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2021 RESEARCH EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK (REF) results

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, research from the Department of Experimental Psychology was submitted to Unit of Assessment 4 (UA4) along with research from Psychiatry and Neuroscience. In UA4, 69% of Oxford’s submission was judged to be 4* (the highest score available, for research quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance, and rigour). Our results are complemented by outstanding results from the other areas of Medical Sciences.

Professor Matthew Rushworth, Head of Department and Chair of the Research Committee, said, "To have results of this calibre really is a fantastic testament to the strength of research in the Department of Experimental Psychology as well as our partner departments in the same Unit of Assessment.  So many people took part in the REF exercise and so the results reflect a very broad range of achievements across all areas of the Department. They are results that we can all be very proud of. I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to our REF submission, including our fantastic researchers, technicians and admin staff."

Find out more about how research in EP, Psychiatry and Neuroscience is making a real impact on people's lives.

Quality Assurance agency Review of Teaching

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education awarded a maximum score of 24 for teaching and learning quality in their recent review of Psychology at Oxford University and the Oxford MSc in Neuroscience Course.

The QAA review team awarded the maximum rating for all aspects of their review, e.g.:-

  • Curriculum Design, Content and Organisation (4/4)
  • Teaching, Learning and Assessment (4/4)
  • Student Progression and Achievement (4/4)
  • Student Support and Guidance (4/4)
  • Learning Resources (4/4)
  • Quality Management and Enhancement (4/4)

British Psychological society accreditation review (2021)

Following a visit to the University of Oxford, the BPS confirmed the ongoing accreditation of the B.A. (Hons) Experimental Psychology and B.A (Hons) Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics programmes in 2021.

Therefore, graduates from the programmes are deemed to have met the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of The Society (GBC), provided they pass the empirical psychology project and achieve a minimum of a Lower Second Class Honours degree, or its equivalent overall. 

Our degree programmes in Experimental Psychology and Psychology, Philosophy and Physiology were specially commended for the unique small group teaching in tutorial sessions, which embeds the learning of additional skills, required for personal and professional development. This was found to be above and beyond the programme standards.