Studying at the University of Exeter Preparing to study You may not have studied in the UK before. Although you will have to satisfy certain academic requirements to receive an offer we would recommend that you do some pre-arrival research into UK study methods too. There is an excellent web resource prepareforsuccess. org.uk with interactive modules to give you an insight into study in the UK. Your College may also send you some discipline specific preparatory materials before arrival.
Study methods While you are studying at the University of Exeter, you will experience several different methods of teaching and learning. You will be trained to read widely around a topic and research it thoroughly, to reflect on the ideas you have encountered and to analyse and describe them. You may be familiar with some or all of the learning activities described below, each of which serves a valuable purpose. In each case you might see tutors and peers face to face, on campus, or online.
Lectures Lectures are the most traditional form of teaching. They allow lecturers to teach a large number of students (up to 400). Even if notes are provided you should listen carefully and make your own notes of the important points. You may also be directed to online resources associated with the lecture.
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Term dates 2021-22 Arrivals Weekend Friday 10 – Sunday 12 September Freshers’ Week Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Monday 13 – Sunday 19 September 20 September –10 December 2021 Exam Week 3–8 January 2022 Monday 10 January – Friday 1 April 2022 Orientation 10 January 2022 Monday 2 May – Friday 17 June
Study Abroad, International Exchange and Exchange students Arrivals Weekend
Friday 10 – Sunday 12 September 2021
Freshers’ Week
Monday 13 – Sunday 19 September 2021
Semester 1
21 September 2021 – 9 January 2022
Semester 2
10 January – 17 June 2022
Seminars and tutorials Seminars and tutorials are discussion groups with your tutor and a group of students. The discussion could be about a previous lecture or a specific topic. Sometimes each student is asked to prepare a short presentation for discussion. Seminars and tutorials are more informal than lectures but you are expected to
prepare for the discussion topic and to participate in that discussion. This is your opportunity to ask questions and to improve your presentation skills. Always tell the tutor if there is something you have not understood.
