1. Faculty of Environment
  2. School of Earth and Environment
  3. Research degrees
  4. Our reputation

Our reputation

Undergraduate students

Top 20 in the world for Geology and Geophysics, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021

The School of Earth and Environment has expertise in areas ranging from geology and geophysics, environmental science, meteorology and climate science, to environmental social science together under one roof. We have just over 1,100 students from almost 80 countries studying with us.

The quality of our research, and the funding it attracts, means we’re able to invest in world-class facilities and academic staff who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research, which means you will be taught by internationally renowned, inspirational academics working at the top of their fields.

The School is led by Dr Bill Murphy, Interim Head of School, supported by Professor Jouni Paavola, Director of Research and Innovation, and Dr Phil Murphy, Director of Student Education.

Our achievements

Atmospheric Science

Earth Sciences

Environmental Sciences

Geology

University awards

  • The University of Leeds is among the top 100 universities, QS World University Rankings 2021
  • We achieved a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) the highest award possible
  • The University of Leeds was named University of the Year in 2017 by The Times and The Sunday Times’ Good University Guide
  • University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers Research
  • We are a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014

The School of Earth and Environment has an excellent reputation for world-class research and innovative teaching. The latest Research Excellence Framework (2014) ranks us 1st in the UK for the quantity of world leading research.

Unit of assessment: Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences

  • 3.26 overall quality profile
  • 2nd in the UK for research power
  • 100% of our research environment is conducive to producing research of ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ quality
  • Over 95% of our research has either ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ impact
  • 90% of our research is ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’
  • Over 85% of our research outputs are ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’

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