Exeter University overall is good (University of Exeter in general)

Member Name: elbar1

Product:	University of Exeter in general
Date:	04/08/08 (149 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stunning campus and good tutors

Disadvantages: library not so good

I have just finished my MA at Exeter as a mature part-time student. I have to be honest and say I had mixed experiences. I compared it to my undergraduate time at Bristol and Exeter lost out big time.

I found that the tutors could be helpful but when it came to my dissertation all three tutors involved were either impossible to get hold of or just weren't interested. I didn't get much support for my dissertation at Bristol either but I had higher hopes from Exeter because the tutors had been so supportive and hands on throughout the course. Generally speaking the tutors are good and willing to give of their time (though there are exceptions).

The MA was in Public Administration and Public Policy which was pretty interesting but there was a serious lack of courses to choose from that were relevant to the overall MA outside the compulsory ones. I ended up doing courses that I had no background in and did not interest me at all, simply because the choice was not available.

I liked the campus-feel to the university. There are stunning grounds and it felt safe and friendly. I didn't get very involved in student life, as I was working full-time but there did seem to be lots going on and everyone seemed happy on campus. Also close to town so students aren't completely on a limb.

The library was average. Not particularly well-stocked with a serious lack of core materlal. Students were expected to buy any core reading. Lots of room to research though and the library staff were very helpful. Also, because I worked full time, the library did not open late enough for me and not on weekends - those in its favour, when I complained about this to the equalities officer, opening times improved almost instantly,

All in all I think universities in Britain today have become too focused on making money and have lost sight of student needs. Exeter is no exception to this. However, my overall impression was that it was good place to live and study and would definitely look good on your CV. Well worth considering but don't be won over my the stunning grounds of the campus - once you've seen them, you'll want to go to the university no matter what!

Summary: positives and negatives but unis these days aren't what they were - overall I'd recommend it.