It sits within the top 170 universities globally in the QS World Rankings 2024, the top ten in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, and in the top 20 of The Guardian University Guide 2024. 

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), more than 99% of Exeter’s research was rated as being of international quality, and its world-leading research impact has grown by 72% since 2014. And this research, drawn from across the academic spectrum, supports the university’s strategic goals of creating a greener, healthier and fairer world.

Exeter has the UK’s top five most influential climate scientists – all in the top 21 in the world (Reuters Hot List) – and more than 1,500 research and education specialists working on a greener future. The university can trace its roots back to 1851, when it was founded as a school of art and science, and it is now home to more than 30,000 students, who enjoy its TEF-Gold-standard teaching across four campuses in Devon and Cornwall.