Every 4-6 years, the UK government undertakes a major review of research in all universities in the UK, the Research Excellence Framework (REF). This review is the largest of its kind and measures several aspects of research within departments including the quality and impact of the research, and the environment for that research.

In the 2021-22 REF, research by staff in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion at Lancaster University was ranked 2 in the UK for research power, 8 for research environment, 12 for impact, and 12 overall.

This excellent result confirms the vitality of the Department, the excellent quality of our research, and our commitment to engaging with real world questions and policy issues. This energy permeates our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and our engagement with the local, national and international community.