More of the research being carried out at the two universities in Sussex than ever before is of international and national standard.

The University of Sussex had 29 subjects included in the top two categories of the Government's research assessment exercise, published today.

And the University of Brighton had some of its research in the highest grades for the first time.

Fifteen subjects at the University of Sussex scored five points, meaning the work was of an international standard. Fourteen were of national standard, scoring four points.

When the exercise was last conducted four years ago, the number was 12 and ten subjects.

University of Sussex vice-chancellor Alasdair Smith said: "All the submissions from Sussex were judged excellent by the national or international standards.

"This is a tribute to the all-round strength of the University of Sussex in research. I am proud of this performance and so is the university."

Three subjects at the University of Brighton were of international standard and two of national standard. Professor Stuart Laing, director of academic affairs, said it was evidence of progress across the whole research programme.

He said: "These results are tangible evidence that the University of Brighton has a large group of committed and hard working academic staff constantly pushing back the boundaries of what we know, how we understand it and how it is applied for the benefit of society."