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Posted Jan. 8, 2025

University of Exeter

Thinking of pursuing postgraduate study in Exeter and Plymouth? Then, we have the university for you! Located in the county town of Devon, the University of Exeter is an institution that boasts outstanding facilities, teaching and research, not to mention a thriving student community and diverse funding opportunities.

As one of the newest members of the Russell Group (a collection that offers a who’s who of world-renowned, UK based, research intensive institutions), the University of Exeter is a top choice for postgraduate study across many disciplines.

Introducing the University of Exeter

Exeter has a long and colourful history that stretches back over 2,000 years. Remnants of this heritage can be seen all over the cathedral city, with its architecture and culture making it a thriving tourist hotspot in the present day. It’s home to the University of Exeter too, an institution that was founded to be more forward thinking than historic.

The University of Exeter started life as a school of art with a mission to make Exeter the cultural epicentre of the entire west of England. Despite being founded in 1851, it didn’t achieve full university status until 1955. Its specialism in the arts continued, while its reputation for educational excellence in science, social studies and law also grew. 

The university’s Postgraduate Medical School was later established, with a slew of facilities and expansions quickly following.

Rankings and reputation

The University of Exeter regularly ranks as a top institution in the UK. It placed 13th in The Times’ UK University Rankings 2025 league table and 18th in the Guardian’s list of best UK universities 2025.

The research its postgraduate students undertake is pioneering and award-winning, with the university the proud recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize on four separate occasions. Their most recent win was in 2020 for their work exposing the effects of plastics pollution on the health of humans and wildlife.

Previous research into diabetes also saw the university’s research teams make a key difference as this excerpt from the University of Exeter’s website describes:

“In 1996, Dean of the Medical School, Professor John Tooke won a Queen's Anniversary Prize for research into diabetes. The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are key in rewarding and recognising the very best programmes in the UK’s universities. Exeter has since received the prestigious award twice more; in 1998 for research into children's health and exercise, and in 2007 for further innovative research into treatment for diabetes sufferers.”

Course options and opportunities

There are hundreds of postgraduate courses to explore at the University of Exeter, with their various clinical psychology masters programs among the best in the UK and Europe.

The flexibility of their postgraduate degree courses is another major plus-point for students looking to expand their knowledge and specialise in an area that they are truly passionate about. In recent years, the University of Exeter launched an exciting new MSc Psychology (Conversion) program that enables students to move into a career in psychology through a one-year masters course.

Funding opportunities are also widely available, with numerous scholarships and bursaries accessible when applying for their postgraduate taught programs. During one particular academic year, more than £4 million of scholarships were made available by the university.

Life as a University of Exeter postgrad

As one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, Devon offers a fantastic base to experience the best of British. The area offers plenty of coastal charm and natural beauty to explore for those who love to spend their free time in the great outdoors.

On your doorstep, you’ll find Exeter an equally interesting place to while away your days and nights, with its historic quayside a hive of activity. The city is certainly student friendly too. In Exeter, you can easily live and study on a budget. Amenities are also within easy reach, while the city itself is safe, walkable and welcoming.

Find out more today

For a full list of postgraduate courses available at the University of Exeter, please click here.

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