Newman was 1st in Birmingham and 4th in the West Midlands for overall student satisfaction. In 2015, Newman was in the top 25 institutions in the UK for overall satisfaction. In addition, Drama, English Studies and History all scored 100% for 'Overall Satisfaction' and were rated number 1 in the country in their subject areas. Teaching Excellence Framework In the UK government's new teaching assessment exercise, released in June 2017, Newman was awarded a Silver award for its teaching standards. In a mock-TEF exercise performed by the Times Higher Education Supplement, Newman University ranked in ninety-first place and scored strongly on its overall student satisfaction scores (89%). Research Excellence Framework The university has a growing research profile. In 2008, Education, Sport-Related Studies and History made submissions to the Research Assessment Exercise. Most research was found to be 'recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour'. The university asserted its intention to grow its research profile prior to the next research assessment by attracting 'more staff with an established research interest and publication history and young academics with potential to evolve a significant research profile'. The university made a full submission to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). In the university's strategic plan document in 2014, the university committed itself to 'focus investment on securing a critical mass of academic staff who are engaged in research, practice, or other forms of advanced scholarship' and to 'expand research income streams'. The university is home to six research centres: the Centre for Science, Knowledge, Belief and Society; the Children, Young People and Family Research Research Centre; the Humanities Research Centre; Newman Research Centre for the Bible and its Reception; Newman Institute of Leadership in Education and the Sport, Physical Activity and Health Research Centre. Tier 4 visa controversy In April 2017, Newman University's license to recruit and teach overseas students was revoked. Vice-Chancellor, Scott Davidson, commented on the government's decision in a published article Times Higher Education Supplement. Professor Davidson noted how 'As a smaller university, we issued less than 20 CASs over the last 12 months, meaning just two rejections was enough to trigger the 10% threshold. This is in contrast with larger universities, which may have several hundred CAS refusals before the 10% threshold is crossed'. The university noted its commitment to regaining Tier 4 powers as soon as possible. Industry observer, Jack Grove, commented that the revocation of the