METHODOLOGY
The HERA Rankings evaluate higher education institutions through a multidimensional methodology. A HERA Ranking is constructed through weighted Performance Domains, assessed through defined Performance Measures, quantified through Evidence Metrics and supported by Verified Evidence. The standard HERA methodology follows interconnected levels:
Ranking → Domain → Measure → Metric → Evidence → Score
Rather than applying a single universal set of measurements across every ranking, HERA operates through a common methodological architecture within which each ranking develops its own Performance Domains, Performance Measures and Evidence Metrics.
Methodological Principles
All HERA Rankings operate through a common set of methodological principles designed to support relevance, consistency, comparability and confidence in institutional assessment.
1. Purpose Relevance
Every Performance Measure is aligned with the specific purpose of the ranking in which it is applied. HERA recognises that academic excellence, student experience, graduate success, wellbeing, sustainability and digital transformation represent different dimensions of institutional performance and therefore require appropriately designed measures.
2. Measurability
Institutional performance is assessed, wherever practicable, through measurable, comparable and reproducible Evidence Metrics. Qualitative assessment may complement quantitative measures where institutional capability, quality or impact cannot reasonably be represented through numerical data alone.
3. Evidence Integrity
Information used within HERA Rankings should be capable of validation through appropriate documentation, institutional disclosures, stakeholder evidence or credible external sources. Scores are determined by performance against the defined Evidence Metrics, rather than by the source from which the information originates.
4. Comparability
HERA seeks to enable meaningful comparison while recognising differences in institutional context. Where methodologically appropriate, assessment may account for factors including institutional size, subject mix, institution type, geography, student population, programme structure and operating environment. Adjustments are applied only where they materially improve the fairness and relevance of comparison.
5. Outcome Orientation
HERA distinguishes between institutional activity and demonstrated institutional performance. The existence of a programme, facility, service or initiative alone does not necessarily establish effectiveness. Wherever feasible, assessment follows the progression:
Provision → Participation → Performance → Outcome
This enables HERA to examine not only what institutions provide, but also how effectively those provisions translate into measurable results.
6. Stakeholder Voice
Where relevant to the purpose of a ranking, HERA may incorporate perspectives from students, graduates, alumni, employers and other appropriate stakeholders. Stakeholder evidence is used to enrich the understanding of institutional performance and complements, rather than automatically replaces, verified institutional and external evidence.
7. Methodological Stability
HERA seeks to maintain consistency in its core Performance Domains and major Contribution Weights across an appropriate methodological cycle, enabling meaningful comparison over time. Methodological refinements may be introduced to strengthen measurement reliability, data quality, comparability, relevance or interpretation. Material changes are communicated in advance of the applicable assessment cycle wherever practicable.
Architecture | Dimensions |
|---|---|
HERA Ranking | Defines what is being evaluated |
Performance Domain | Defines where performance is evaluated |
Performance Measure | Defines what aspect is examined |
Evidence Metric | Defines how performance is measured |
Verified Evidence | Establishes what supports the measurement |
HERA Composite Score | Represents the resulting institutional performance |
Methodology Statement
HERA Rankings employ a multidimensional assessment architecture structured around Performance Domains, Performance Measures and Evidence Metrics. Each Evidence Metric is supported, where applicable, through Verified Evidence obtained from institutional submissions, stakeholder information, credible external sources and HERA validation processes. Evidence Metrics are assessed and standardised according to the published methodology before being aggregated into Performance Measure scores, Performance Domain scores and the final HERA Composite Score. While all HERA Rankings operate through this common methodological architecture, each ranking applies Performance Domains and Evidence Metrics specifically designed for the institutional performance dimension being examined.