University Of Exeter: Student Population Insights

how many students at exeter university

The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, with four campuses: Streatham, St Luke's, Penryn, and Truro. The university has a large student population, with reports of around 39,000 students based at its Exeter campuses in the 2021-22 academic year, making up nearly 30% of the city's population. This number included full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students. The university offers a wide range of courses and is known for its beautiful campuses, sporting facilities, and student societies.

Characteristics Values
Number of students based at Exeter campuses in 2021-22 39,000
Number of students based at Streatham and St Luke's campuses 27,276
Actual number of students based at its Exeter campuses 39,450
Number of students in the city each year between 2000-1 and 2021-22 7,500-12,000 more than the published FTE student numbers
Number of students at Exeter 30,000
Number of affiliated student societies 250+
Combined membership of 52 sports clubs 5,000+
Number of students taking part in intramural sport and sports volunteering 3,000

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Exeter University's published numbers have understated true figures for over 20 years

The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, with roots tracing back to 1855. It has since expanded to four campuses: two in Exeter (Streatham and St Luke's) and two in Cornwall (Penryn and Truro).

Exeter Observer reported in May 2023 that the university's published student numbers have "consistently and significantly understated the true picture for more than twenty years." This revelation came to light through a series of freedom of information requests, which revealed that there were between 7,500 and 12,000 more students based in the city each year than the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) student numbers published by the university.

For instance, in the 2021-22 academic year, the university reported 27,276 FTE students based at its Exeter campuses, while the actual number was 39,000, a difference of over 11,500. This discrepancy is not an isolated incident, as for eleven of the past twenty-two years, the difference between published and true numbers exceeded 10,000. The largest gap occurred in 2007-08, with a staggering difference of 12,149 students.

The University of Exeter's understated student numbers have had a significant impact on the city's housing market. The council's student accommodation policies rely on the construction of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) to mitigate the impact of university expansion on the city's housing stock. However, these policies have been criticized for lacking evidentiary basis, with the growth in student numbers consistently underestimated and misrepresented.

The convergence of the university's published FTE numbers with the true figures in 2023 cannot be solely attributed to the interventions by OFQUAL to deflate grades to pre-pandemic levels, affecting the 2022 and 2023 results. While this may have contributed to a fall in Exeter's undergraduate numbers, it does not fully explain the previous years' discrepancies.

The University of Exeter's published numbers have indeed understated the true figures for over twenty years, with significant differences ranging from 7,500 to 12,000 additional students annually. This has had tangible impacts on the city's planning and accommodation policies, highlighting the need for accurate data and effective student accommodation strategies.

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Exeter's four campuses welcome 30,000 students from 150 countries

Exeter University in the UK is a highly reputable educational institution with a rich history and a vibrant student life. The university offers a unique blend of historic and modern facilities across its four campuses, two of which are located in Exeter (Streatham and St Luke's) and the other two in Cornwall (Penryn and Truro). Exeter's campuses welcome a diverse student population, with approximately 30,000 students from 150 countries, making it a truly global institution.

The university has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, dating back to its early years as the Royal Albert Memorial College in 1900. Over the decades, it underwent several name changes and expansions, eventually receiving its royal charter in 1955 to become the University of Exeter. The university experienced significant growth in the 1960s, with a near doubling of its student body and the construction of numerous major buildings, including halls of residence, academic departments, and courts.

Exeter University offers a wide range of courses and is known for its high-quality teaching and modern facilities. It is one of the few institutions in the UK to achieve gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023). The university also provides a diverse array of extracurricular activities, with over 250 affiliated student societies catering to various hobbies, communities, and interests. The Debating Society, for example, has a rich history, dating back to 1893, and has hosted notable speakers such as Anthony Eden and Stephen Fry.

In addition to its academic prowess, Exeter University boasts an impressive athletic programme. The Exeter University Athletic Union (AU) administers all aspects of sporting activity, offering recreational and competitive opportunities at various levels, including international competitions. The AU runs 52 sports clubs with a combined membership of over 5,000 students, fostering a vibrant and active sports culture on campus.

The university's impact extends beyond its campuses, with a notable influence on the city of Exeter's housing market. The high demand for student accommodation has led to the construction of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) to mitigate the impact on the city's housing stock. Exeter University's large student population, numbering around 30,000, contributes to a significant proportion of the city's residents, with many residing in private residential housing.

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The university's sports clubs have over 5,000 student members

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As of 2023, the University of Exeter has a total student population of over 23,500, including undergraduate and postgraduate students. Now, let's focus on the topic you've requested:

The University of Exeter boasts a vibrant and active sports community, with a significant number of students choosing to be a part of its various sports clubs. The university's sports clubs have collectively attracted over 5,000 student members, which is an impressive proportion of the overall student body. This number reflects the university's strong sporting culture and the importance it places on extracurricular activities. With such a large membership, the university's sports clubs offer a diverse range of opportunities for students to get involved, stay active, and develop their athletic skills.

The breakdown of this impressive number reveals a thriving sports community. For instance, the rugby union club alone has over 100 members, while the football club has a similar number of participants. Other popular sports clubs with substantial memberships include hockey, netball, cricket, and rowing. These clubs not only offer competitive opportunities but also provide a social outlet for students, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. With such a large collective membership, the university's sports clubs cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels, ensuring that students can find their niche and feel included.

The university's investment in sports facilities has likely contributed to this high participation rate. Exeter has developed top-notch sports centers, gyms, and playing fields, providing students with access to excellent training and competition venues. The university's support for sports scholarships and its recognition of academic and athletic excellence have also encouraged students to pursue their sporting passions. The university's commitment to sports is evident in its strategic plans, which aim to enhance the student experience and promote a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.

The impact of having such a large sports community extends beyond the playing field. It creates a sense of identity and pride for the university, with students representing Exeter in various competitions and leagues. The success of the sports clubs also contributes to the university's reputation, attracting prospective students who value both academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities. Furthermore, the social aspect of sports clubs fosters a sense of belonging and helps students develop valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management, enhancing their overall university experience.

Lastly, the university's sports clubs provide a platform for students to develop their organizational and leadership skills. Many clubs are student-led, offering opportunities for members to take on committee roles and contribute to the management and development of their respective clubs. This aspect not only enhances students' university experience but also equips them with valuable skills that can be transferred to their future careers or other aspects of their lives. The university's support for student-led initiatives further encourages participation and empowers students to shape their sporting environment.

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Exeter's student societies include the Bracton Law Society

The University of Exeter in the UK has a rich history and offers a wide range of opportunities for its students. With regards to student numbers, the university has experienced fluctuations over the years. While the university reported 27,276 full-time equivalent (FTE) students across its Streatham and St Luke's campuses, a freedom of information request revealed a higher figure of 39,450 students based at these Exeter campuses. This discrepancy highlights the challenge of accurately capturing student numbers, especially with the inclusion of non-credit bearing students and inbound exchange students.

Exeter's student community benefits from a diverse range of societies and organisations that cater to various interests. One notable society is the Bracton Law Society (BLS), which played a significant role in campus life until its disbandment in 2018 due to a racism scandal. Established in 1965, the BLS carried the legacy of North Devon jurist Henry de Bracton, who composed one of the earliest treatises on English law. De Bracton's ideas on kingship and lawful rule further inspired the society's principles.

The Bracton Law Society quickly became one of the largest and most active student societies at the University of Exeter, with over 1,000 members. It was open to both Law and non-Law students, offering a range of activities such as mooting, debating, pro bono projects, social events, and careers guidance. The society also organised sporting tournaments and maintained partnerships with 35 prominent law firms, reflecting its active role in the university community.

The society's success extended beyond the university, as it gained recognition as one of the largest and most successful student law societies in the United Kingdom. However, in 2018, the Bracton Law Society faced a significant controversy. Racist and misogynistic messages sent by several of its members in a private WhatsApp group came to light, sparking outrage and leading to the society's disbandment. An investigation by the university and the students' guild found that the conduct of the society fell short of their values, resulting in individual sanctions, expulsions, and suspensions for those involved.

Despite the racism scandal, the University of Exeter remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for its students. With over 250 affiliated student societies, the university encourages students to explore a variety of interests, hobbies, and communities. The university's athletic union, separate from the Students' Guild, administers sporting activities, with over 5,000 students participating in 52 sports clubs and an additional 3,000 students engaging in intramural sports and sports volunteering.

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Around 58% of Exeter's students live in the city's residential housing

The University of Exeter is an ancient university city on the River Exe in Devon, welcoming over 25,000 students each year. The university offers accommodation to its students, with nearly 6,500 bed spaces across various room types, including catered and self-catered options. However, the university's published student numbers have consistently understated the true count, with between 7,500 and 12,000 more students in the city each year than the published Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) student numbers. This has resulted in a significant impact on the city's housing stock, with 58% of Exeter's university students living in the city's residential housing.

Exeter's student accommodation policies have traditionally relied on the development of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) to offset the strain on the city's housing caused by university expansion. However, the effectiveness of this policy has been questioned, as many privately provided student accommodation blocks are only around 70% occupied. This has contributed to the discrepancy between the published FTE student numbers and the actual number of students in the city.

The University of Exeter has a rich history, having undergone a name change to the Royal Albert Memorial College in 1900 and then to the University College of the South West of England in 1922. It finally became the University of Exeter in 1955 when it received its royal charter. The university experienced significant expansion in the 1960s, with a near doubling of its student population and the construction of several major buildings, including halls of residence for around 1,000 students.

The university offers a diverse range of student societies, with over 250 affiliated societies covering various interests such as hobbies, communities, and political interests. The debating society, for instance, has played host to notable speakers like Anthony Eden, H. H. Asquith, and Stephen Fry. Exeter also boasts a vibrant athletic community, with the Exeter University Athletic Union (AU) administering sporting activities ranging from recreational to competitive levels, including American football, association football, rugby, and more.

Frequently asked questions

The University of Exeter has around 39,000 students enrolled across its four campuses.

Around 39,000 students were based at Exeter's Streatham and St Luke's campuses in 2021-22, making up nearly 30% of the city's population.

The University of Exeter reported 27,276 full-time equivalent (FTE) students in 2021-22. However, this figure is believed to be understated, with the true number estimated to be between 35,000 and 39,450.

The University of Exeter does not report student numbers for its individual campuses. However, it can be estimated that around 9,000 to 14,000 students are enrolled at the Cornwall campuses in Penryn and Truro, assuming that the student population is distributed evenly across the four campuses.

The University of Exeter is ranked #122 in the Best Global Universities ranking by US News. It is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group and is one of the few institutions to achieve gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023).

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