Exeter subjects among very best nationwide, according to new influential rankings

Thirty-seven subjects are ranked in the top 20, with 27 in the top ten in the Complete University Guide 2020, released today.

Among the top performers are Sports Science, Anthropology, Business and Management Studies and Medical Technology all positioned 3^rd in the country.

Sociology was ranked 4^th, while Classics and Ancient History, Drama, Marketing, Middle Eastern & African Studies, Russian & East European Languages  and Theology & Religious Studies all secured fifth position.

The University also rose in the main rankings, up to 11^th out of 131 eligible universities nationwide.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter said: “We are delighted by these latest subject rankings, which emphasise Exeter’s commitment to providing a rich and rewarding environment in which students at our campuses in Exeter and Cornwall can truly flourish.

“This is an extremely competitive ranking, and to be consistently ranked amongst the very best in the country is a testament to the enthusiasm, dedication and hard-work of everyone within the University.”

Twenty-seven subjects appear in the top 10 rankings this year.

 English placed 6^th; Archaeology, French, Italian, Materials Technology, and Philosophy all positioned 7^th; General Engineering, Iberian Languages, Politics, and Psychology all ranked 8^th; Accounting and Finance, Geography and Environmental Science and History in 9^th; and Economics, Geology and the Medical School securing 10^th place.

The subjects ranked in the top 20 are Computer Science (11^th), Electric Engineering (11^th) Civil Engineering (12^th), German (13^th), History of Art (14^th), Biosciences (15^th), Law (15^th), Physics and Astronomy (16^th), Mathematics (19^th) and Mechanical Engineering (19^th).

The Complete University Guide ranking is based on 10 measures: Student Satisfaction, Research Quality, Research Intensity, Entry Standards, Student: Staff Ratio; Spending on Academic Services; Spending on Student Facilities; Good Honours Degrees; Graduate Prospects and Completion.

Dr Bernard Kingston, Chairman of TheCompleteUniversityGuide.co.uk, commented: “The evidence is clear; the increased emphasis, including funding, on employability and career planning within academic departments and student services is bearing fruit.

“Many institutions now have this as a core element of their strategic plans with the introduction of innovative programmes of subject-specific careers events focussed on embedding and signposting graduate destinations.”