Why Exeter?

Reasons to choose postgraduate study at Exeter

1. A leading international university

  • We are The Sunday Times University of the Year 2013 and are ranked in the top one per cent of universities in the world, according to the Times Higher Education international rankings.
  • In the UK, we are placed firmly amongst the elite. We are a member of the esteemed Russell Group, sometimes referred to as the British equivalent of the US Ivy League, and are currently ranked in the top 10 in the The Sunday Times, Times Good University Guide and The Guardian.
  • 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.
  • Since 2007/08, our research income has doubled and now stands at £50 million (2011/12). Our success rate with research council applications is the second highest in the Russell Group. 
  • In many instances, the academic entry requirements for our Masters programmes are a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) from any recognised institution, opening up the opportunity of a postgraduate degree from a highly ranked university to many graduates.
  • 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.

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 partnerships with Universities such as Bristol, Bath, and Edinburgh as part of AHRC, BBSRC, EPSRC and ESRC funded Doctoral Training Centres, place us at the forefront of world-class research in science, technology, the humanities and social sciences.
  • 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 in the National Student Survey (2012).
  • 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

  • Our success at securing funding from the research councils means we are able to offer numerous PhD studentships annually. Our funding search provides the latest information on awards available.
  • We are currently investing £120 million in research. PhD students also benefit from support in the form of our Researcher Development Programme, Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Programme and 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 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.