

The university’s performance in the natural and physical sciences is equally impressive. The School of Physics and Astronomy, for instance, was rated 5th in the UK in terms of the volume of its world-leading and internationally excellent research. This achievement highlights Manchester’s role as a leader in scientific research, with particular strengths in areas such as particle physics, quantum mechanics, and astrophysics. The university’s research in these areas has far-reaching implications, from advancing our understanding of the universe to developing new technologies that shape our daily lives.

Additionally, the university’s School of Dentistry ranked first in the UK in terms of the quality of its academic research. This recognition reflects Manchester’s expertise in oral health research and its dedication to improving dental care through innovative scientific discovery. The university’s commitment to research excellence in health and medicine is further demonstrated by its leadership in other medical and scientific disciplines.

The University of Manchester’s success is not limited to any one area; rather, it is a testament to its ability to foster high-quality research across a wide range of disciplines. From the sciences to the arts, from business to healthcare, the university continues to drive forward the boundaries of human knowledge. As it moves forward, the University of Manchester’s commitment to research excellence and its ability to address some of the most pressing global challenges will ensure that it remains a leading institution on the world stage. Its performance in the 2008 RAE only reinforces the university’s reputation as a research institution that is shaping the future through its contributions to academia, industry, and society.