The University of Wolverhampton received a commendation – the highest possible accolade – in its most recent assessment by the Quality Assurance Agency: the independent body that evaluates standards and quality in UK higher education.

Research at the University of Wolverhampton is at its highest ever level according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021. 75% more staff were submitted for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 than REF2014. The results show that more than half of the University’s research is judged as internationally excellent (3) or world-leading (4).

Sixteen submitted subject areas have research of world-leading standard, including the University’s work on changing perceptions of the Black Country, eliminating gender and race discrimination and improving health outcomes for all.

The University was awarded four stars overall in 2023 in the QS Stars ™ scheme – with the highest five stars for teaching, employability, facilities, internationalisation, and inclusiveness.

The QS Stars scheme is a global rating system which assesses the strengths of universities worldwide against several categories.

The University embeds employability into all its programmes using its role in contributing to economic growth regionally and nationally to create opportunities and connections for its students. 

Almost 90% of the University’s UK graduates from the most recent cohort were in work or further study according to the latest Graduate Outcomes report (published 2023). It also showed almost 66% of our UK graduates were in highly skilled roles.

Student satisfaction at the University of Wolverhampton is above sector average across a number of categories, the latest National Student Survey results show (2023). 

Teaching was rated 87% and learning opportunities 85%. Listening to the Student Voice also performed above sector average and benchmark at 76%.

Research England’s Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) recognises the diverse contributions that universities across the country offer their local areas. The framework aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of public funding use for knowledge exchange while aiding continuous improvement in higher education providers. KEF identified the University of Wolverhampton as being in the top 10% nationally for public and community engagement, as well as in the top 10% for local growth and regeneration.   

The University of Wolverhampton’s roots go back to the 19th century Wolverhampton Mechanics’ Institutes and School of Art. It offers a broad range of subjects at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level – many accredited by prestigious professional bodies. Over 21,000 students studying at three main teaching campuses in the Midlands and partners nationwide benefit from innovative and excellent teaching from a QAA-commended university listed in the top ten universities for social mobility in a paper published by the Higher Education Policy Institute, with world-class research and a 90% graduate employability rate (Graduate Outcomes report 2023).