Key facts and figures

Research at the University of Wolverhampton is world-leading, ground-breaking and life-changing. It informs the teaching and learning we deliver here at Wolverhampton. 

REF2021

Our research 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), in total 93% is internationally recognised.

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

The university was awarded a QS Five-Star rating overall (‘Excellent’), the highest possible distinction within the internationally respected QS Stars framework for 2026, with exceptional performance awarded for teaching​; global engagement​; facilities​; environmental impact​; and diversity, equity and ​inclusion

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 to create opportunities and connections for its students. 

85% of the university’s UK graduates from the most recent cohort are in work or further study according to the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey (published 2026, Class of 23-24). It also shows that of those in employment almost 81.8% are in highly skilled roles.

The National Student Survey is completed by final-year university students across the UK and is managed by the Office for Students (OfS). 

The university ranked 9th in the UK for overall student satisfaction and among the sector’s best for Teaching, Learning Opportunities and Assessment, according to the latest National Student Survey (NSS) 2026 results.

The university has been ranked 13^th* in the sector overall for Teaching, Learning Opportunities and Assessment, highlighting the strength of the student experience and the dedication of staff across the institution.

The NSS 2026 results also saw the university achieve a number of outstanding rankings, including:

• 8th in the UK for Assessment and Feedback
• 12th for Learning Opportunities
• 14th for Student Voice

The results reflect positive feedback from students on the quality of their learning experience, the opportunities available to support their academic development, and the ways in which their views help shape university life.

*For first degree respondents

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 30,200 students studying at teaching campuses in the Midlands and through nationwide partners benefit from innovative and excellent teaching. This university is ranked third in England for social mobility (Higher Education Policy Institute) and boasts world-class research along with an 85% graduate employability rate (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026).

• Over 30,200 students studying worldwide with the University of Wolverhampton. 
• We have students learning with partner institutions in countries including Nepal, India, China and Sri Lanka. 
• Our students and alumni come from 130 countries across the globe. 

• We help our students to increase and fulfil their potential and move into fulfilling careers. 
• No one is left behind at Wolverhampton – we are there to support each student on their academic journey. 
• We're ranked third in England for social mobility, and have been in the top 10 for four years running – making higher education accessible for individuals and communities for the first time (Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), The Social Mobility Index 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025).
• We are ranked 4th in the UK for teaching first generation students (those who are the first in their family to go to university) by the Daily Mail University Rankings 2026. 
• We climbed the Complete University Guide rankings for the 5th year in a row, up three places to 108. We also have several areas ranking particularly highly in the most recent The Guardian’s Rankings, including Education (7th in UK), Fine Art (6th in UK), Graphic Design (12th in UK), and Physiotherapy (7th in UK).
• We have been providing opportunities to students for nearly 200 years and the choice of courses we offer is as diverse as our community.