It is in the top one per cent of universities worldwide and in 2020 was ranked 10th in the Guardian University Guide and 12th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the University is currently ranked 16th nationally, with 98% of its research rated as being of international quality and Exeter was awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment.
The University has a range of colleges and institutes that bring together it’s research and teaching strengths, including an internationally renowned Business School and MBA programme; a College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences; a College of Life and Environmental Sciences; a College of Medicine and Health; a College of Social Sciences and International Studies; and a College of Humanities. The current institutes are:
- Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI)
- Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI)
- Global Systems Institute (GSI)
- Living Systems Institute (LSI)
- International Institutes of Cultural Enquiry (IICE)
Leading employer and support for businesses
The University is a fantastic employer with a wide range of career opportunities and a vital partner to a wide range of businesses and organisations, placing Exeter at the heart of a thriving innovation ecosystem and growing local economy. Through the Innovation, Impact and Business team and partnerships like Exeter Science Park and SETsquared Exeter the University provides a wealth of award-winning business support to help turn ideas into flourishing ventures.
SETsquared Exeter is a member of an inspiring enterprise partnership between five leading research-led UK universities: Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey and is the Global No.1 Business Incubator since 2015. The University of Exeter can help:
- develop solutions for businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes from start-ups and SMEs to multi-nationals
- support businesses with innovation, research and development, transform teams through skills, networks and recruiting new talent as well as help with business acceleration, funding resources and scale-up support services.
Local, national and international partnerships
The University has several flourishing global education partnerships with top universities around the world including in the USA, Canada, Australia, China and Europe.
The University also prides itself on regional partnerships with local councils, NHS organisations, cultural institutions, schools and colleges and a wide range of other partnerships that are helping the whole region to progress and attract people to live, work and enjoy the beautiful South West of England. The University played a leading role locally, nationally and internationally to respond to and address the COVID-19 pandemic.
A leading university on the environment, climate and sustainability
The University of Exeter is proud of its credentials on the environment, climate and sustainability.
The University has one of the highest concentrations of researchers tackling climate change and sustainability. With more than 350 researchers studying every aspect of climate change – from human behaviour and environmental intelligence to marine science, energy and ecosystem regeneration – Exeter has led the identification of the risks posed by climate change, and is now leading the drive for solutions. The Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence in partnership with the UK Met Office positions the city of Exeter as a global hub for climate research.
The University helps others transition to ‘net zero’. Researchers are already supporting this drive in Exeter, Devon, Cornwall and the wider south west, working with partners such as NHS trusts and councils, including in the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group. Researchers advise local and regional businesses on decarbonisation and developing a ‘circular economy’ to reduce waste. The National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Research Hub is led by the University of Exeter and supported with £3.5 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Businesses are urged to get in touch to learn more about how the University can help.
The University was also amongst the first to declare an Environment and Climate Emergency and its own innovative plan to cut emissions and improve the environment has earned Exeter the sustainability prize in the 2020 Guardian University Awards – based on evidence, transparency and partnerships.
“As a university, and as a community, we are working together to tip the scales towards positive change. We will continue to pioneer new ways of thinking and acting across societies to ensure a safe and stable climate for future generations. We stand ready to help others to do the same.”
Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter