Examples of REF2021 4* impact case studies
Here you can find examples of 4* case studies from REF2021 submissions by Unit of Assessment (UoA). Whilst scores of individual case studies are not known, it is possible to determine scores when (near to) 100% of a UoA's 'impact portfolio' was assessed to be 4*.
Please note that a handful of cases linked below fell between the 3* and 4* boundary.
Main panel |
Unit of assessment number |
Unit of assessment name |
A |
1 |
Clinical Medicine |
A |
2 |
Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care |
A |
4 |
Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience |
A |
5 |
Biological Sciences |
A |
6 |
Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences |
B |
7 |
Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences |
B |
8 |
Chemistry |
B |
10 |
Mathematical Sciences |
B |
11 |
Computer Science and Informatics |
B |
12 |
Engineering |
C |
13 |
Architecture, Built Environment and Planning |
C |
14 |
Geography and Environmental Studies |
C |
15 |
Archaeology |
C |
18 |
Law |
C |
19 |
Politics and International Studies |
C |
20 |
Social Work and Social Policy |
C |
21 |
Sociology |
C |
22 |
Anthropology and Development Studies |
C |
23 |
Education |
C |
24 |
Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism |
D |
25 |
Area Studies |
D |
26 |
Modern Languages and Linguistics |
D |
27 |
English Language and Literature |
D |
28 |
History |
D |
29 |
Classics |
D |
30 |
Philosophy |
D |
31 |
Theology and Religious Studies |
D |
32 |
Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory |
D |
33 |
Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies |
D |
34 |
Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management |
The guidance around REF impact remained largely unchanged between REF2021 and REF2014. Therefore, it can also be useful to look back at 4* impact case studies from the earlier exercise. Examples of REF2014 4* impact case studies can be found here.