Why Exeter?

Five reasons to choose postgraduate study at Exeter

A leading international university
Inspirational research and teaching - a great student experience
Dedicated support and training
World class facilities in exceptional locations

1. A leading international university

The University of Exeter is ranked in the top one per cent of universities in the world, according to the Times Higher Education international rankings. We scored particularly highly for ‘international outlook’ and we welcome staff and students from over 130 countries.
In the UK, we are placed firmly amongst the elite, currently ranked 9th in The Sunday Times, 10th in the Times Good University Guide and 11th in The Guardian.
A postgraduate degree from Exeter is well respected by employers. Our postgraduates have a high success rate at graduate level work within major multinational companies and in the public sector, helped by our relationships with businesses who regularly attend careers fairs held on campus.
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, all our subjects were assessed as including world-leading (4*) research and nearly 90 per cent of our research was rated as being internationally recognised. Sixteen of our 31 subjects are ranked in their respective top 10, with 27 in their respective top 20. What's more, we submitted the work of 95 per cent of our eligible staff to the assessment - a much higher proportion than most other universities.
In 2010/11 we secured nearly £55 million in research grants and contracts and our research income grew by 23 per cent. Our success at securing external funding extends to funding for postgraduate students, such as the new South West Doctoral Training Centre from the Economic and Social Research Council, one of only 21 such centres nationally.

2. Inspirational research and teaching – a great student experience

We have a sustained commitment to developing new talent and building research capacity. Whether you study a taught or research postgraduate degree, you will be working with staff who are experts in their respective fields; shaping our understanding the world through their research.
Our ambition and success have not changed who we are. Ask any Exeter graduate about their memories and many will talk about the friendliness of staff and students. First class teaching and research combine with a relaxed and approachable culture. Once more we have ranked in the UKs top 10 for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey (2011).
We have the highest level of student engagement in the UK – through clubs and societies, volunteering, Students’ Guild elections and even helping to run the University. 8,000 students take part in 165 societies, including societies dedicated to international students, and the Postgraduate Society who represent postgraduates across the University and provide social events.

3. Dedicated support and training

We receive significant funding from UK Research Councils which enables us to offer numerous PhD studentships each year. Our funding database search provides the latest information on awards available.
In order to help research students achieve their best, we offer the Researcher Development Programme which meets and exceeds the Research Councils’ requirements. Through 50 free and practical sessions, PhD students are given support to help ensure success as well as the opportunity to meet researchers from other subjects at the University, and to gain from their experiences, skills, cultures and points of view.
We offer dedicated careers support for Masters and PhD students, with tailored workshops to help you find your ideal job after graduation. PhD students also benefit from our eProfile system: a web publishing tool which promotes their research profile to the academic community, sponsors and employers.
INTO the University of Exeter offers a variety of specialist English language support from pre-sessional preparation programmes, to free in-sessional classes, tailored for both postgraduate taught and research students. In addition, the Centre provides free language classes for the partners of international students.

4. World class facilities in exceptional locations

We offer postgraduate study at all three of our beautiful campuses in the South West of England - an area associated with natural beauty and a great quality of life. Two campuses are based in Exeter and one is in Cornwall.
The Streatham Campus, the University’s largest site in Exeter, is one of the most beautiful in the country. The St Luke’s Campus offers modern facilities in a traditional setting which has retained its vibrant, collegiate atmosphere.
Our innovative, contemporary Cornwall Campus is set in a beautiful location just a short distance from the waterside town of Falmouth.
All locations are safe and student-friendly, a world away from the crime sometimes associated with large cities. Exeter campuses are within walking distance of the city centre and the Cornwall Campus, close to Falmouth, offers bars, pubs and restaurants, from the contemporary to the traditional.
Our campuses are among the finest in the UK. Iconic new buildings like the Forum and more than 2,500 on-campus student rooms have been created through a £350 million investment programme in new buildings, research centres, student residences and campus facilities.
Our library and IT facilities are vital to our research excellence. Our libraries have recently undergone a £9 million refurbishment, with 24/7 facilities available in Exeter. You will have access to 34,000 e-journals which can be viewed anywhere at any time.
Over £11 million of capital investment has given Exeter some of the best sports facilities in the country, including new indoor tennis facilities to LTA standards and a new £2 million cricket centre.