RAE 2008 - the grading system
18 Dec 2008
The RAE provides quality ratings for research across all disciplines.
Definitions of quality are based on a standard scale, ranging from 4*, which is the highest rating and indicates world-leading research, to unclassified which is of a standard below national recognition or outside of the definition of research. The full definitions of the quality scale used are:
4* Quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
3* Quality that is internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour but which nonetheless falls short of the highest standards of excellence.
2* Quality that is recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
1* Quality that is recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
u/c Quality that falls below the standard of nationally recognised work or work which does not meet the published definition of research for the purposes of this assessment.
Independent assessment panels assessed the research submitted and determined the proportion of research that meets each of four quality levels or is unclassified or fails to meet the published definition. The panel takes into account three overarching components of the submission - research outputs, research environment and indicators of esteem. The results are published as a graded profile for each Unit of Assessment for each submission.
