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University of Exeter

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

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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Impact 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

Life Sciences101–125th

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

Law101–125th

  • Law

Education126–150th

  • Education

Arts and Humanities82nd

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

Business and Economics176–200th

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

Clinical and Health126–150th

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Computer Science251–300th

  • Computer Science

Engineering201–250th

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

Social Sciences126–150th

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

Psychology101–125th

  • Psychology

Physical Sciences126–150th

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

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