May 21, 2024
by Amber Wilson
University of Exeter: Top Courses, Academic Requirements, and Total Expenses
The University of Exeter has existed in Exeter, England since 1955. Over the years, the university has continued to show its excellence in teaching and research. Students from all over the world can apply to a wide variety of courses from various fields. The amount of international students, hence, makes the campus community very diverse and inclusive.
With students from over 140 countries, 20% of its student population is comprised of international applicants. All in all, due to the quality of education and degree programmes available at the University of Exeter, many students apply to it for higher studies.
What Benefits Does the University of Exeter Offer?
The University of Exeter is popular among both domestic and international students because of the countless benefits it offers. Some of the common benefits of studying at the University of Exeter include:
- Association with Russell Group
- High Employability Rate
- Useful Scholarship Opportunities and Funding
- Support for International Students
Association with Russell Group
The University of Exeter is a member of the Russell Group. Russell Group is one of the most famous organisations in the United Kingdom, which consists of 24 different universities. These universities include top institutions such as Oxbridge, the University of Manchester, etc.
The universities grouped together to communicate their common interests with the government and media. The University of Exeter is a part of this group due to its research-intensive education system. Hence, its association with the Russell group brings in more opportunities and funding for its students.
High Employability Rate
The University of Exeter is known for the high employability rate of its graduate students. The university aims to prepare its graduates for the real world via workshops and seminars.
The students are, hence, offered numerous internships and job opportunities in their respective fields. The job opportunities are mostly the result of the University of Exeter’s strong alumni network and its association with top employers nationally and internationally.
Lastly, the university offers students many opportunities in the form of societies like the Exeter Entrepreneurs Society. Societies like these allow students to work on their business ideas and skill sets. Not only that, they also gain much-needed experience in the real world through volunteering and charity.
Useful Scholarship Opportunities and Funding
Due to the University of Exeter’s commitment to educating people, it offers many scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Some of these scholarships include:
- Green Futures Scholarships: A scholarship introduced for students belonging to underdeveloped or developing countries.
- Global Excellence Scholarships: This scholarship provides more than 2.5 million pounds of aid to international students to improve their chances of quality education.
- Country-specific Scholarships: Furthermore, the University of Exeter continues to offer country-specific scholarships and funding.
Support for International Students
In addition to all the other initiatives taken by the University of Exeter for international students, it also offers various support and services. Hence, the University of Exeter is one of the most famous universities among international students. Some of the services provided by the university are:
- Advising international students regarding visa and immigration procedures.
- Helping international students through orientation and induction programmes.
For the services available to these students:
- Language support services.
- Language exchange programmes.
The support and services for its students, hence, display the University of Exeter’s commitment to equal opportunities and inclusivity.
Interesting Read: Secure Admission in the Top Universities of the UK
What are the Important Statistics about the University of Exeter?
The University of Exeter is best known for its ranking, international students, and acceptance rates. Some of the important information about the university is mentioned in the table.
| University of Exeter |
| Key Features |
| University Ranking |
- Ranked 177 in Times Higher Education global ranking
- Ranked 152 in U.S. News Ranking global ranking
- Ranked 58 in U.S. News Europe ranking
- Ranked 18 in U.S. News United Kingdom ranking
|
| Acceptance Rate |
Undergraduate acceptance rate: 89%
Postgraduate acceptance rate: 75%
Note: Please note that the acceptance rate given is application-to-offer. The acceptance rate for application-to-admission is 19.6%. The difference in the percentage of application-to-offer and application-to-admission is due to the university giving conditional offers. This will further be discussed later on. |
| Total Number of Students |
23,613 |
| Number of International Students |
4,215 |
| Percentage of International Students |
20% |
| Non-UK Countries’ Students |
Students from 140 countries |
| Student-Teacher Ratio |
16:1 |
| Female-Male Ratio |
54:46 |
What are the Top Courses to Study at the University of Exeter?
The University of Exeter offers a total of 225 courses on Bachelor, Postgraduate, and Doctorate levels. When choosing their courses, students should try to opt for the top courses a university offers. The list of the top-ranking courses at the University of Exeter is given below. Study the list to make informed decisions.
| University of Exeter |
| Globally Ranked Courses |
| Course Name |
Subject-Ranking from U.S. News |
| Environment/Ecology |
16 |
| Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences |
19 |
| Geosciences |
46 |
| Water Resources |
55 |
| Psychiatry/Psychology |
97 |
| Plant and Animal Science |
98 |
| Social Sciences and Public Health |
101 |
| Arts and Humanities |
112 |
| Molecular Biology and Genetics |
113 |
| Endocrinology and Metabolism |
126 |
| Public, Environmental and Occupational Health |
137 |
| Civil Engineering |
162 |
| Microbiology |
166 |
| Space Science |
187 |
What are the Deadlines for Undergraduate Programmes?
For undergraduate programmes, applicants have to apply through UCAS. The codes for the University of Exeter on UCAS are “EXETR” and “E84”. Students applying for undergraduate programmes via UCAS have to be mindful of the following deadlines:
- UCAS Deadline for Equal Consideration: 31st January
- UCAS Deadline for International Students: 30th June
What are the Deadlines for Postgraduate Programmes?
For postgraduate programmes, students can apply through the University of Exeter portal. For these applications, there are no deadlines. However, students are advised to submit their application at least 6 months before the course is expected to start.
If the recommendation is not followed, students can apply later too. Please note that in this case, your application might or might not be considered depending on the availability of the seats in the course you are applying for.
What is the Timeline for Undergraduate Programmes?
To apply to the undergraduate programmes at the University of Exeter, applicants should be awaiting their results for A-levels, IB, or its equivalent. If the student fulfills the eligibility criteria, he/she can proceed to fill out the UCAS application for undergraduate programmes.
- Step 1: Register for UCAS
- Step 2: Start Applying via UCAS
- Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Step 4: Apply for Scholarships
- Step 5: Apply for On-campus Accommodation
- Step 6: Confirmation for Conditional Offers and Clearing
Step 1: Register for UCAS
UCAS registrations open in the middle of May. Students, who have to apply for undergraduate programmes at any university in the UK, have to apply for this registration. Once registered, it is mostly recommended to start working on your application.
Step 2: Start Applying via UCAS
The UCAS application opens at the very start of September. Once the application is open, you will have access to all the courses offered by the University of Exeter. If you want to apply for medical courses at the university, your deadline will be the mid of October.
However, for the rest of the courses, you can either submit your application at the end of January or June. The June deadline is the last deadline to apply for any of the UK universities for international students. All domestic students have to submit their application by the end of January.
Step 3: Apply for Scholarships
Both domestic and international students can apply for scholarships at the University of Exeter during January. During this procedure, students might have to give their financial information alongside application forms for scholarships. Furthermore, interviews can also be conducted for students aiming to get a scholarship.
Step 4: Apply for On-campus Accommodation
The on-campus accommodation at the University of Exeter is available for both domestic and international students. During the month of April, students looking for on-campus accommodation can provide the university with all the documents needed.
Step 5: Get Offers
The students who applied in January are expected to get their offer by the mid of May. The students can, then, accept or deny these offers depending on their preferences, finances, and other offers.
Step 6: Confirmation for Conditional Offers and Clearing
The students who are still awaiting their results are given conditional offers. If the results of the students offered admission match the criteria of the university, the students are given confirmation for their admission. If the results fail to meet the criteria, the offer can be denied.
In the latter case, students can apply for clearing on their result day. This process takes place by the end of August.
What is the Timeline for Postgraduate Programmes?
For postgraduate programmes, applicants are required to meet the admission criteria of having a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. The course the applicants apply to, hence, should relate to their previous education. If the criteria are met, the students can start applying for postgraduate programmes via the university portal.
The University of Exeter offers two intakes for postgraduate programmes.
- September Intake
- August Intake
The applicants who want to apply for the September intake should submit their application by the end of June. Likewise, for January intake, students are generally required to submit their application by the end of December.
Students, who apply for postgraduate programmes, generally get their offer letters within 15-20 days of applying.
What are the General Admission Requirements for the University of Exeter?
The general admission requirements for the University of Exeter remain the same regardless of the courses and the degree level. All the applicants applying for Bacehlor’s, postgraduate or doctoral degrees should submit the following documents:
- Academic Transcripts
- English Language Proficiency Tests
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Interviews
Academic Transcripts
The admission committee of the University of Exeter requests all your previous academic transcripts for verification. The transcripts submitted should be official and in English language. If the language of the transcript is different from English, students are required to translate their transcript to English from school.
English Language Proficiency Tests
The English language is used by the University of Exeter as the medium of learning and instruction. To ensure that the students fit in and do not struggle with their studies, English language proficiency tests are required.
The following students are excluded from submitting their English proficiency tests:
- Who have English as their native language
- Who have used English as a medium of instruction
- Who have obtained degrees from foreign campuses associated with UK universities.
However, if you do not fit any of the given categories, a language test is compulsory. The most commonly accepted English language tests are TOEFL and IELTS. These test scores are applicable for up to two years.
Note that the University of Exeter initially shortlists students based on their academics and English language proficiency scores. The other requirements are also of importance. However, to pass the initial screening, you should score above their academic criteria.
Statement of Purpose
Statement of purpose is required for all courses and degree programmes. The statements mainly answer the following questions:
- Why have you preferred this course over the others?
- How have your previous studies related to the course you are applying for?
- How do your previous and current studies help your future goals?
- What previous work experience and skills do you have that can prove helpful?
- What are some of the volunteering works and extracurricular activities that you have done?
The statement of purpose will give a holistic view of you and will generally answer why you are suitable for the course and university you are applying to.
Refer to: Personal Statement: Your Chance to Study Abroad
Letters of Recommendation
The University of Exeter requires applicants to submit two letters of recommendation. One of the letters must be academic while the other can be both academic or professional. The recommenders should be individuals who know you well on all levels. They should be able to provide your personal, academic, and professional attributes.
With specific examples of your achievements, the recommenders can help the admission committee see how suitable you are for the course. Lastly, make sure that you have given your recommenders at least a few months and all the details required to write the letters of recommendation.
Interviews
Interviews conducted by the University of Exeter can be of three categories.
- Admission interviews
- Financial Support interviews
- Scholarship interviews
For admission interviews, the admission committee tries to call everyone for an interview. However, given the number of applicants, an interview of all the students is not possible. Though those who are called can be rejected or accepted depending on the interview they give. Hence, it is wise to prepare well for the interview and know the answers to all the commonly asked questions.
The interview is mostly required for the courses of Applied Psychology, Medical imaging, etc. However, research-based courses do not require an interview. The applicants of those courses are instead called in for a discussion regarding their research proposal.
All these interviews can be conducted both online via Skype or on campus.
What are the Subject-Specific Requirements for the University of Exeter?
As mentioned earlier some of the requirements for applicants are general and apply to all courses and degrees. However, there are still some course-specific requirements.
- Standardised Tests
- CV/Resume
- Bachelor’s Degree/High School Diploma
- Research Proposal
- Portfolio
Standardised Tests
Standardised tests differ depending on the degree programme.
The University of Exeter requires the applicants of undergraduate programmes to submit their SAT and ACT scores. These scores will provide the admission committee with course-specific suitability and potential of the applicants.
For postgraduate programmes, applicants can submit GRE or GMAT depending on their course. The GRE provides course-related knowledge and suitability while the GMAT displays the potential of applicants applying for business-related courses. Please note that some courses might need GMAT while the GRE is optional for all applicants.
CV/Resume
CV/resume is only submitted by the applicants whose course demands work experience. Students from all undergraduate programmes do not have to add a CV or resume since they do not need to have work experience.
However, for postgraduate applicants of MBA or MSc Finance, work experience is compulsory. The applicants will provide a list of their experience and achievements in the form of a CV that starts from the most recent and ends with the oldest experience.
Bachelor’s Degree/High School Diploma
The qualification needed by the University of Exeter depends on the course the applicants are applying for. If the students are applying for undergraduate degrees, a high school diploma is a must.
However, if applying for postgraduate degrees, a high school diploma is not required. Though a bachelor's degree is compulsory in a related field.
Research Proposal
Applicants of postgraduate research programmes must submit a research proposal of 1000 to 2000 words. The research proposal should discuss in detail what the applicant wants to work on. Ensure that the research proposal follows a proper pattern and has a unique topic.
Portfolio
Portfolios are majorly required from the applicants of arts and humanities. The admission committee has to see an individual’s potential and previous works in creative fields. For those fields, a portfolio is to be submitted. The submitted portfolio displays the best work of an applicant. Most students of arts, design, and textiles submit a portfolio with their application.
What is the Academic Criteria for the University of Exeter?
The academic criteria for the University of Exeter can vary depending on the degree level and course the students are applying to. The general academic criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are given below.
For undergraduate courses:
| University of Exeter |
| Average Academic Criteria for Undergraduate |
| A-Levels |
IB |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
SAT |
ACT |
| A*AA-BBB |
38-30 |
6+ |
90+ |
1350 |
28 |
For postgraduate courses:
| University of Exeter |
| Average Academic Criteria for Postgraduate |
| GPA |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
GMAT |
| 3.5 |
6.5+ |
92+ |
650 |
What are the Contextual Offers Given by the University of Exeter?
The University of Exeter makes contextual offers to the applicants. These offers consider the living conditions of its applicants and the environment in which they completed their studies. Depending on the circumstances of an individual, the university can send them an offer even if they are below the academic criteria.
The contextual offers apply to:
- Applicants who live in areas with lower rates of higher education and have studied at a state school. These applicants will receive a two-grade adjustment.
- Applicants who live in areas that suffer from deprivation and have studied at a state school. These applicants will receive a two-grade adjustment.
- Applicants who have been taken care of by a local authority for more than 13 weeks from the age of 14 onwards. These applicants will receive a three-grade adjustment.
- Applicants who are still in the care of a local authority or have been previously taken care of at any point in their lives. These applicants will receive a three-grade adjustment.
- Applicants who have parental responsibilities and have been isolated. These applicants will receive a two-grade adjustment.
- Applicants who were eligible for free school meals. These applicants will receive a two-grade adjustment.
- Applicants who have participated in or been associated with a programme run or managed by the University of Exeter. These applicants will receive a three-grade adjustment.
What are the Conditional and Unconditional Offers Given by the University of Exeter?
The University of Exeter can give two types of offers to its applicants i.e., conditional and unconditional offers. For applicants who still have some requirements to fulfill or who await their results are offered conditional admission. The conditional offer means that if the requirements are not met, the university can take back the offer.
However, if the student meets the requirements by the due date, the admission will be confirmed. For example: applicants of undergraduate programmes get their offers before their results. Hence, the offers are conditional and will be confirmed after the results.
For unconditional offers, the offers given by the University of Exeter are confirmed and have no conditions attached to them. Students who are given these offers have confirmed admission.
For example: postgraduate applicants have already received their bachelor’s degree and have met all the requirements. In this case, the offers given are unconditional.
What are the Annual Expenses of Studying at the University of Exeter?
For international students, studying at the University of Exeter can cost around 45,000 pounds per year. The table below shows the tuition fee and living cost for international students studying at the University of Exeter.
| University of Exeter |
| Annual Expenses (in GBP) |
| Tuition Fee for Undergraduate |
£14,500-£23,300 |
| Tuition Fee for Postgraduate |
£16,000-£30,000 |
| On-Campus Accommodation |
£7,200 |
| Off-Campus Accommodation |
£6,144 |
| Transport |
£720 |
| Entertainment |
£480 |
| Food |
£4,608 |
| Groceries |
£672 |
| Utilities |
£2,280 |
| Clothes |
£408 |
What does the Student Visa for the University of Exeter Cost?
The student visa fee for the University of Exeter or any university in the UK is £490. Students who are given offer letters should apply for their student visas six months before their programme’s start date. Alongside the visa fee, the students have to submit proof that they can afford their expenses for at least the next nine months.
What Scholarships are Offered by the University of Exeter?
Arranging your finances beforehand is a wise step to take. If you plan to support yourself through scholarships or funding, apply for them priorly. The scholarships offered by the University of Exeter can partially assist students.
The following scholarships are offered by the university:
- Green Futures Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Global Excellence Scholarships
How Can CounsellingX Help You Secure Admission to the University of Exeter?
The admission process for the University of Exeter can be quite complex. Due to a lack of any guidance, students can have further difficulty in completing the application effectively. As a result, due to the unavailability of expert opinions, students end up decreasing their chances of admission.
What to do when coming across problems during your admission process? Simply, sign up to CounsellingX to have access to counsellors who have graduated from top UK universities and have an extensive experience in admission counselling. To better understand your counsellor, you can also have a free 15-minute consultation with them before you start your counselling.
For further insight: Why Personalised Admission Counselling
What Tips Can Be Helpful for the Application Process?
Given below are some useful tips when filling out the application process.
- Subject-Specific Requirements: When applying for the University of Exeter, make sure that you thoroughly read all the requirements for your specific course. Since the requirements can differ from course to course, it is wise to be aware of any additional requirements beforehand.
- Mention Aspirations: Applicants should mention their aspirations and how they aim to achieve them. They should also mention what they have done till this point to accomplish the goals they have set.
- Be More than Your Syllabus: The admission committee expects you to be more than your grades and syllabus. You should talk about your accomplishments apart from your grades. You can further discuss what you have done to increase your field knowledge.
- Relevant Experience: Regardless of the requirement of work experience, you should gain relevant work experience. The experience will improve your application immensely.
- Passions and Commitment: You have to mention your passions and commitments in your personal statement. The personal statement should also discuss everything you have achieved so far through your passion and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where is the University of Exeter located?
The University of Exeter is situated in the city of Exeter. Exeter is located in the southwest of England and is a 2 to 2.5-hour ride from London via train.
- Does the University of Exeter include various campuses?
Yes, the University of Exeter is a campus university. It includes four different campuses located in the city of Exeter and Cornwall. The Streatham campus and the St. Luke’s campus are in the city of Exeter. On the other hand, the Penryn campus and the Truro campus are in the city of Cornwall.
- Is the University of Exeter a good choice for international students?
The University of Exeter is an excellent choice for international students. The university has proven over the years that it is dedicated to supporting foreign students and providing them with various services. Furthermore, the University of Exeter belongs to a very famous group i.e., the Russell Group, which makes the university an even better choice for higher studies.
- How difficult is it to secure admission to the University of Exeter?
The acceptance rate for the University of Exeter is 89% and 75% for undergraduate and postgraduate courses respectively. This acceptance rate makes the university slightly selective. However, note that getting admission to undergraduate programmes at the University of Exeter is easier than admission to postgraduate programmes. The reason for this is more competition for postgraduate admissions and lower acceptance rates.
- How can I apply to the University of Exeter?
You can apply to the University of Exeter via UCAS or the university portal. Undergraduate applicants have to apply via UCAS while postgraduate applicants have to apply via the online university portal.
- What is the deadline to apply for the University of Exeter for international students?
International students are recommended to apply before the 30th of June for undergraduate programmes at the University of Exeter. For postgraduate international applicants, there is no fixed deadline. However, applying six months before the start of the course is recommended.
- What grades are needed to secure admission to the University of Exeter?
For undergraduate applicants, the required grade is A*AA-BBB in A-levels, 38-30 in IB, or its equivalent in Standard XII. For postgraduate applicants, a degree of Bachelor’s with a GPA of 3.5 is required.
- Is IELTS compulsory to apply for the University of Exeter?
The University of Exeter accepts various English proficiency tests i.e., TOEFL, PET, Duolingo, etc. Hence, IELTS is not compulsory to apply for the University of Exeter.
- Does the University of Exeter offer unconditional admission?
The University of Exeter offers unconditional admission only when the eligibility criteria are met and there are no pending results.
- Does the University of Exeter give contextual offers?
The admission committee at the University of Exeter considers the conditions and context in which the applicants got their grades. If the conditions of the applicants are not favourable, the university gives them up to three grade adjustments.
