Business Engagement
Opportunities to engage and collaborate with the University of Exeter
The major challenges facing organisations today demand forward-thinking solutions and a bold approach.
Introduction
This brochure highlights the University of Exeter’s engagement opportunities and services available to external organisations. When you partner with us, your organisation becomes equipped with the knowledge, skills, talent, and insight to drive transformative innovation in your organisation.
We work with organisations to understand their needs and connect them to world-leading research, learning, expertise and facilities, enabling them to develop and co-create the solutions that they need.
We thrive on forging partnerships with organisations large and small, empowering entrepreneurship, and fostering innovation which makes an impact for your organisation and the wider world.
Our dynamic community of researchers, entrepreneurs and experts forge connections and partnerships that ensure world-leading research turns into transformative innovation for the benefit of our partners. sizes on their innovation journey and to ultimately deliver a greener, healthier, fairer future.
We harness our research and education to create real and lasting impact by working with organisations of all types and If you would like to discuss further collaboration opportunities, Exeter Innovation would be delighted to explore this with you.
2,000 £80m
Over 2000 projects with partners each year
Over £80m value generated in 2021/22 to support innovation with our partners
Together, we can create the solutions you need to succeed.
Accessing talent
Recruit and develop talent
Whether you recruit a graduate once, or you recruit thousands every year, we would like to work with you. Our Employer Engagement & Student Employment, team part of Student Employability and Academic Success, known to our students and graduates as Career Zone can offer you a variety of activities and events that can help to promote your brand on campus.
Our dedicated team will discuss your requirements and are keen to provide you with a solution to your recruitment needs. Not only can we help you reach our students and graduates, we also welcome employers and professionals to engage with us to deliver activities to help develop our students’ employability skills.
Here at Exeter, we use a dedicated careers platform called Handshake to support both students and employers. As a business you can use Handshake to advertise jobs, book events and fairs, and to reach out to students and graduates.
You can use Handshake to promote graduate vacancies, internships and placements, in the UK or around the world for free.
Vacancies will be visible to all current Exeter students (undergraduate and post-graduate) and to University of Exeter alumni.
Once you have registered and requested a connection with us through Handshake, we will review your request and you’ll be able to upload your vacancies. Every vacancy is reviewed by a member of staff before going live.
Student and graduate internships
Businesses can recruit current students into part-time roles through the Student Business Partnership Scheme. Our Graduate Business Partnership Scheme supports businesses to recruit graduates who have qualified in the last 3 years. The Internships Team will advertise and promote your opportunity through a managed application process.
With the support of the Internships Team you can:
• Connect with university students by offering paid employment opportunities
• Connect with final year students and recent graduates from all UK universities by offering early career employment opportunities
• Offer a challenging role that will support your business and help you to get on top of projects and tasks
• Provide an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in a professional role alongside their studies or as a first job
• Raise awareness of your brand to the workforce of the future
Internships provide a valuable experience that connects talented students with employers for mutual benefit.
The Graduate Business Partnership includes many benefits to encourage graduates to stay or relocate to the southwest to start their careers. Our aim is to showcase employers in the southwest to retain and attract individuals with the skills our region needs.
A member of the Internships Team can meet you for an informal chat to learn more about your needs and provide guidance. You can contact the team at internships@exeter.ac.uk or call 01392 722617. Phone lines are monitored 9am5pm, Monday-Friday.
Career mentoring
The University’s Career Mentor Scheme was launched 15 years ago and has grown to become one of the largest and most successful employability schemes in the UK. In 2023, the scheme was a finalist in the Exeter Living Awards education category.
Mentoring is a rewarding practice where you can share your experience and expertise to benefit a student or recent graduate. Perhaps you were once in their shoes? You don’t need to have attended university to become a mentor, but you must have at least three years of industry experience and a passion for your work.
Our mentors are made up of working and retired professionals and Exeter alums who are based locally and all over the world. To register your interest in becoming a mentor, please complete the Expression of Interest Form, and a team member will contact you to go through the next steps.
Work placements
Work placements are part of creditbearing modules that students undertake as part of their degree programme. These are different from internships, which are taken as extracurricular, i.e., outside of the degree.
Placements are a fantastic opportunity for employers to reap the many rewards of recruiting one of our students. They can be offered on a full- or part-time basis as part of short-term or year-long placement programmes. Students are looking for employers across a diverse range of sectors and are interested in a variety of different roles.
If you have a project or job vacancy that you feel could make a good student placement, then get in contact via placements@exeter.ac.uk.
Careers fairs and events
Our Employer Engagement & Student Employment team allows businesses to attend several large-scale Careers Fairs held at our Exeter and Penryn, Cornwall, Campuses.
In addition, we work with dozens of businesses each year to create and deliver events designed to facilitate access to our students, whether through a presentation, skills session or networking event. These can take place on campus or virtually to meet your needs as a business.
With many years of expertise in organising and delivering events, from bespoke smaller events to Careers Fairs that accommodate up to 90 businesses, we can support you. To find out more or to set up a call to discuss further, contact employer-events@exeter.ac.uk.
Engage with our Cornwall campuses
Our Cornwall campus hosts several specialist disciplines, such as Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, Ecology, Geology, Mining Engineering and Sustainability. Our students are actively looking for placements and internships to complement their studies. If you have a suitable project, please get in touch at es-penryn@exeter.ac.uk.
For more information on employer engagement and student employment activity across Cornwall, please visit our Cornwall-focused webpages here.
Find out more
Please visit here for more information on employer engagement and student employment across Devon and Cornwall.
Upskilling your workforce
no. 1
We are the largest provider of Degree Apprenticeships in the Russell Group
Degree Apprenticeships
400+
Since 2016 we have partnered with over 400+ leading businesses
30%
Achievement rates over 30% higher than the national rates
Degree apprenticeships are an innovative and cost-effective means of attracting, training and retaining high-calibre employees and graduates to your business. Offering clear progression routes and opportunities for existing employees and those wishing to upskill and climb the career ladder, apprenticeships enable professionals access to higher-level skills and qualifications for whom full-time study is impractical.
With a reputation for unwavering excellence and reliability, the University of Exeter has a remarkable track record in successfully delivering Degree Apprenticeships. Since 2016, we’ve been working in collaboration with hundreds of employers to deliver industryapproved programmes that meet specific business needs and fill skill gaps within their sectors. We provide ongoing support and unique opportunities to shape the development of your nextgeneration employees and the upskilling of your current staff.
Degree apprenticeships enable employers to address a challenging labour market, increased staff turnover, organisational restructuring, and skills shortages.
Employer benefits:
Upskilling
Existing staff members can use apprenticeships to develop in new areas
Networking
Build valuable connections
Talent
Apprenticeships can attract new talent to your organisation
Retention
Loyalty by developing talent
Funding
Through government apprenticeship levy or co-investment, apprentices will earn their salary whilst gaining a tuition-free degree
Click here to learn more about the Degree Apprenticeships we offer and how they could benefit your business.
Executive Education
Help to Grow
Our Help to Grow Management Programme is a practical training course for senior managers of small and medium-sized businesses accredited by the Small Business Charter.
During the programme, you’ll develop a Growth Action Plan uniquely tailored to help you lead and grow your business. You can take this 12-week programme alongside full-time work, so you can start implementing your new skills and knowledge straight away.
This programme is expertly designed to build your leadership, innovation, digital adoption, employee engagement, marketing, responsible business, and financial management capabilities.
Duration 12 weeks / Fees £750 More information is available here.
Circular economy
Develop the skills and understanding to successfully introduce Circular Economy principles into your organisation and close the implementation gap.
Delivered by the University of Exeter Business School’s Centre for Circular Economy and supported by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, our Circular Economy Masterclass offers you the opportunity to learn directly from leading experts in the field of Circular Economy.
This 6-week online course goes beyond the basics, giving you an understanding of value creation, capture and scaling and the capabilities required at different stages. Managers engaged in Circular Economy share insight into successful case examples and can give practical advice on how to overcome barriers and make the case for change within your organisation.
Fees Standard price £1750 – If you are part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation network, please contact your primary contact for registration options.
More information is available here.
Artificial Intelligence
Implementing Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace Stay ahead of your competitors, increase your firm’s efficiency and productivity, and gain the skills to implement artificial intelligence (AI) in your workplace.
Experts in AI from the University of Exeter will provide you with the skills and knowledge to maximise the potential of AI, use AI responsibly, minimising risks and preparing your business to thrive in the digital economy.
This highly interactive six-week programme will help you understand the opportunities that AI can provide your business, providing you with an introduction to key concepts including; generative AI, large language models, deep learning and neural networks and provide you with the practical steps to apply artificial intelligence the workplace. This programme is for business executives aspiring to maximise the opportunities presented by the arrival of the most transformative digital technology the workplace has seen – AI.
Duration 6 weeks / Fees £1,250 More information is available here.
Leading Now
Our Leading Now programme equips established leaders to thrive in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world. Based in our ‘4P’ (Performance, People,
Progress, Principal) model for leadership, our programme offers research-guided insights to develop the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to navigate a changing and complex work environment with confidence and authenticity. Over 5 weeks, participants will build a deep understanding of leadership behaviours, personal values and vision, and acquire a practical toolkit to directly apply new knowledge in the workplace. The programme is delivered across a mixture of face to face and online delivery, offering flexibility around individual work schedules.
Duration 5 weeks / Fees £1,950 More information is available here.
Custom programmes
Our Custom Programmes offer a unique-to-you learning experience tailored to your most critical business challenges.
Unlike other Executive Education programmes with a set curriculum, our Custom Programmes allow us to build a training programme directly relevant to your company’s objectives, so you can see an immediate impact in the areas of your business that need attention.
Combining world-class teaching with industry expertise, we offer fully customisable packages across areas such as Responsible Leadership, Sustainable Finance, and the Circular Economy.
More information is available here.
Exeter Innovation Hub
Supporting innovation and growth in Exeter organisations
The Innovation Hub provides a space for local organisations to meet with members of the University of Exeter and other business support partners. It’s an opportunity to gain valuable insights on accessing a wide range of innovation and business growth support programmes tailored to you.
We welcome all organisations based in Exeter that are actively developing new products or services or expressing interest in collaborating with the University of Exeter or other partners dedicated to business support. Please refer to our Hub calendar to see what’s on in the Hub and to book a time to meet with the right people.
Alternatively, please email the team or drop in during our opening hours to see how we can help.
Email: innovationhub@exeter.ac.uk
Address:
Exeter Innovation Hub
Princesshay Shopping Centre Dix’s Field, Exeter EX1 1GF
Opening Times: Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 - 15:30
The Hub’s supportive approach:
Forge valuable connections with the University and partner organisations
Bookable appointments with experts, advisors and support providers
Regular events with partner organisations
Support tailored to your organisations goals
Diverse networking opportunities
Conveniently based in the heart of Exeter
Driving research and development
Collaborative and commissioned research
As a world-leading research institution, we power transformative change by translating our research and education into real world impact.
We have a strong track record in working with industry partners both on commissioned research projects to address a specific business need or innovation, and on collaborative Government funded research projects.
Innovate UK is the UK’s national innovation agency. It provides Government funding to businesses and research organisations across the UK, primarily through grant funding competitions that encourage businesses to work with other commercial and research organisations. We partner with businesses to provide research expertise for Innovate UK bids.
Through its core grant funding, Innovate UK supports a wide range of businesses and ideas needed to maximise economic growth and societal impact across the country.
Our sector experts in Exeter Innovation can match your R&D needs to an academic expert and work with you to develop research proposals and applications. If you are interested in exploring opportunities to collaborate on a research bid, or directly commissioning a piece of research, please contact innovation@exeter.ac.uk.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) give your organisation the opportunity to access new expertise, develop new products and services, and unlock industry-leading solutions – all at a reduced cost.
Facilitated by a high-calibre graduate who transfers expertise from our academics to your organisation, KTPs are perfect when an organisation is looking to innovate but can’t acquire the necessary skills, know-how or expertise through recruitment or consultancy alone. KTPs are sponsored by Innovate UK, who can fund between 50-75% of the costs.
We have a successful track record in KTPs, having delivered over 100 projects to partner organisations, enabling them to access our worldleading expertise.
To find out more about our KTPs, please check out our FAQs or please email Sophie O’Callaghan s.v.g.ocallaghan@exeter.ac.uk or Laura Buchanan l.s.buchanan2@exeter.ac.uk.
95%
We are the leading Knowledge Base partner for KTPs in Southwest England, with a 95% KTP funding success rate
100
We have successfully delivered over 100 KTPs – with 85% KTPs rated ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’
Award Winning
National KTP Award winners for ‘Business Impact and Transformation’ and ‘Technical Excellence’ (2022)
Industrial Studentships
An Industrial Studentship is a form of doctoral funding awarded to a student, often a recent graduate or a company employee. It is a collaborative research partnership between an industry partner, the University of Exeter and a Postgraduate Research (PhD) student. The funding for the studentship is attached to a specific project determined by the industry partner.
What are the benefits to the industry?
• The postgraduate student researches a challenge directly relating to the needs of the industry partner
• Access to the knowledge and expertise of university staff, students and facilities
• In-depth insight allowing you to develop and innovate your organisation
• Develop new and existing relationships and enhance the impact of research
• Recruitment opportunity following completion of the project.
What’s the cost?
• The total cost of delivering a full-time 3-4 year Industrial Studentship varies but typically costs between £100£140k for a UK student and £160£220k for an international student due to higher international student fees
• We will work with you to arrange a payment schedule that works with your company.
What are the timescales?
• A full-time Industrial Studentship lasts 36, 42 or 48 Months, depending on the project scope and the organisation’s needs
• Industrial Studentships can be arranged as part-time with any FTE between 0.5 and 1 FTE. Part-time study will extend the period of the studentship.
Who can I contact to find out more?
To find out more, please contact Kath Maby via: industrialstudentships@exeter.ac.uk.
Creating a green future for your business
Green Futures Solutions
Green Futures Solutions is the University of Exeter’s business support initiative to create a greener future, bringing expertise and insights from leading climate researchers to organisations around the world.
The University of Exeter is renowned for its environmental research and education, with over 1,500 academics and environmental specialists (including 5 of the world’s top 21 climate scientists) working to deliver game-changing solutions.
The Green Futures Solutions team unites our academic, business and professional service expertise, giving you access to the knowledge, data, skills, innovation and research capability that businesses and governments require to transition to a net zero economy.
Our areas of expertise range from climate science, environmental intelligence and renewable energy to critical minerals, circular economy and R&D.
Businesses and governments need tailored solutions to develop their infrastructure, products and services, policies, and teams to achieve the sustainable development goals that will ensure the world continues to thrive. We provide the data, knowledge, capabilities and research expertise to make that happen.
Green Futures Solutions works in partnership with leading climate specialists to deliver the most informed solutions so that, together, we can future-proof your organisation in the green industrial revolution.
At the heart of our collaborative approach are three research-informed solutions:
CLIMATE POSITIVE
Accelerate your journey to net zero
BUSINESS POSITIVE
Seize the opportunities for green growth
NATURE POSITIVE
Responsible use of natural resources so people and nature thrive
Climate positive solutions:
How do you implement new processes and innovations to become a zero-carbon organisation? Our team can accelerate your journey to net zero and energy security with decarbonisation strategies and credible plans that keep your organisation’s goals and growth on track.
Nature positive solutions:
What is your organisation’s impact on our planet’s natural resources, and how can you become a naturepositive business? We have built a team with world-class expertise on the natural world, which can help your business make responsible and sustainable use of the planet’s natural resources.
Business positive solutions:
Will your organisation stay resilient to the potential economic pressures of our move to a net zero economy? Work with a team that listens to your concerns and can provide bespoke solutions to secure your sustainable future.
For more information on how we can support your organisation to achieve net zero, make smarter use of natural resources and seize opportunities for green growth, please contact: greenfuturessolutions@exeter.ac.uk.
About us:
34 Institutes and Centres focused on the environment and sustainability
no. 1
#1 in the world for Clean Water and Sanitation in the 2023 Time Higher Education Impact rankings
no. 1
#1 in the UK for Climate Action and Zero Hunger in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact rankings
£86m
We work with over 2000 businesses each year on projects worth a combined total of £86m
Accessing world-class facilities
University of Exeter research facilities
University of Exeter’s Research Facilities combine complex technological infrastructures and associated specialised expertise. We have a range of excellent Research Facilities available for commercial use across our campuses in Devon and Cornwall, spanning from emergent shared resources to large formalised cutting-edge research facilities such as the Centre for Cytomics, Aquatic Resources Centre, V.Simulators, and our Sequencing and Imaging Centres.
We understand that the pursuit of innovation and advancement in various fields is not just an academic endeavour but a commercial imperative. Our state-of-the-art Research Facilities, situated across our campuses in Devon and Cornwall, present a unique commercial opportunity for external partners. These Research Facilities are not just centres of academic research but hubs of innovation and technological excellence that can drive real-world applications and commercial success.
Across our campuses in Devon and Cornwall, we have an array of Research Facilities that are available for use on a commercial basis. Click on each to find out more:
Biological Research Facilities (Aquatic Resources Centre & Biological Services Unit) TDRF
Centre for Cytomics TDRF
Bioimaging Centre TDRF
Neuroimaging Centre TDRF
Sequencing Service TDRF
Mass Spectrometry
Dynamic Marine Component (DMaC) TDRF
VSimulators
Science Park
Streatham St Lukes
Penryn
Why choose our research facilities?
1. Cutting-Edge Technology: Our Research Facilities are equipped with the latest technologies. This provides an unparalleled opportunity for businesses to leverage advanced tools and methodologies that may otherwise be inaccessible.
2. Expertise and Collaboration: Collaboration with our research teams offers access to a wealth of specialised knowledge and expertise. This collaboration can fuel innovation, enhance research and development efforts, and lead to ground-breaking discoveries
3. Customised Solutions: We understand that every commercial endeavour has unique needs. Our facilities offer the flexibility to tailor research and development activities to meet specific commercial objectives, whether it’s in biotechnology, environmental sciences, digital simulation, or beyond.
4. Accelerated Innovation: By utilising our Research Facilities, external partners can significantly shorten their research and development cycles. This acceleration is key in today’s fast-paced market, where getting ahead of the competition is crucial.
5. Networking and Visibility: Engaging our research community opens doors to networking with leading academics, industry experts, and potential collaborators. This can enhance visibility in the relevant research community and beyond.
Realising commercial potential
Our Research Facilities are gateways to innovation and commercial success. Whether you’re a startup looking to develop a new technology, an established corporation seeking to enhance your R&D capabilities, or a research organization aiming to translate academic research into commercial applications, the University of Exeter’s Research Facilities are your ideal partner.
We invite you to explore how our facilities can be a catalyst for your commercial success. For more information and to discuss how we can support your objectives, please contact us at researchfacilities@exeter.ac.uk.
Medical Imaging Centre
Our state of the art Medical Imaging Centre (MIC) is a research centre based on the St Lukes Campus in Exeter. The MIC is availale for commercial use and organisations can hire our imagining equipment, and access experienced staff, to assist them with their commercia, industrial and research interests.
Our introductory video provides information on the equipment, services and collaboration opportunities available for you to access.
For more information on how the Medical Imagining Centre can support you to meet your objectives, please contact:
Email: MI-Centre@exeter.ac.uk
Telephone: 01392 722511
Events and venue hire
Event Exeter is responsible for the portfolio of unique venues that span the stunning green campuses at the University. Working in collaboration with our team of talented in-house chefs enables us to offer the whole package, from initial enquiry to execution of the event.
The diversity of our spaces facilitates a consistent delivery of high-quality and professional corporate events. From technology-rich lecture theatres to elegant Italianate mansions, our venue portfolio offers something unique for all. Nestled amidst 300 acres of greenery, our outdoor spaces also provide an extra dimension to all manner of events.
Whether you are planning a large residential conference for over 1,000 delegates or a gala dinner for 400, the team at Event Exeter will work with you every step of the way to ensure your bespoke event is a success.
To learn more about our venues and event delivery, contact a member of the Event Exeter team on 0300 555 0214 or email eventexeter@exeter.ac.uk, quoting Exeter Innovation.
Newsletters and networks
Southwest Skills Newsletter
A monthly newsletter showcasing local skills initiatives and opportunities.
To subscribe, contact Andy Dean at a.dean@exeter.ac.uk.
CEO Network
The CEO network is open to Chief Executives from public, private and third-sector organisations based across the Southwest. Facilitated by the Business School, the CEO network connects senior leaders with the latest leadership and management research within the Business School through a range of in-person and online events. The network helps to connect CEOs with the different programmes and initiatives available through the Business School and provides a confidential networking space for CEOs to share their leadership challenges.
For more information on how to connect with the CEO network, contact Andrew Barnett at A.G.Barnett@exeter.ac.uk
Health and Life Sciences CPD Newsletter
A monthly newsletter about postgraduate and CPD opportunities aimed at medical and healthcare professionals, including the latest research news and events. Key research themes include Diabetes, Dementia, Genomics, Antimicrobial resistance, Environmental Biology, Medical Mycology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cognitive Health, Mood Disorders and Addiction, Psychology and Biomechanics Nutrition.
To subscribe, click here.
Research Networks
The Research Networks bring together our researchers and external partners to tackle pressing societal challenges. They offer the opportunity for organisations to collaborate with partners working within their areas.
Please visit here for more information on what networks may be best aligned to your organisation’s needs.
University of Exeter Business School: Exeter Expertise
The latest blogs and podcasts sharing academic insight on our three core themes (Environmental Sustainability, Technological Transformation and Responsible Leadership), providing practical insights for readers on implementing different ideas in their own careers and within their organisations.
Click here to discover Exeter Expertise.
Green Futures Network
The Green Futures Network is a free way for any organisation – businesses, community groups, local government, charities – to access up-to-date environmental information, from cutting-edge research to brand new resources, and contribute to collective approaches to the emerging climate and ecological emergencies and the changes they are bringing.
Join the network for free and access events, resources, updates, communities of practice and more.
