RAE 2008 Outcomes for Law
The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) League Table for law schools in the UK provides a comprehensive evaluation of the quality of legal education and research across the country. This assessment, conducted by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, serves as a benchmark for measuring the quality of research outputs from various institutions. The results are significant not only for academic institutions but also for prospective law students, faculty, and policy-makers, as they shed light on which universities are excelling in legal research and teaching.
Top Law Schools in the 2008 RAE League Table
According to the 2008 RAE results, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) emerged as the top-ranked law school in the country, followed closely by University College London (UCL) and the University of Oxford. The rankings are based on an average score that reflects the combined performance of these institutions in terms of both research quality and GPA.
1. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
LSE's position as the number one law school in the 2008 RAE is a testament to its longstanding reputation as a global leader in legal education and research. The department's average ranking of 3.1 is indicative of its commitment to producing high-quality research that influences both academic scholarship and practical applications in the field of law. LSE’s strength lies in its focus on the intersection of law, economics, and politics, offering unique insights into how legal principles interact with broader social and economic systems. The university's rigorous research output is complemented by its strong teaching programs, which attract students from all over the world who seek a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to legal studies.
The faculty at LSE comprises leading scholars who are often at the forefront of research in areas such as international law, human rights law, and constitutional law. The department's ability to combine theoretical and practical knowledge ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to tackle complex legal challenges and contribute to the legal profession at a high level.
2. University College London (UCL)
UCL ranks second in the 2008 RAE League Table with an average ranking of 3.05, showcasing its excellence in legal education and research. As one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, UCL has long been known for its innovative approach to teaching and research in the field of law. The university's law department boasts a distinguished faculty that conducts research that influences both national and international legal discourse.
UCL's law school is particularly strong in areas such as intellectual property law, environmental law, and human rights. Its commitment to research excellence is matched by its emphasis on fostering a supportive academic environment that encourages collaboration and intellectual curiosity. The university also has a strong track record of providing students with opportunities for practical experience through its various legal clinics and partnerships with organizations in the legal sector.
3. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford, with an average ranking of 3.0, holds the third spot in the 2008 RAE League Table. As one of the most iconic universities globally, Oxford's law school is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, historical significance, and contributions to legal scholarship. The university's approach to law combines deep theoretical exploration with a strong emphasis on analytical and critical thinking skills.
Oxford has produced numerous influential legal scholars, judges, and policymakers, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in the field of legal education. The research output of Oxford’s law faculty covers a wide range of areas, including constitutional law, legal philosophy, and comparative law. Its graduates often go on to hold key positions in the legal profession and academia, underscoring the quality and impact of an Oxford law degree.
Joint Fourth Place: Durham and Nottingham
The 2008 RAE League Table reveals that both Durham and Nottingham universities share the fourth position with an average ranking of 2.9. This is an impressive achievement for both institutions, reflecting their dedication to fostering high-quality research and academic excellence in the field of law.
Durham University
Durham’s law school is known for its strong emphasis on research-led teaching and its collaborative environment that encourages intellectual exploration. The university’s research output is particularly notable in areas such as international law, human rights law, and criminal justice. Durham’s approach to legal education emphasizes the development of both academic and practical skills, which prepares students for successful careers in the legal profession.
The university’s reputation for fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment contributes to its high performance in the RAE. Durham’s law school has a close-knit community that values both academic rigor and holistic student development, creating a balanced approach to legal education.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham University’s law school is equally recognized for its robust research output, which has helped it attain joint fourth place in the rankings. The university's law department has a strong reputation for research excellence in areas such as commercial law, public law, and legal theory. Its research programs often collaborate with national and international partners, enhancing the impact and reach of its academic work.
Nottingham also places a strong emphasis on student employability, offering a range of opportunities for students to gain practical experience through placements, legal clinics, and partnerships with law firms and organizations. This focus on practical skills, combined with high-quality research, makes Nottingham an attractive choice for students seeking a comprehensive legal education.
2008 RAE League Table - Top Law Schools:
Name, Average ranking
London School of Economics and Political Science 3.1
University College London 3.05
University of Oxford 3
University of Durham 2.9
University of Nottingham 2.9
University of Kent 2.85
Cardiff University 2.8
Queen's University Belfast 2.8
University of Cambridge 2.8
University of Edinburgh 2.75
Queen Mary, University of London 2.7
University of Reading 2.7
University of Ulster 2.65
University of Strathclyde 2.65
University of Birmingham 2.65
University of Bristol 2.6
University of Sussex 2.6
University of Glasgow 2.6
University of Dundee 2.55
King's College London 2.55
University of Leeds 2.55
University of Sheffield 2.5
University of Manchester 2.5
University of Southampton 2.5
Swansea Univ 2.45
Keele Univ 2.45
Brunel Univ 2.45
U of Essex 2.45
U of Liverpool 2.45
U of Warwick 2.4
Lancaster Univ 2.4
Oxford Brookes Univ 2.4
U of Hull 2.35
School of Oriental and African Studies 2.35
U of Exeter 2.3
U of Newcastle upon Tyne 2.25
U of East Anglia 2.25
U of East London 2.2
U of Westminster 2.2
U of Leicester 2.2
U of Aberdeen 2.2
U of Stirling 2.15
City Univ, London 2.1
Aberystwyth Univ 2.05
U of Abertay Dundee 2
Birkbeck College 1.95
De Montfort Univ 1.85
U of Wolverhampton 1.85
U of the West of England, Bristol 1.8
U of Salford 1.75
Nottingham Trent Univ 1.7
Middlesex Univ 1.65
U of Central Lancashire 1.6
U of Lincoln 1.6
U of Glamorgan 1.6
London Metropolitan Uni 1.55
Robert Gordon Uni 1.5
Glasgow Caledonian Uni 1.5
Kingston Uni 1.5
Sheffield Hallam Uni 1.4
U of Greenwich 1.4
U of Sunderland 1.3
Bournemouth Uni 1.25
Coventry Uni 1.15
Napier Uni 1.1
U of the West of Scotland 1.05
Southampton Solent Uni 0.85
* The Research Assessment Exercise is conducted by the Higher Education Funding Councils, each Sub-Panel determined an overall quality profile for the research of each institution that entered staff.
Next: RAE 2008-Economics & Econometrics
2008 RAE League Table - Top Law Schools:
Name, Average ranking
London School of Economics and Political Science 3.1
University College London 3.05
University of Oxford 3
University of Durham 2.9
University of Nottingham 2.9
University of Kent 2.85
Cardiff University 2.8
Queen's University Belfast 2.8
University of Cambridge 2.8
University of Edinburgh 2.75
Queen Mary, University of London 2.7
University of Reading 2.7
University of Ulster 2.65
University of Strathclyde 2.65
University of Birmingham 2.65
University of Bristol 2.6
University of Sussex 2.6
University of Glasgow 2.6
University of Dundee 2.55
King's College London 2.55
University of Leeds 2.55
University of Sheffield 2.5
University of Manchester 2.5
University of Southampton 2.5
Swansea Univ 2.45
Keele Univ 2.45
Brunel Univ 2.45
U of Essex 2.45
U of Liverpool 2.45
U of Warwick 2.4
Lancaster Univ 2.4
Oxford Brookes Univ 2.4
U of Hull 2.35
School of Oriental and African Studies 2.35
U of Exeter 2.3
U of Newcastle upon Tyne 2.25
U of East Anglia 2.25
U of East London 2.2
U of Westminster 2.2
U of Leicester 2.2
U of Aberdeen 2.2
U of Stirling 2.15
City Univ, London 2.1
Aberystwyth Univ 2.05
U of Abertay Dundee 2
Birkbeck College 1.95
De Montfort Univ 1.85
U of Wolverhampton 1.85
U of the West of England, Bristol 1.8
U of Salford 1.75
Nottingham Trent Univ 1.7
Middlesex Univ 1.65
U of Central Lancashire 1.6
U of Lincoln 1.6
U of Glamorgan 1.6
London Metropolitan Uni 1.55
Robert Gordon Uni 1.5
Glasgow Caledonian Uni 1.5
Kingston Uni 1.5
Sheffield Hallam Uni 1.4
U of Greenwich 1.4
U of Sunderland 1.3
Bournemouth Uni 1.25
Coventry Uni 1.15
Napier Uni 1.1
U of the West of Scotland 1.05
Southampton Solent Uni 0.85
* The Research Assessment Exercise is conducted by the Higher Education Funding Councils, each Sub-Panel determined an overall quality profile for the research of each institution that entered staff.
Next: RAE 2008-Economics & Econometrics
Comments