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University of Exeter

Ranked
Exeter, United Kingdom
=172nd in World University Rankings 2025
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About the University of Exeter

Basic information and contact details for the University of Exeter

institution

The University of Exeter is a public research university based in Exeter, South West England. It is a member of the Russell Group of UK universities. Its motto is Lucem sequimur (we follow the light). 

It has its origins in the Exeter School of Art and Exeter School of Science, which were founded in 1855 and 1863 to celebrate Prince Albert’s services to the arts and sciences. The schools merged, becoming the Royal Albert Memorial College, the University College of the South West of England and in 1955 the University of Exeter, as it received its Royal Charter. 

The university is spread across four campuses: Streatham, St Luke’s in Exeter, and Truro and Penryn in Cornwall. In 1993, Camborne School of Mines was merged into the University of Exeter. 

The University of Exeter is organised into six academic colleges. Their many research institutes and centres include the Centre for Leadership Studies, the Bill Douglas Centre for the History of Cinema and Popular Culture, and the Centre for Maritime Historical Studies. Its research themes are often interdisciplinary, and include climate change, translational medicine and exoplanets. 

University of Exeter alumni include J. K. Rowling – who studied a BA in French and Classics – and politicians Sajid Javid, Caroline Lucas and Andrew Lansley. 

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Rankings

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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at the University of Exeter

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
53 F : 47 M (1)
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International student percentage
29% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
16.9 (1)
student
Student total
29310 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at the University of Exeter

See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of Exeter

Arts and Humanities

  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics

Business and Economics

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business and Management
  • Economics and Econometrics

Computer Science

  • Computer Science

Education Studies

  • Education

Engineering

  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • General Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Law

  • Law

Life Sciences

  • Agriculture and Forestry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Sport Science
  • Veterinary Science

Medical and Health

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Physical Sciences

  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics and Astronomy

Psychology

  • Psychology

Social Sciences

  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Geography
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Sociology