What our students say
Mathematics students share their experiences of the University of Exeter:

Anthony Dunford
BSc Mathematics 2017/18
It was a pleasure to study at the University of Exeter. It was my first choice and I was really happy to accept my offer. When I visited the campus on an open day it met all expectations and I thought it was completely magical. My initial impressions were more than fulfilled throughout my three years at the university and I made many friends for life.
The support from lecturers is brilliant. They are always willing to make even more time for you, so you can get into extra detail with your work. I really appreciated this, and I think this level of commitment from them helped me build a great connection with them
I went to university thinking I had good social skills, but they evolved further during my time there. I feel that I now confidently understand people, how to best work with others and how to handle difficult situations. “People skills” is, in my opinion, the most valuable quality to have when going into the world of work. I got mine from Exeter.
My advice to freshers is take it as it goes. Opportunities will come at you from every angle so no matter what you do, you’ll have a wonderful time and enjoy every second.
I’m now working as a Web Developer for a careers advice service called The Morrisby Organisation (Hemel Hempstead). It’s a brilliant place to work and I’m really enjoying my time here as they’re all so friendly and welcoming. We have ice-cream together every day and Pimms on Friday!

Bethany Lee
MMath Mathematics, 2019
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed studying at Exeter. The campus is amazing, everything you need is on site and you’re also very close to the city.
The Maths building is incredible, with lots of break-out and study spaces. There is also a number of other buildings around campus you can use, so you’re not restricted where you can study.
The best part about my course is being able to specialise and really get invested in what you want to do. You get a basic background of it all in first year which is incredibly valuable.
The support from lecturers is amazing, you can email them and they will reply really quickly. They often have open door policies, so you can go in and talk to them any time.
My advice to freshers is to take the opportunities that are given to you as it helps you to learn more, gain a greater understanding of maths and develop personal skills. A lot of people think of maths and assume you’ll be stuck behind a computer desk, but actually there are lots of opportunities which prove that’s not true.

Jessica Farmer
MSci Mathematics – 2020
I’ve really enjoyed studying at Exeter. One thing that really appealed to me about the course when I was applying was the flexibility and range of modules available here. I’m really interested in applied maths, specifically climate science, and I love the fact that I’m able to specialise in that area with the MSci course. Lecturers here are so passionate about the subject, something that comes across in their teaching, which is engaging and inspiring.
The campus is so beautiful and green and there is a close community feel, with so many ways to get involved. We’re also within easy walking distance of the city centre and a 20-minute train ride from the beach. I couldn’t think of a better place to be!
Support has been amazing, lecturers are always on hand to help if you need it, both academically and pastorally. I once emailed a lecturer late at night asking for some coursework guidance, not expecting a response until the next day, but he replied straight away! It just goes to show that they have your best interests at heart which is reassuring to know.

Tom Maddox
MMath Mathematics, 2019
You get so much support from the lecturers. My personal tutor has been really helpful, I talk to her a lot and she’s helped me change my course to a Masters.
I’m taking Applied Mathematics which is a really good course as the university has a lot of connections within climate science as it is so close to the Met Office.
The best part about the course has been the group projects, as you get to meet a lot of new people and have a lot of fun whilst achieving an actual goal. There are real world connotations to the projects you work on, compared to the theory work you do at GCSE and A Level.
If I could offer any advice it would be to talk to your lecturers and make sure you understand what each module is about. There are loads of great modules here, you’ve just got to choose the right ones for you.

Ricardo Ordonez Zaninovich
MSc Financial Mathematics - 2019
I was studying in Colombia and finishing my second degree, while working at a firm of architects and I’d already decided I wanted to do a masters in Europe and decided to concentrate my search on the UK. I knew exactly the course I wanted to study as my work had given me an interest in financial modelling.
Since being at Exeter I have used the careers service so many times! I’m in the process of applying for graduate jobs and have used the CV checking service, as well as having a personal meeting with a careers adviser. The meeting was great – you can ask whatever you want and I found out about niche jobs that I might otherwise have missed. I’ve also got an alumni mentor and my first meeting with them is happening soon. They work in the financial sector and I’m looking forward to talking to them about how I can find the best graduate jobs.

Yunice Lai
MSc Mathematics, 2019
The course is very interesting, the staff are really friendly and the lecturers are really approachable.
My Mathematics Masters will help me to find a job because the modules have been so broad I now have many transferrable skills. The links with industry are great. I applied for a Cyber Security Consultant position, which I would not have been able to do if it wasn’t for the Cryptography module, as well as the consulting experience I have gained from being a student representative.
Being an international student is fun because I have met a lot of other international students. People are really approachable which has meant I’ve made a lot of friends and met people to study with, as well as practicing my English skills. It’s a great way to learn a new culture.
My advice to future students would be to enjoy the studies and take the chances available for various jobs, internships or societies – there’s always something to do. Studying at Exeter is a wonderful experience.