RESEARCHERS at University College Worcester have improved their ratings.

The Research Assessment by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is carried out every five years.

It has shown that six out of eight areas put forward for assessment have improved their ratings since 1996.

History research has jumped two grades.

"This result represents a great tribute to the expertise, effort and commitment to research on the part of many members of staff," said Professor Dick Bryant, head of UCW's graduate school.

"It is another significant step for UCW on the way towards achieving full university status.

"The assessment provides a clear indication of an upward trend in the research profile of UCW and that we are holding our own against benchmark institutions nationally."

The assessment covered all research.

UCW's quality of teaching was also rated as excellent.