Discover University
Information for prospective UK/Home students
Find a range of resources and materials to help you on your journey to university, from completing the application process to preparing for the transition to university. Join us at one of our frequently-run webinars on topics including writing an effective personal statement, choosing a course, and insights into our subject areas.
Welcome to our Discover University platform. Applying to university can be a daunting experience; on this platform, you will find resources designed to support you throughout your university journey.
Teachers and advisers: You can find dedicated resources, materials, and links to webinars on our dedicated webpages for teachers and advisers.
Parents and supporters: Head over to our dedicated parents, guardians and supporters page where you will find further information on how to support your young person, including opportunities to attend our regular free webinars and sign up to our e-newsletter.
Book onto a webinar or event
We have a wide range of events taking place across the academic year, please note that many events take place online (via zoom or teams), and start times shown are all UK GMT. Sessions are focused on supporting prospective students who are currently based in the UK. If you have queries about events on offer please contact us at studentoutreach@exeter.ac.uk.
| Date | Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 September 2026 | 6–7pm | Applying to university | This session will give an overview of applying to university as a student living in the UK. This will look at the opportunities available at university as well as what to consider when applying. There will also be an introduction to entry criteria, deadlines and making an application. |
| 12 October 2026 | 6–7pm | Choosing a course and university | This session designed to help you make that all important choice of what you will study at university and where you might want to go. Our staff will share tips on decision making as well as signpost where to research and when you will need to make your choices. |
| 9 November 2026 | 6–7pm | Considering a competitive university | During this session you can find out more about the Russell Group, how to apply to a competitive university and/or course. The session will include tips on how to make a strong application. |
| 23 November 2026 | 6–7pm | Student Life | We understand that being a student is more than just about study. Join this session to hear from our current students, find out what university is like for them, and ask them any questions you may have about being a student. Our students are consistently amongst the most satisfied in the country. |
| 7 December 2026 | 6–7pm | Student Finance | Finance and money is often one of the biggest anxieties for many when considering university. During this session find out how you apply, how much you could be entitled to and some tips on how to budget well during your time at university. |
| 11 January 2027 | 6–7pm | Discover Psychology | This session will explore the study of Psychology at university. Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour. It seeks not only to understand the processes that underpin thought and action but apply that understanding to solve practical problems. The session will highlight course options, the research we undertake and share the experiences of a current student. |
| 25 January 2027 | 6–7pm | Discover Biology | This session will explore where an interest in Biology at school or college could take you. Looking at the range of courses on offer in areas such as biosciences, biochemistry, ecology and conservation as well as marine science and biomedical science. Thinking about how to choose which biological degree might suit you. The session will highlight course options, the research we undertake and share the experiences of a current student. |
| 8 February 2027 | 6–7pm | Degree Apprenticeships | Degree Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular choice to obtain degree-level qualifications within a workplace setting. During this session, we will share the benefits of apprenticeship, where to find opportunities and how to apply. |
| 22 February 2027 | 6–7pm | Discover Medicine | This subject-specific session will focus on the BMBS Medicine course. Find out more about the structure of the course, opportunities for intercalation, electives and placements. There will also be application tips and a personal perspective from current students. |
| 8 March 2027 | 6–7pm | Discover History | This session will explore the study of History at university. Our degrees include a broad range of countries, periods and themes in stimulating and intellectually challenging ways. We are top 10 in the UK subject rankings for History (Complete University Guide 2027). The session will highlight course options, our research and share the experiences of a current student. |
| 15 March 2027 | 6–7pm | Writing a personal statement | Personal statements are an important part of the application process as it's an opportunity to talk about yourself and your interests. They do require a good amount of time and thought so this session will help you structure your statement, provide ideas of what to include and highlight common mistakes. |
| 22 March 2027 | 6–7pm | Discover Law | This session will explore the study of Law at university. We are top 20 in the UK for Law (Complete University Guide 2027) and have a selection of degrees depending on your interest in Law. There are a wide range of optional modules in your second and final years, as well as the opportunity to spend a year on placement within the legal profession or to spend a year studying at a European University. The session will highlight course options, our research and share the experiences of a current student. |
| 12 April 2027 | 6–7pm | Discover Politics | This session will explore the study of Politics at university. Our politics academics specialise in a wide range of areas from political theory to international relations, strategy and security, public policy, electoral studies, political communication and media, political participation, gender and LGBT politics, environmental politics and more. The session will highlight course options, our research and share the experiences of a current student. |
| 26 April 2027 | 6–7pm | Discover Mathematics | This session will explore the study of Mathematics at university. We offer a wide choice of courses, including a variety of combined programmes. Our unique four-year MSci programmes offer named specialisms in Climate Science, Mathematical Biology, Physics or Business and Finance. The session will highlight course options, our research and share the experiences of a current student. |
| 10 May 2027 | 6–7pm | Student Life | We understand that being a student is more than just about study. Join this session to hear from our current students, find out what university is like for them, and ask them any questions you may have about being a student. Our students are consistently amongst the most satisfied in the country. |
| 24 May 2027 | 6–7pm | UCAS Process | The UCAS process is the application system for UK universities, streamlining the process for prospective students. It can however be tricky to navigate for the first time, so join us to find out what the steps are if you are considering applying to university. |
| 7 June 2027 | 6–7pm | Studying at our Penryn campus, Cornwall | We believe that where you study can make a world of difference to your student experience so during this session hear about our campus in Penryn. Made up of around 6,000 students, it offers a close-knit friendly community. |
| 21 June 2027 | 6–7pm | Considering the University of Exeter | With beautiful, green campuses in Devon and Cornwall, we offer a unique opportunity to study in one of the most stunning parts of the UK. If you are considering Exeter then this session will support you in finding out more about the university, how we support our students and opportunities for study, placement and careers once you graduate. |
| 5 July 2027 | 6–7pm | Writing a personal statement | Personal statements are an important part of the application process as it's an opportunity to talk about yourself and your interests. They do require a good amount of time and thought so this session will help you structure your statement, provide ideas of what to include and highlight common mistakes. |
Academic competitions
Our first essay competition for the 2026/27 academic year is now open!
Are you interested in Geography or Modern Language? If so, we would like to hear from you. The competitions are open to A-Level, IB, BTEC and GCSE students in any subject. The winning entries will receive £100 in vouchers and a University of Exeter hoodie.
Resources for prospective university applicants
We have compiled resources, guides, and videos on a range of topics below.
Advice on applying
We have lots of resources below to help you with the university application process, from choosing a course to writing your personal statement.
Guides on applying to university
- Higher education jargon buster
- Getting into university with BTECs
- Getting into university with T-Levels
- Writing your personal statement
- Your guide to A Level results day
- Applying as a home educated student
- Research skills at university
- How to explore your subject area
Video guides on applying to university
Further information for prospective applicants
Life and study as a student
Want to find out more about what life is like as a university student? Check out the resources below to find out more!
Video guides on life and study as a student
- Introduction to higher education
- Why study in the South West of the UK
- Student accommodation
- Study abroad opportunities
- Transition to university
- Settling into university
- Student Union and Guild
- Lectures and seminars
- Employability
- Fundraising and volunteering
Further information on life and study as a student
Resources for years 7 - 11
If you are currently in Years 7-11 then the resources below are for you! If you are a teacher looking for resources to use with these year groups please take a look at our website for teachers and advisers.
Video guides for students in years 7-11
Help and support at university
Want to find out more about help and support whilst you are at university? Check out the videos and resources below to find out more!
We believe that all students should have equal and fair access to higher education and are committed to supporting students and building an inclusive learning environment. Find out more about the Widening Participation student support available.
Guides on help and support at university
Video guides on help and support at university
Funding your studies
Deciding to go to university is an important decision and we believe that financial circumstances should not prevent anyone from studying at university. We are committed to supporting students from all walks of life and building an inclusive learning environment.
Access Exeter
Choosing whether to go to university is a big decision and we recognise that applying to university is not as straightforward for everyone. Depending on your financial, personal or ethnic background, or what qualifications you may have undertaken, you may face additional challenges in both accessing Higher Education and throughout your studies.
We offer support in helping you decide if university is right for you, including a range of opportunities, live events and activities to get involved in, to help prepare you for your next steps. If you choose to study with us, we will also look at lots of different factors – alongside your exam results – to realise your true academic potential.
Is university for me?
- Ask a current student
- Open days
- Exeter Scholars
- Commuter and local students
- Advice for parents and supporters
Support for all
- Support for students from under-represented backgrounds
- Mature students and returning to education
- Transition support
- International students
Do I have the right qualifications?
Lucy, studying BSc Sport and Exercise Science
“If I had to give any advice to new students, I’d say – don’t be afraid to get involved straight away, even if it feels a bit intimidating. Say yes to things, even if you’re not sure – that’s how you meet people and find what you enjoy.
Facility-wise, I honestly don’t think you can beat it. The gym is really impressive, especially the Athlete Development Centre which is specifically for performance athletes.”
Dominique, studying BSc Marketing and Management
“I fell in love with the Streatham Campus because of how green it was and the fact that it is so close to the beach - it is definitely in a great location.
My course, BSc Marketing and Management, shares a lot of modules in its first year with students doing other Business School courses, which has been great for meeting loads of different people from all walks of life."
Albina, studying LLB Law with Professional Placement
“I’m originally from Ukraine, so the education system in England has been completely new to me.
One of the things I really enjoy about my course is how it’s structured. We have a lot of interactive lessons like seminars and workshops instead of just lectures every day
The professors are very approachable and always ready to help with questions or learning support. I’ve also found the 1:1 meetings with my academic tutor incredibly helpful for reflecting on my progress and planning my next steps."