University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham was founded on the vision and philanthropic spirit of Jesse Boot who, in 1928, donated the land that is now University Park. The vision of a university devoted to discovery, enterprise and the advancement of the human condition, combined with his lifelong commitment to improving health and wellbeing, remains intrinsic to the culture of the University today and will continue to underpin our future purpose.

Mission

• We have inspiring campuses in three countries, energising us to be a globally engaged university that is also committed to making a difference in our cities and regions
• We empower and support students and staff to collaborate in learning, scholarship and discovery across all realms of knowledge, solving problems and improving lives
• We are stewards of a pioneering and entrepreneurial tradition of creativity and innovation

Our vision is:

to be a university without borders, where we embrace the opportunities presented by a changing world, and where ambitious people and a creative culture will enable us to change the world for the better.

Rankings and achievements

Our position as a world-class university is confirmed by our ranking in the global league tables.

We are proud to be a top 20 UK university (QS World University Rankings 2025) and our graduates are sought after by leading employers world-wide.

We are committed to giving our students an unparalleled experience that helps to prepare them for life after university.

Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Results from the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) reaffirm the University of Nottingham as among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research.

According to analysis by Times Higher Education, the university improved its placing in each of the three key measures determined by REF – Research Power, Research Intensity and Grade Point Average (GPA). 

Of the 157 institutions participating in REF2021, the university placed 7th in the UK for Research Power, which takes into account a combination of the quality of our research, its international impact, critical mass and sustainability. It placed 25th in the UK for Grade Point Average (GPA) – an improvement from 26th place in REF2014. Our own analysis using THE methodology placed the University 24th in the UK for Research Intensity adjusted GPA, which takes into account the proportion of eligible staff returned – an improvement from 28th place in REF2014.

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) assessment

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) works with higher education institutions to define, safeguard and improve academic standards and the quality of higher education in the UK.

In the most recent QAA Institutional Audit (2016) the University was recognised as a provider of high quality and standards with the award of the Quality Mark. The review highlighted good practice in five areas, including opportunities for student employability and the Transforming Teaching Programme.

The team of QAA reviewers visited the University in April 2016, as part of its remit to safeguard the public interest in the quality and standards of UK higher education. The review was carried out by experts from other universities and a student reviewer.

Quality standards

The review team judged that the University’s academic standards, the quality of its student learning opportunities and the quality of its information about learning opportunities all met UK standards.

Areas of good practice were identified in: opportunities for student employability, peer observation of teaching, embedded engagement with students to promote learning opportunities, the University’s Teaching and Learning Review process and its Transforming Teaching Programme.