Research and reputation

Sheffield is a world top 100 research university that attracts the best minds from across the globe. Nobel prize winners, industry partners and enquiring students use research to make an impact on the world. This research informs courses. 

World-class research university

Sheffield has a reputation for excellence. That’s how it’s become one of the top 100 universities in the world. Every one of its faculties is a centre of excellence and it has an outstanding track record for research and partnerships with industry. What's more, the International College has a bespoke new building, ideal for international students and central to the city.

Born in Taiwan. Made in Sheffield.

I've not decided which profession I'm going to do in the future, but I think with the reputation of Sheffield as a higher education institute, it'll be a lot easier if I’m pursuing a career in the future. The quality of education here is high; there's no doubting that.

World-leading research

92% of research undertaken at the University is considered world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Annual Engineering research funding of £150 million – that's among the highest in the UK and even more than Oxford or Cambridge.

Students at Sheffield can benefit from the longstanding partnership between the University and Siemens. This includes access to Siemens Connected Curriculum, as well as a brand new Digital Innovation Zone.

Alumni include six Nobel Prize winners in the fields of Chemistry and Medicine/Physiology.

A member of the Russell Group

Sheffield is one of the 24 universities that make up the Russell Group. This is a collection of leading UK research universities committed to driving research and providing the very best teaching and learning experience.

The University is also a founder member of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), a consortium of 18 research-led universities from around the world.

92% of the university's research is rated in the highest two categories in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, meaning it is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Research highlights

Research at Sheffield impacts the world. It teaches us to understand the world and see how it can be improved. As a student here, you’ll be surrounded by this knowledge and expertise as you become a specialist in your subject.

University research projects look at anything from health and wellbeing to sustainability and advanced manufacturing. For example, recent projects include:

  • Finding solutions to food production and growing food without soil
  • Helping the aerospace industry become cleaner, greener and more efficient
  • Developing a 3D printing process to manufacture components around medical prosthetics, aerospace and robotics.

Home to new ideas 

Over 7,000 international students from 150 countries currently study at the University of Sheffield. It’s a place where new ideas are encouraged and nurtured. You’ll encourage your questioning spirit and see exciting new developments in your field. For example, many students carry out research projects as part of their degree. Or you might be taught by academics researching the latest ideas.  

Degree subjects

Find out more about selected subjects, degree options at the University of Sheffield and popular career paths. Degrees range from architecture, civil engineering and chemical engineering to biomedical science, international relations and politics.

Degree subjects

International College

Discover the college

Discover Sheffield

Sheffield is a friendly, multicultural city. It has also been ranked the greenest in the UK. There is plenty to see and do on and off campus, or you can take a bus into the countryside to explore the beautiful Peak District.

Discover Sheffield