Innovative Assessment Research from Manchester Influences UK Universities and Global Policy

The University of Manchester announced Dr Miri Firth’s innovative assessment research had gained both national and international recognition. Her work on assessment choice and purpose is shaping global academic conversations on assessment design, with Higher Education Digest featuring her research on 22 October. Dr Firth was noted further for having already affected assessment practice in more than a dozen universities, with evidence of sector use highlighted throughout the UK. At the University of Liverpool, flexible assessment is now defined under formal guidance and codes of practice that set clear expectations for parity and equivalency.

At Sheffield Hallam University, public guidance has been published advising on assessment choice, allowing for the selection of questions or methods focused on inclusivity. Flexible submission guidance has been adopted on an institutional level by the University of Glasgow, effectively reporting a reduction in requests for extensions and a more manageable assessment load. Teesside University embedded flexible and hybrid assessment formats in its learning and teaching guidance aligned with hybrid delivery.

Loughborough University produced a case study detailing how students could choose assessment formats, such as posters, vlogs or infographics, to remove barriers. A case study from the University of Sussex described the introduction of optionality for accessibility and inclusion, with student reflections. Furthermore, assessment optionality was embedded across programmes at the University of Northampton to enhance assessment literacy. An institutional workstream on assessment optionality has also been established at the University of York, which funds projects to pursue subject‑specific applications.

The UCL Digital Assessment Team has published a blog series that reflects the collaborative work undertaken with Manchester, York and Imperial as part of the QAA project. Policies and staff hub changes were made by Liverpool John Moores University to refer to flexible assessment practice, while Newcastle University aligned its programme‑level assessment design in its curriculum framework with inclusive and flexible practice. At the sector level, the QAA Collaborative Enhancement Project on optionality in assessment, co‑led by Dr Firth and colleagues in 2023, produced reports and resources that served as the foundation for many of these institutional adoptions. Together, these examples were presented as evidence of how innovative assessment research from the University of Manchester has already influenced practice across the UK higher education sector.

Her international recognition was further proven through a series of keynote speaking engagements. In November, she was invited to deliver a keynote at the Advance HE Assessment and Feedback Symposium, another keynote at the World Conference on Research in Teaching & Education, as well as be a panellist at the national Universities UK event on Access, Participation and Student Success. These invitations were remarked upon as evidence of the relevance and impact of her work, and as confirmation of the University of Manchester's global academic research recognition.

Sector leaders observed that her continued leadership reflected the Faculty of Humanities’ contribution to transforming assessment and enhancing the student learning experience across UK higher education. They emphasised that Manchester University research featured at Advance HE and the World Conference on Research in Teaching & Education was helping to set the agenda for assessment innovation. They also noted that her research on assessment optionality and student engagement was recognised across the globe, influencing teaching practices and securing international academic recognition for educational research.

The University of Manchester emphasised that this workstream demonstrated the significance of assessment design in higher education. It was said that the research conducted at Manchester on assessment was influencing global teaching practice, allowing for flexible assessment design and student success, and strengthening the UK’s reputation for higher education research and assessment innovation.

Editor’s Note:

Dr Miri Firth of the University of Manchester is rapidly acquiring considerable prominence, both within and outside the UK, for her research. Her work on assessment choice and purpose has contributed to changing the way universities think about assessment design. It shapes important conversations across higher education by showing how optionality and purpose‑driven approaches can bring about improvement in student engagement, well-being and achievement. Universities that have begun to adopt flexible assessment policies include Liverpool, Sheffield Hallam, Glasgow and Teesside; Loughborough, Sussex, and Northampton have case studies on student choice and inclusion; York has established a workstream; UCL has published collaborative blogs; Liverpool John Moores and Newcastle have renewed their frameworks to build flexibility into practice. Collectively, the actions undertaken at an institutional level also reflect the changes induced by the QAA project co‑led by Dr Firth at the sector level. Her international recognition has been enhanced by her keynote addresses at Advance HE and the World Conference on Research in Teaching & Education, and by her role as a panellist at a Universities UK event. Such exposure indicates both the relevance and impact of her work, further solidifying Manchester’s growing reputation as an institution for innovative research in assessment. Sector leaders noted that her leadership marks the Faculty of Humanities as committed to reforming assessment and enhancing the student experience. They also commented that Manchester research is setting the pace for a global assessment innovation agenda.

Skoobuzz underscores that the importance of assessment design is clearly demonstrated by this workstream. The research conducted at Manchester, characterised by its flexibility and clear purpose, supports student achievement and is contributing to international recognition for British universities in the field of assessment innovation.

FAQs

1.Is the University of Manchester part of the Russell Group?

Yes, the University of Manchester is a member of the Russell Group, which is an association of 24 leading UK research‑intensive universities. Membership signals academic excellence, strong research output, and global impact.

2.What is the University of Manchester ranked in the world?

The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the world’s best universities. In 2025, it was placed 34th in the QS World University Rankings, 46th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), and 53rd by Times Higher Education. It also ranked 9th globally in the QS Sustainability Rankings, reflecting its commitment to environmental and social impact.

3.How is the University of Manchester?

The University of Manchester is regarded as one of the UK’s leading institutions. It combines world‑class research with outstanding teaching, offering flexible and multidisciplinary courses. Students benefit from a vibrant campus in the heart of Manchester, excellent facilities, and strong employability outcomes. It is also recognised as one of the most international universities in the world.

4.What is the University of Manchester famous for?

Manchester is famous for its research excellence and innovation. It has produced 25 Nobel Prize winners, making it one of the UK’s most decorated universities. It is also known for breakthroughs in science and engineering, including the discovery of graphene. Beyond research, it is recognised for its social responsibility agenda, sustainability leadership, and notable alumni such as Benedict Cumberbatch.

5.Why is the University of Manchester ranked so high?

Manchester’s high ranking is due to its global research impact, academic reputation, and commitment to social responsibility. It is the only UK university ranked in the top 10 worldwide for both sustainability and social impact. Its strong performance across disciplines, international collaborations, and focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals further enhance its global standing.