Student review [#60230] for Modern Languages
at University of Exeter - UOE

Exeter speaks for itself in a lot of senses. A high ranking university with a strong tradition of good academic and sporting results. I had a fantastic time socially, engaging in the many sporting and music opportunities and made many great friends. The coastal location is also ideal for the summer and the facilities and student accommodation are modern.

As a languages student, the French and Spanish departments were second to none throughout my time at university despite my second year being completely online as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We had plenty of extra chances to engage and develop our language skills and the lecturers are supportive and extremely knowledgeable across all disciplines covered by the course.

My one criticism of the programme, and the reason I have dropped a star, is the support for the year of study and work abroad (YA). As a compulsory element of the modern languages degree, the support team need to take more initiative in helping students organise work placements, and also have some understanding of the visa processes for EU countries post-Brexit. My cohort was perturbed massively by these kinds of issues and we were left to our own devices to rectify them. I understand that Brexit posed challenges but they very much failed in their role with my year group. I would hope that given the feedback they received from us, steps are being made to improve this.

Exeter is a great university for the all-rounder, those that are serious about their studies but enjoy their social, sporting and other extra-curricular activities. This kind of ethos creates a healthy relationship with higher education.