A THIRD of the research carried out at York St John University’s research is “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” according to new data.

The results of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), released yesterday by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), rate research across all UK universities.

Six years ago, the university, pictured, submitted work in seven subject areas and this time, nine subject areas were represented and the number of staff submitted has increased by 50 per cent.

Thirty per cent of research was rated three star or “internationally excellent”, or four star “world-leading” compared to eight per cent in 2008.

Twenty-four per cent of the material submitted was rated as three star and six per cent scored four stars, the highest tier.

Seventy-three per cent was awarded at least a two star rating which means almost three-quarters of York St John’s output is regarded as “internationally recognised”.

Professor David Fleming, the vice-chancellor, said: “These results are excellent news for the university and provide the foundation for further success. As a young university we are proud of the progress that has been made.”