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

REF21

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).

Some 93% of our research is internationally recognised and 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 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.

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

Student satisfaction at the University of Wolverhampton is above sector average across a number of categories, the latest National Student Survey results show (2024). 

Teaching was rated 85.6% and learning opportunities 82.9%. Listening to the Student Voice also performed above sector average and benchmark at 74.6%.

More key findings from NSS 2023

• In the NSS survey 2023 Wolverhampton students spoke very highly of the teaching and learning support they receive here. 
• The following all rated above the national average and many of our neighbours in the West Midlands: 
  • 87% of students were pleased with the teaching on their course. 
  • 85% felt that they benefited from learning opportunities. 
  • 76% said they felt listened to. 
  • 87% were positive about being able to express their ideas, opinions and beliefs. 
• We have been ranked in the top 30 nationally for overall positivity of our students (according to the THE – Times Higher Education supplement).
• Across the University’s three faculties highlights of the survey results for Teaching on My Course included:
  • The School of Education achieving a positivity rating of 100% for teaching and Sport & Exercise Science in the School of Sport achieving 99%. 
  • Pharmacology and Mental Health Nursing both achieving scores of 95%. 
  • Business Studies 98% with History scoring 94% and Photography and Architecture 92%.   

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). 

• 18,000 students studying at the University of Wolverhampton 
• Including 4,000 international students studying in places such as Nepal, India, China and Sri Lanka 
• Almost half are 21 or older 
• 35% are part-time students 
• 55% come from Global Majority backgrounds and 45% are White 
• 2/3 of our new students are the first in their family to go to university 
• 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 have been ranked in the top 10 in the UK for the past two years for social mobility – making higher education accessible for individuals and communities for the first time. 
• We have been ranked number 1 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 Guide 2024. 
• And we have been ranked in the top 10 for social inclusion by The Sunday Times University Guide 2024. 
• We have been providing opportunities to students for nearly 200 years and the choice of courses we offer is as diverse as our community. 

• We contribute to economic growth regionally and nationally by creating opportunities and connections for our students. 
• In 2021/2022 - 3,750 UK students completed their students and graduated from the University of Wolverhampton. 
• 89% of our graduates are employed or in education 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey July 2022) 

• We offer a wide range of mental health and wellbeing support services to help you thrive during your time with us. 
• The University provides a wide range of financial support to our students through scholarships, bursaries and placements – last year we provided £5.5 million in support 
• We have academic coaches and transition teachers to help you settle in and provide additional support and guidance when needed.