The University of Sheffield is one of the UKs leading universities, with an international reputation for excellence. Official teaching quality assessments rate us very highly, and excellent research assessment results confirm our reputation as a centre for a wide variety of world-class research. Newsweek magazine ranks us 9th in the UK and 18th in Europe in its global top 100 universities and UK University guides confirm our status. The Virgin Alternative Guide to British Universities, for instance, says: Sheffield is a top university across the board. We have over 24,000 students and almost 6,000 staff. The University is a popular choice with applicants for university places, and once they arrive our students enjoy the experience so much that many settle in Sheffield after they graduate. The University, like Sheffield itself, has earned a reputation as an informal, friendly and welcoming place to be, for people from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life. Our staff and students represent 131 different countries. We value the diversity of our University community, and aim to work together so we can make the most of our differences.