There are lots of ways you can find out more about the research credentials of universities and colleges

But all students at honours degree level and above should be engaging with current research, and the department prospectus or UCAS entry profile will give you some guidance about the type and level of research activity you can expect. Carry out a course search to find out more.

Think about what you need or want from your time in higher education. If you think you need or want less support and guidance than other students, or you think you will eventually undertake postgraduate research, then you may well prefer a university or college that concentrates on research. If you’ll find the support and guidance of a teaching-led university more suitable, then go for that. The teaching staff should be up to date on the subject they teach, even if they haven’t done the original research themselves.

The RAE is not about teaching or indeed any links between research and the teaching on individual courses.

The last RAE was completed in 2001. The next RAE is due in 2008. As you can imagine, some of the information from the last RAE is getting a bit out of date, particularly because many universities have made a big effort in the years since the last one to develop their research, so will now have stronger research teams.

Don’t be afraid to ask departmental staff questions before you make your final choice. Think about the subjects that interest you most and serve your longerterm educational and career interests, as well as the research record of a particular department.

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