Cardiff University’s School of Welsh rated best in Wales and 7th in the UK
18 December 2014
Cardiff's School of Welsh has been ranked best in Wales, and 7th in the UK, for the quality of its research, in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
The REF assesses and demonstrates the value and impact of research carried out at UK higher education institutions. Cardiff's ranking sees it placed above Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol in terms of research excellence. A total of 57 modern language and linguistics schools were submitted to the panel.
The School of Welsh's excellent, and consistent, research achievements focus on literature and language, translation, language planning and policy.
Researchers, and the School as a whole, are playing an important role in the development of the discipline in the 21st century, as well as influencing legislative processes and contributing to cutting-edge cultural and literary activity including through the application of new technologies.
In addition to the quality of its research the submission achieved the maximum possible rating (100%) for its impact on the wider world, the only one to do so in the area of Modern Languages and Linguistics throughout the UK. Assessors considered the 'reach' and 'significance' of case studies and attention was focused on the social, economic and cultural benefits beyond academia.
Transforming the Mabinogion, the impact case study submitted by Professor Sioned Davies, Head of the School of Welsh, was one of those to gain the maximum score of 100% reflecting how Davies' modern Mabinogion translation has influenced presentation, telling and reception in English language creative writing, contemporary storytelling and heritage management and tourism.
Responding to the results, Professor Davies said: "I am absolutely delighted with the excellent REF results achieved by the School of Welsh and our colleagues in the School of Modern Languages. To have ranked so highly against some of the UK's most prestigious institutions is a very proud moment. It is testament to the collective effort and hard work of all staff members whose innovative, ambitious and challenging approach to research is truly inspiring.
"Research really is at the heart of what we do at Cardiff and it directly informs not only our teaching but the society and culture around us. I'm proud of the impact the School of Welsh has had, and will continue to have, on modern Welsh life, culturally, politically and socially."