The last national measurement of research quality, the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, graded research activity according to four quality levels. Departments were then assigned a quality profile, indicating how much of their activity was being conducted at each level.

In terms of the top two categories, 4* (defined as ‘world-leading’) and 3* (‘internationally excellent’) the departments of the School performed as follows:

French 4* 10%, 3* 45%
German 4* 5%, 3* 35%
Iberian and Latin American 4* 25%, 3* 35%
Linguistics 4* 25%, 3* 55%
Russian 4* 20%, 3* 20%
The Linguistics performance was the best in the country.

Research in the School is organised into a number of groupings:

• Film
• French
• German
• Iberian and Latin American Studies
• Linguistics
• Russian
• European Studies

Research degrees

We have many academics of the highest national and international research reputation. This along with our research strengths and facilities creates a great environment for postgraduate research. To find out more, please refer to the section on postgraduate study.