Awards, achievements and rankings

Research Excellence Framework

We were ranked joint 10th in the UK for the quality of our research in the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

All of our subject areas ranked in the top 30 in the UK, with four of our Departments positioned in the top five: Language and Linguistics (1st), Philosophy (2nd), Sociology (4th), Education (5th).

• Research at York
• Research Excellence Framework

Teaching Excellence Framework

In 2023, we achieved our second consecutive Gold Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) award. 

The award is decided by an independent panel of experts, focusing on areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

• Our Gold TEF award

THE Impact Rankings 2024

The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings is a global performance league table that assesses universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The University of York was ranked =4th in the UK (=65th globally) for our performance against SDG 5 Gender equality; a mark of our pivotal role in empowering women and advancing gender equality across global communities.

We ranked highly for SDG 13 Climate action, placing 10th in the UK and 40th in the world. This recognises our efforts in addressing climate-related hazards, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing adaptive capacity through robust research and effective campus policies.

York also fell within the top 100 globally for SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities, ranking 80th in the world and 15th in the UK. 

The University of York ranked in the banding 101st - 200th out of 1963 institutions worldwide.