From January 2010 onwards the University has not appeared in any league tables produced by newspapers. We appeared in the Times league tables published in June 2009, in which our overall position improved, but this was the last time.
These tables disadvantage universities such as Wolverhampton and do not represent a fair picture of our strengths. There are many published assessments of our performance.
The quality of our teaching and learning is assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), which reviews all UK higher education institutions. Following our 2009 QAA Audit, we received a glowing report which found ‘broad confidence’ (the highest level of commendation) in the University’s academic standards and the quality of the learning experience. We were also praised for outstanding support for students.
Many subjects such as Law, Engineering, Education, Nursing and Midwifery, and Pharmacy are subject to strict inspections by regulatory bodies and we are in good standing with each of these. For example, Education is one of only 10 Schools in the country to have received outstanding inspection grades at both secondary and primary level.
The most recent National Student Survey rated Wolverhampton as one of the best in the country for the quality of its learning resources and access to specialist equipment.
The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which assesses the quality of research in universities and colleges in the UK, rated many elements of our research as four-star, equivalent to world leading. As a result, our research funding allocation from the Higher Education Funding Council of c£2 million was the highest amount for any new university in the West Midlands.
We have a strong reputation for business engagement, particularly within the region. We are the 2nd highest university in the country for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, a measure of support for business.
This data is publicly available and more accurately represents the strengths of the University of Wolverhampton than the privately commissioned league tables.
Our Annual Report provides data on the University and highlights some of our key successes, and the impact we make.
