ESSEX University has confirmed its position as one of the UK’s elite research universities with more than 90 per cent of its research recognised internationally for its quality.

The results of the UK-wide research assessment exercise, which were published yesterday, reveal almost a quarter of the university’s research is rated as world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour.

Overall Essex University was ranked as ninth among UK universities for the quality of its research.

The educational establishment also reconfirmed its position as the UK’s leading university in the social sciences with politics and sociology ranked in first position and economics in third position nationally.

The highest proportions of world-leading research at Essex University were in politics and economics with 45 per cent and 40 per cent respectively classed as a top ranking four star with 35 per cent of research in sociology also rated in the top flight.

Accounting and finance, based within the Essex Business School, and history were both ranked second best in the UK with research in linguistics fourth and art history ninth in the UK.

Vice chancellor Prof Colin Riordan said: “These outstanding results reconfirm Essex’s position as one of the best research universities in the UK.

“Although a relatively small university, Essex has demonstrated world-leading research quality across a broad range of subjects.

“This expertise will continue to be applied both to teaching our students from around the world and addressing global challenges.”

The last national research assessment exercise was carried out in 2001.

Most Essex University subjects have seen increases in the proportion of their research recognised internationally, including computer science and literature.

More than 150 higher education institutions in the UK took part in last year’s research assessment exercise.

All the university’s economics research was judged to be internationally-recognised while 95 per cent of research in accounting and finance, history, psychology, philosophy, computer science and English language and literature reached this standard.