The Teaching Excellence Framework, often abbreviated as TEF, was introduced by the UK government in 2017 to assess and recognise the quality of teaching and learning in higher education institutions. Its primary aim is to provide prospective students with clear and easily understandable information about where they can expect to receive the best teaching and overall university experience.
The TEF evaluates universities and colleges based on several criteria, including teaching quality, learning environment, and student outcomes. The framework considers factors like student satisfaction, retention rates, and graduate employment, comprehensively assessing an institution's performance.
The importance of achieving a Gold rating
Among the TEF ratings of Gold, Silver, and Bronze, achieving a Gold rating is considered a significant achievement and a symbol of excellence in teaching. It indicates that an institution has consistently delivered high-quality teaching, provided excellent student support, and achieved outstanding student outcomes. A Gold rating is a feather in the cap for universities and a powerful marketing tool to attract domestic and international students seeking the best possible education.
Criteria for TEF Ratings
To attain a Gold rating, universities in the UK are assessed against several key criteria, including:
- Teaching Quality: This evaluates the effectiveness of teaching practices, the qualifications and experience of teaching staff, and the extent to which students actively engage in their learning.
- Learning Environment: This criterion assesses the facilities, resources, and support services available to students, as well as the overall atmosphere of the institution.
- Student Outcomes and Learning Gain: Universities are judged on how well they help students succeed academically and in their future careers. This includes graduate employment rates and the impact of education on students' personal and professional development.
- Assessment and Feedback: Effective and timely assessment and feedback processes are crucial for student progress, and these are evaluated in this criterion.
Learn more about Gold rated UK universities below. If you would like to begin your application to study at one of these institutions, contact SI-UK for a free consultation today.
TEF Gold Rated UK Universities 2023
Here is an A-Z list of UK universities that were awarded Gold in the 2023 TEF:
Anglia Ruskin University
Anglia Ruskin is a popular UK university that excels in business, health sciences, and arts programmes. Its strong emphasis on employability, modern campuses, and diverse courses make it a popular choice for students.
- UK university ranking: 115th
- Acceptance rate: 52%
- View ARU courses
Aston University
Located in Birmingham, Aston University is renowned for its business, engineering, and life sciences programmes. Strong industry links and a focus on practical skills development contribute to its popularity. Notable alumni include Lord Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer.
- UK university ranking: 38th
- Acceptance rate: 50%
- View Aston courses
Coventry University
Coventry University offers courses in engineering, design, and business. Its global outlook, strong employability focus, and state-of-the-art campus facilities make it popular. Alumna Emma Willis is a notable TV presenter.
- UK university ranking: 58th
- Acceptance rate: 32%
- View Coventry courses
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Situated in London, Guildhall School of Music & Drama is renowned for its exceptional music and drama training programmes. It is known for its prestigious faculty and rigorous training, producing notable alumni such as Ewan McGregor and Daniel Craig.
- Acceptance rate: 10%
- View Guildhall courses
Harper Adams University
Specialising in agriculture and rural studies, Harper Adams offers a hands-on learning experience. Its practical approach and expertise in agriculture make it popular among students. Notable alumni include Adam Henson, a well-known farmer and television presenter.
- UK university ranking: 36th
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- View Harper Adams courses
Hartpury University
Hartpury focuses on sports and animal sciences. The university is known for its excellent facilities and industry connections, preparing students for successful careers in these fields. Alumna Zara Tindall is a famous equestrian and a member of the British royal family.
- UK university ranking: 112th
- Acceptance rate: 92%
- View Hartpury courses
Imperial College London
Located in London, Imperial excels in science, engineering, and medicine. It is renowned for its cutting-edge research and its role in advancing science and technology. Popular alumni include H.G. Wells, Brian May, and Sir Alexander Fleming.
- UK university ranking: 5th
- Acceptance rate: 14.3%
- View Imperial courses
Keele University
Situated in Staffordshire, Keele offers a wide range of courses. Its unique interdisciplinary approach encourages students to explore multiple disciplines, fostering critical thinking. Distinguished Keele alumni include environmentalist Sir Jonathon Porritt.
- UK university ranking: 68th
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- View Keele courses
Kingston University
Kingston University specialises in design, arts, and business programmes. Strong industry links and a diverse range of programmes contribute to its popularity. Kingston has taught some notable alumni, including fashion designer John Richmond.
- UK university ranking: 98th
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- View Kingston courses
Lancaster University
Lancaster is known for its social sciences and management programmes. Renowned for its research excellence and vibrant campus life, it attracts students worldwide seeking academic and personal growth.
- UK university ranking: 14th
- Acceptance rate: 19%
- View Lancaster courses
Loughborough University
Loughborough excels in sports science and engineering, producing both world-class athletes and innovative engineers. Its world-renowned sports facilities are among the best in the world.
- UK university ranking: 10th
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- View Loughborough courses
Norwich University of the Arts
Norwich University of the Arts focuses on arts and design, encouraging students to push creative boundaries. Popular alumni include Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman, known for her outstanding work in film and television.
- UK university ranking: 75th
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- View Norwich courses
Plymouth Marjon University
Situated in Plymouth, Marjon is known for its supportive learning environment and teacher training programmes. Through a wide range of courses in media, sports, education, etc., it prepares educators who make a difference in the lives of their students.
- UK university ranking: 83rd
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- View Plymouth Marjon courses
Royal Academy of Music
Based in London, the Royal Academy is a prestigious conservatoire for classical music training. It provides intensive training to aspiring musicians, with famous alumni, including the legendary Elton John.
- Acceptance rate: 12%
- View Royal Academy of Music courses
Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music in London excels in classical music education and performance. It has produced world-renowned musicians and composers, including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Benjamin Britten.
- Acceptance rate: 18%
- View Royal College of Music courses
Royal Northern College of Music
Situated in Manchester, RNCM is a hub for both classical and contemporary music education. Over the course of its renowned history, it has been known for nurturing exceptional musical talent, with notable alumni such as pianist Nicholas McCarthy.
- Acceptance rate: 18%
- View Royal Northern courses
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University is a leading institution in the UK for health and social care programmes, teacher training, and sports and physical activity courses. These programmes are meticulously crafted in collaboration with industry professionals.
- UK university ranking: 86th
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- View Sheffield Hallam courses
Solent University
Solent University in Southampton specialises in creative industries and maritime studies. It provides students with hands-on experiences and industry insights, producing graduates like comedian Benny Hill.
- UK university ranking: 109th
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- View Solent courses
Teesside University
Located in Middlesbrough, Teesside University offers employability-focused courses and equips students with the skills needed for successful careers in a variety of industries.
- UK university ranking: 102nd
- Acceptance rate: 31st
- View Teesside courses
University of Bath
The University of Bath excels in engineering, management, and natural sciences. It is known for its world-class research and all-round professional training, allowing students to gather various skills.
- UK university ranking: 8th
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- View Bath courses
University of Cambridge
One of the world’s most prestigious universities, the University of Cambridge has produced exceptional alumni, including theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and actress Emma Thompson.
- UK university ranking: 3rd
- Acceptance rate: 21st
- View Cambridge courses
University of Chichester
The University of Chichester specialises in performing arts and sports programmes. The university is known for its creative education and focuses hugely on research excellence to enhance students’ global perspectives.
- UK university ranking: 54th
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- View Chichester courses
University of Derby
The University of Derby has diverse courses that strongly focus on industry relevance. Graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in several fields, including arts, gaming, and politics.
- UK university ranking: 82nd
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- View Derby courses
University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is known for its business, sciences, and humanities excellence. It boasts strong research programmes and is popular for its world-famous alumni, such as author J.K. Rowling.
- UK university ranking: 11th
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- View Exeter courses
University of Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield focuses on applied sciences and arts. It is recognised for its employability-focused education, research excellence, and quality education in various fields.
- UK university ranking: 76th
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- View Huddersfield courses
University of Hull
Situated in Hull, the university offers a variety of courses and is known for its marine science programmes. The institution was formed in 1927, making it the 14th oldest university in England.
- UK university ranking: 67th
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- View Hull courses
University of Leicester
The University of Leicester is ranked the 26th best university in the UK (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2024). Over the past few years, it has invested over £500 million in its facilities.
- UK university ranking: 34th
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- View Leicester courses
University of Liverpool
Based in the city of Liverpool, the university excels in health sciences, sciences, and humanities. Renowned for its research, it has been one of international students’ favourite destinations for quality education.
- UK university ranking: 29th
- Acceptance rate: 14%
- View Liverpool courses
University of Oxford
Oxford University is renowned for its academic excellence in various subjects. Its prestigious reputation attracts top-tier students and has produced notable alumni such as playwright Oscar Wilde and former UK Prime Minister Theresa May.
- UK university ranking: 2nd
- Acceptance rate: 17.5%
- View Oxford courses
University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is known for marine and maritime studies and focuses on student satisfaction, providing immense career opportunities after graduation.
- UK university ranking: 70th
- Acceptance rate: 85th
- View Plymouth courses
University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth excels in engineering, business, and humanities. It is recognised for its strong employability focus and notable alumni such as actor Kunal Nayyar.
- UK university ranking: 65th
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- View Portsmouth courses
University of Warwick
The University of Warwick, located in Coventry, is a prestigious institution known for its excellence in research and teaching. It boasts a diverse range of programmes and a vibrant campus life.
- UK university ranking: 9th
- Acceptance rate: 14th
- View Warwick courses
University of York
The University of York is a prestigious centre of higher education in the UK. It offers a wide range of courses and is known for its academic excellence and student satisfaction.
- UK university ranking: 15th
- Acceptance rate: 20%
- View York courses
Study at a Gold Rated UK University
These institutions have set a benchmark for teaching quality and serve as shining examples of what can be achieved through dedication to providing students with an exceptional educational experience. Contact SI-UK London today to begin your application to study in the UK.
Teaching Excellence Framework FAQ
Which universities have TEF Gold?
A total of 32 universities in the UK have TEF gold ratings. These are the University of Portsmouth, Imperial College London, the University of Bath, Teesside University, etc.
What are the four TEF awards?
The four Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) awards are Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Provisional. These awards are granted to UK higher education institutions based on their performance in evaluating and recognising teaching quality and student outcomes. Gold represents the highest level of achievement in the TEF.
What is the minimum TEF score?
The minimum TEF score is "Bronze." Institutions achieving a Bronze rating have met the baseline requirements for teaching quality, but they may need improvement in certain areas to reach higher ratings like Silver or Gold.
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