An essential guide to accelerated masters, tuition fees, top taught programs, and student life at Exeter's gorgeous campuses.
Choosing to pursue a postgraduate degree is a massive milestone in your academic and professional journey. If you are looking to fast-track your career without spending two full years out of the workforce, the University of Exeter one year masters options present an exceptional opportunity. As a prestigious Russell Group institution, the University of Exeter combines world-class research, high employability rates, and some of the most scenic campuses in the UK.
A one year postgraduate degree in the UK is highly structured, academically rigorous, and fast-paced. Instead of stretching your studies over twenty-four months, Exeter's intensive degree framework compresses your lectures, seminars, and dissertation into a single 12-month calendar year. In this comprehensive guide, we will unpack the top taught masters programs available at Exeter, break down the realistic costs of living in Devon and Cornwall, and help you determine whether this fast track masters is the right step for your future.
The University of Exeter is globally recognized for its academic excellence, consistently ranking among the top universities in the UK and the top 150 globally. Choosing an accelerated masters here means you will be learning from leading experts in fields ranging from climate science and business analytics to humanities and international relations.
Unlike undergraduate degrees that offer long summer breaks, a 12-month intensive degree runs from September to September. The academic year is split into three distinct terms:
This layout ensures that you exit the university with a full, globally recognized Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA) in just one-third of the time of a traditional US or European master's program.
"Completing my MSc in Finance at the Exeter Streatham Campus was intense but incredibly rewarding. The fast track masters format meant I was back in the corporate world earning a salary while my peers in other countries were still halfway through their second year of study." - Clara Chen, MSc Finance GraduateExeter offers hundreds of taught masters programs across its various colleges. Whether you are based at the stunning, leafy Streatham Campus in Exeter, the historic St Luke's Campus, or the innovative Penryn Campus in Cornwall, there is a specialized pathway for you.
Exeter's Business School holds prestigious triple-accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA). This makes it a premier destination for business-minded students looking for an accelerated masters. Popular courses include:
Exeter is an undisputed global powerhouse for environmental science and ecology. Many of their top-tier scientific programs are hosted at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, which acts as a living laboratory for sustainability studies.
If your passions lie in policy, writing, or global systems, Exeter offers deeply enriching MA programs that make the most of its massive archives and research centers.
Understanding the financial commitment of a University of Exeter one year masters is crucial for your planning. Tuition fees vary quite significantly depending on whether you qualify for UK Home Fee status or are applying as an international student.
| Expense Category | UK Home Students (Approx. Annual) | International Students (Approx. Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (Humanities/Arts) | £11,500 - £13,500 | £22,500 - £25,000 |
| Tuition Fees (STEM & Business) | £14,000 - £17,500 | £26,500 - £31,000 |
| Accommodation (On/Off Campus) | £6,500 - £9,000 | £6,500 - £9,000 |
| Food & Living Essentials | £3,000 - £4,500 | £3,000 - £4,500 |
| Books, Travel & Social Life | £1,500 - £2,500 | £1,500 - £2,500 |
| Estimated Total Cost | £22,500 - £33,500 | £33,500 - £47,000 |
While these figures can seem daunting, it is important to remember that because it is a one year postgraduate program, you only have to pay for one year of accommodation and living expenses, making it significantly cheaper overall than a two-year program in another country.
When weighing up the decision to apply, you must look at your expected return on investment (ROI). Here are the primary reasons why thousands of students opt for a fast track masters at Exeter every year:
However, you must be prepared for the workload. An intensive degree leaves little room for procrastination. You will need to balance lectures, intensive reading lists, and independent research projects without the luxury of long semester breaks.
If you have decided that the University of Exeter one year masters is the perfect fit for your aspirations, here is a quick roadmap to securing your offer:
The University of Exeter offers a stellar blend of academic rigor, stunning campus life, and practical career acceleration. By committing to an intensive, one-year master's program, you invest in a prestigious degree that elevates your resume, expands your professional network, and propels you into your chosen industry at double the speed.