MPhil Engineering - Water and Environment

University of Exeter

Studying for my PhD in Civil and Water Engineering at the University of Exeter has been an exceptional and genuinely life shaping experience. Academically, the University offers outstanding facilities, well resourced laboratories, and a research environment that encourages curiosity, independence, and collaboration. What truly distinguishes Exeter is that research is never pursued for its own sake alone. There is a strong, shared commitment to real world impact, where ideas are developed with the intention of addressing practical challenges and benefiting society. The professors are leaders in their fields while remaining approachable, generous with their time, and deeply supportive. Regular seminars, interdisciplinary meetings, and research gatherings create a vibrant academic culture where ideas are continuously shared, challenged, refined, and connected to real applications beyond academia. Exeter’s location is another major strength. With excellent transport links, the city offers easy access to major academic and innovation hubs such as London and Bristol. This makes attending national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars both practical and frequent. These opportunities significantly enriched my PhD experience and helped me stay closely connected to the wider research and professional community. The University’s support for innovation is particularly impressive. The Innovation Centre fosters a genuinely encouraging environment where new ideas are welcomed and actively supported. Innovation is not treated as an abstract concept but as a natural extension of research. I personally organised and delivered my own seminar on Artificial Intelligence with the support of the Innovation Centre, and the level of encouragement, organisation, and belief in student led initiatives was remarkable. This culture empowers researchers to take intellectual risks, develop leadership skills, and transform ideas into meaningful impact. Living in Exeter itself adds a unique and memorable dimension to the experience. The city has a distinctive charm, shaped by its historic cathedral, narrow streets, and a quiet gothic atmosphere that gives it character and depth. It is peaceful without being isolated and lively without being overwhelming. Living conditions are comfortable and relatively affordable compared to larger UK cities, contributing to an excellent quality of life. The surrounding countryside, rivers, and nearby coastline provide a rare balance between academic intensity and personal wellbeing. Above all, it is the people who make Exeter truly special. Exonians are warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. From fellow PhD students to academic staff and local residents, there is a strong sense of community and belonging. Informal gatherings, academic events, and social activities create meaningful connections that extend well beyond the classroom or laboratory. The campus itself is beautiful, green, and thoughtfully designed, encouraging both productivity and connection. Overall, the University of Exeter offers far more than an excellent education. It provides an environment where research, innovation, community, and quality of life come together seamlessly. I could not imagine a better place to pursue a PhD, and I am deeply grateful for the experience and opportunities Exeter has given me.

I loved my time studying at Exeter! The course was satisfactory, and the teaching team/MAIE lecturers were the best part. My personal tutor and supervisor supported me a lot, especially during hard times. Although it is a small campus, I liked the whole vibe and how it is a close-knit community. I also got a chance to get to know other students from other education courses.

Campus is probably one of the prettiest in the UK. High quality of teaching, good student support. Located in a nice part of the UK

Absolutely beautiful campus, with lovely green spaces and impressive buildings that really create a great atmosphere for students. The facilities are excellent and the inter-departmental support takes it a notch higher. Vibrant scenes for the students, with loads of clubs and events that make it easy to meet people and get involved. However, the cost of living is pricey and housing costs are very high. Roads are crowded and public transport is unreliable. Walking or cycling is the best choice, as the place is more like a town than a city and easily reachable to almost all locations. Overall, an excellent choice for the work and study I am involved in.

There are perfect academic results, research results, faculty expertise, resource availability, socially significant activities of graduates, and international activities for this university.