Roehampton University Top Ratings

Roehampton University, located in the scenic south-west of London, is a modern institution with a distinct identity and a strong focus on research. The university’s main campus is set amidst 54 acres of parkland, offering a unique combination of a traditional campus setting and access to the vibrant cultural and academic opportunities available in London. Established as a higher education institution for many years, Roehampton has grown to be one of the top new universities in the UK, particularly for its research output, despite being relatively young in comparison to more traditional institutions. Its emphasis on research excellence, student satisfaction, and strong academic programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences make it a standout choice for many prospective students.

The university is perhaps best known for its research capabilities, which have seen significant recognition in recent years. Roehampton’s performance in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 stands as a testament to its commitment to research excellence. The university achieved a remarkable distinction in the field of Dance and Biological Anthropology, being ranked number one in the UK for research in these areas. In fact, 80% of the research submitted from Roehampton’s anthropology department was deemed to be of international excellence or world-class quality. This achievement is particularly impressive for a university that has emerged as a relatively new player in the higher education sector, and it highlights the university's strong academic foundations in specialized disciplines. In addition to its outstanding research in anthropology and dance, Roehampton also excelled in areas such as Drama, History, Theology, and Spanish, further bolstering its reputation as a center of academic and research excellence.

Roehampton's research strengths are not limited to the arts and humanities; the university has also made significant strides in other fields. It ranked 72nd nationally in the RAE 2008, an indication that its research output is increasingly competitive across a broad range of disciplines. The university performed particularly well in comparison to other new universities in London. In several areas, Roehampton was ranked first among London’s modern institutions, notably in Education, English, Sociology, Psychology, and Sport. These accolades reflect Roehampton’s academic rigor and its increasing influence in the UK higher education sector. Furthermore, the university’s strong research culture has helped shape its reputation in areas such as Communication, Culture and Media Studies, which were ranked fifth in the UK in the 2008 RAE.

Roehampton University is not just a leader in research; it also prides itself on its outstanding student experience. In the Times Higher Education 2009 Student Experience Survey, the university was ranked number one in London for its environment on and around campus. This recognition highlights the university’s commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for its students, where academic excellence is complemented by a strong sense of community. The university is known for its intimate campus setting, which offers students a peaceful and focused environment while still providing access to the cultural, professional, and social opportunities of London. This combination of a tranquil setting and vibrant city life is one of the factors that makes Roehampton attractive to prospective students from the UK and abroad.

Roehampton’s reputation for research excellence and a supportive campus environment has helped it to become a competitive institution in various national rankings. According to the Guardian University Guide, Roehampton ranked 108th out of 117 UK universities in 2010, though this placed it outside the top tier. However, it is worth noting that the university’s performance in this guide improved from 106th in 2009, which suggests a positive trend in certain areas. In contrast, the Complete University Guide ranked Roehampton 63rd in 2008, 77th in 2009, and 87th in 2010, reflecting similar trends in terms of academic performance. These rankings, while not at the very top, indicate that Roehampton is steadily improving its standing among UK universities, particularly in the areas where it is most focused, such as Drama, Dance, and History.

Roehampton's performance in subject-specific rankings is also worth noting. In the Times Good University Guide 2009, the university was ranked 35th for Drama, Dance, and Cinematics, showing that Roehampton is regarded as a leading institution for students interested in the performing arts. The university’s Hospitality, Leisure, Recreation, Sport, and Tourism programs were also highly regarded, with a ranking of 47th. These rankings reflect the university’s specialized programs in the arts, where it has built a strong reputation and attracted students both nationally and internationally. Roehampton's commitment to delivering high-quality academic programs in these areas, combined with its emphasis on research excellence, makes it an appealing choice for students who are looking to develop careers in creative industries or social sciences.

Despite the challenges of competing with more established institutions, Roehampton has also been recognized for its quality of teaching and the positive experiences it offers students. It is ranked 63rd in the Complete University Guide (2008) and 92nd in The Times Good University Guide 2010, a respectable standing for a university that has only recently achieved full university status. The university has made significant progress in terms of enhancing its teaching infrastructure, student support services, and the overall student experience, as evidenced by its success in the Times Higher Education survey. Roehampton’s academic staff are highly regarded, and many are internationally recognized in their respective fields, further contributing to the institution's growing reputation for quality teaching.

Roehampton University’s growth over the past few decades demonstrates its ability to evolve and adapt within the highly competitive UK higher education sector. Although it ranks lower than some of the more traditional and prestigious institutions, its performance in research, particularly in the arts and social sciences, distinguishes it from many of its peers. Roehampton’s commitment to providing a supportive, enriching student experience, along with its strong research profile, makes it a standout institution for those looking to study in London. For students interested in pursuing degrees in Dance, Anthropology, Drama, or History, Roehampton offers an outstanding academic environment that fosters both personal and intellectual growth.

In conclusion, Roehampton University has proven itself as one of the top new institutions in the UK, particularly with respect to its research output and its dedication to providing an excellent student experience. Its success in areas such as Dance and Biological Anthropology has made it a leader in research in the arts and humanities, while its continuing improvement in national rankings demonstrates the university’s commitment to academic excellence. With a vibrant campus environment, strong student satisfaction, and an emphasis on research, Roehampton offers a distinctive and compelling choice for prospective students. As it continues to grow and evolve, the university is well-positioned to build on its successes and cement its place as a leading institution in the UK higher education landscape.