University of Exeter

Overview

The University of Exeter is a public research university based in Devon, South West England. With four main campuses—in St. Luke’s, Streatham, Penryn, and Truro—the university attracts over 22,000 students from different countries worldwide. It offers a broad range of undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs, as well as a number of top-level teacher training programs.The university is also a member of Russell Group, a prestigious association of public research institutions in the United Kingdom.

With roots going back to the Exeter School of Art in 1855, the institution was originally established to celebrate the educational and scientific work of Prince Albert. For over a century, the university underwent a period of significant expansion, until finally achieving full university status in 1955. During its golden years, the student population at the university rapidly grew, from 3,400 to 5,200 students by the end of the 1980s. Due to its notable teaching quality and academic excellence, University of Exeter soon earned the reputation of being one of the best alternatives to Oxford.

The university is organized into six colleges: the Business School, College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences, College of Humanities, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, and College of Social Sciences and International Studies. With a competitive admission policy, the University of Exeter is internationally recognized for being one of the world's best higher education institutions.

As a research-intensive university, it is involved in various research projects in a wide range of study areas. Its research strengths and key themes include genomics, ecology, translational medicine, climate change, and conservation biology. The university is also known for its rigorous research activities into the study of extrasolar planets. It houses several international astronomical facilities, such as the Gemini Observatory, the Spitzer Space Telescope, and the VLT Survey Telescope.

By combining teaching excellence and world-class research, the University of Exeter continues to be among the top choices for students wishing to study abroad. It draws a large body of students from different parts of the world, making it one of the most competitive universities in the U.K. It is also the first university in the country to require an A grade as part of its entry requirement for some undergraduate courses.

The University of Exeter also serves as home to a number of student societies. With over 220 affiliated student organizations, the university offers a vibrant student experience and an inclusive learning community. Under its Education Strategy 2019–2025, the University of Exeter is strongly committed to the promotion of inclusivity, well-being, and accessibility through its research and academic programs.