Exeter University's Local and Global Community Partnerships

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The University of Exeter does not work in isolation. Its Local and Global Community Partnerships connect schools, charities, businesses and universities across the world, turning research and knowledge into real, shared benefits. 

Here is a closer look at who Exeter partners with and what those relationships actually achieve.

Exeter's Approach to Community Partnerships

The University of Exeter focuses on building partnerships that benefit all parties involved. Through its Global Partnerships Team, the University works with local schools and international universities to strengthen research, improve training, share knowledge and create opportunities for students. These collaborations support Strategy 2030, which aims to help create a greener, healthier and fairer world through collective action.

This approach means Exeter treats partnerships as long-term relationships, not one-off projects. Many of the collaborations mentioned below have run for years, and some for decades.

Local Partnerships in Exeter and Devon

At the local level, the University of Exeter works with the Exeter Community Safety Partnership and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary to support positive relationships between students and local residents. Its Community Liaison Manager also engages with resident groups to maintain open communication and address concerns within the community.

The university also runs a Community Partnership Hub, which connects public, voluntary and social enterprise organisations in the region with Exeter researchers and students. The aim is to build long-term, sustainable relationships through research projects, student placements and knowledge sharing, rather than short-term fixes.

On the Cornwall campuses, this local impact is measurable too. In the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly area, the university's contribution to the local economy, known as Gross Value-Added, was reported at £73.5 million in 2020/21, reflecting how deeply Exeter's presence is tied into regional partnerships and growth.

To see how this local groundwork connects to Exeter's wider community mission, visit the parent guide: Community Engagement and Sustainability at Exeter.

Partnerships with Schools and Community Organisations

Exeter's Widening Participation team works closely with schools across the South West and beyond. Programmes include:

• Exeter Scholars, a flagship programme supporting around 1,000 students in years 10 to 13 each year with events, courses and guidance

• Avolve, a student-run mentoring scheme supporting children in care across secondary schools in Exeter, delivered with Devon's Virtual School

• How Science Works, a collaboration bringing hands-on science activities to local primary schools

• Devising Discovery, a long-running theatre outreach programme that has now reached over 5,000 pupils across regional schools and colleges

These programmes are not just about university recruitment. They are built to raise aspirations and give young people, including those from under-represented backgrounds, direct access to university-level experiences.

Charity and Public-Sector Collaboration

The University of Exeter also collaborates with charities and public organisations to support school pupils and students who face additional barriers to education. For example, its Avolve mentoring programme works with Devon’s Virtual School, which supports children in care. Local authorities across the South West also cooperate with Exeter’s Widening Participation team to identify students who may need additional guidance and help them progress to higher education.

These collaborations show how Exeter's academic resources are directed toward practical, community-facing outcomes, not just internal research goals. In Cornwall, this same principle applies through joint working with the 16+ team and Falmouth University, ensuring young people across the region, not just those closest to Exeter's main campus, can benefit from these public-sector links.

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Exeter's International Community Connections

Beyond the UK, Exeter's Global Partnerships Team builds relationships with universities and organisations worldwide. Some notable examples include:

Exeter was also the first Russell Group university to sign the CANIE Accord, a global commitment to sustainability in international education, showing how its global links connect back to its wider community and environmental goals.

Research partnerships add another layer to this global picture. Exeter has strengthened its strategic ties with institutions such as Tsinghua University, and its research collaboration with the University of Queensland has been recognised for driving real-world impact between the UK and Australia. Exeter has also entered a formal partnership with the European University Alliance for Global Health, connecting health research across several countries. Faculties across the university, from Environment, Science and Economy to Health and Life Sciences, run their own global partnership programmes, giving students in specific subject areas direct access to international research opportunities alongside their studies.

If you would like a general overview of how UK universities structure international partnerships and study abroad options,Times Higher Education is a useful independent resource covering global university collaboration trends.

How Partnerships Create Community Benefits

Across both local and global partnerships, a few consistent outcomes stand out:

1. Wider access to education, through outreach that supports under-represented students

2. Stronger local relationships, through open communication between students and residents

3. Real-world research impact, through collaboration with charities, schools and public bodies

4. Global knowledge exchange, through joint degrees, exchanges and shared research networks

These outcomes show that Exeter's partnerships are not just symbolic. They shape what students learn, who benefits from university research, and how the wider community experiences life alongside the university.

Opportunities for Students to Engage

Students can get involved with these partnerships in several ways, including:

• Supporting Widening Participation events as a student ambassador

• Joining mentoring programmes like Avolve

• Taking part in international exchange partnerships such as Kenyon-Exeter or Venice International University

• Getting involved with Community Partnership Hub research projects

Support for Bangladeshi Students via SGE

Shabuj Global Education (SGE), your trusted partner for studying in the UK, helps students navigate every step of their Exeter journey:

• Expert Guidance: Choose the right course aligned with your goals and entry requirements

• Application Made Easy: From document checks to personal statement review, we make sure your application stands out

• Visa and Pre-Departure Help: Get step-by-step support for your UK student visa and prepare confidently for departure

• Ongoing Support: Even after enrollment, SGE continues to guide you toward academic and career success

Bangladeshi students get a smooth, safe and fully guided admission process with SGE by their side.

Final Thoughts

From schools across Devon to universities worldwide, the University of Exeter develops partnerships focused on mutual benefit and lasting collaboration. These relationships contribute to research, improve educational opportunities and support local communities, extending the University’s impact beyond its campuses.

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