The Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway has been placed joint third in the country by The Times Higher Education following the publication of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 results today.

In the REF 2021 results overall, 67% of Psychology's research was classified as 4* world leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour, highlighting the exceptional quality of the department’s research outputs, impact and environment.

The department received a top score for its research impact, with 100% judged to be 4* which is the highest standard of excellence. This outstanding result for research impact reinforces the importance and value of the department’s research to society and the economy. 

Professor Polly Dalton, Head of the Department of Psychology, said:

“We are exceptionally proud of these results, which reflect our department’s ongoing commitment to producing impactful research of the very highest quality. This outcome sets the stage for an exciting future ahead.” 

The results published in The Times Higher Education place Royal Holloway's Psychology department in joint third place with Oxford University.

The REF provides a robust and thorough assessment of the quality of universities’ research in all disciplines, providing accountability for public investment in research and demonstrating the benefits of that investment.