Online university courses
Direct your own learning wherever you are with a fully online degree or course from the University of Exeter. Our flexible online study programmes allow you to advance your career or enhance your skills through sector-leading learning without taking a pause.
Fully online study with the University of Exeter
As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, we are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience, and unrivalled links with business and the public sector.
Our online programmes enable all our students to learn from academics who are leaders in their fields and passionate about bringing their latest research into their teaching. Our programmes will challenge you to explore new ideas, ask questions and solve problems.
Whether you would like to advance your career, enhance your existing skillset or are interested in a change of direction in your professional life, there’s never been a better time to complete one of our online courses.
More information about online study at the University of Exeter
155th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 170th in the THE World Rankings 2026.
Exeter graduates are in the UK’s top 10 for most targeted by leading employers.
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities.
Our online degrees and courses
Whether you’re looking to enhance your career or change direction entirely, our growing suite of courses offers a unique combination of the latest academic approaches and insight, direct access to world-renowned experts in the field, and the flexibility of studying at your own pace.
Online Masters and PGCerts
Online short courses
Why study an online university course?
Online study provides a flexible approach to education, enabling you to enhance your career without interrupting it. In a world where we only seem to get busier and career progression is only one of the many plates we spin, online study answers the call of those with personal commitments and professionals like you looking to upskill without taking a pause.
Learn at your own pace
We understand that juggling personal and work commitments with online study can be a challenge. That’s why we put you in the driving seat; you create a schedule that enables you to study alongside continuing to achieve your professional goals.
For our Masters programmes, we offer three start dates throughout the year, and the option to interrupt your study if you need to, as long as you complete your studies within five years. Our programmes are 100% online and include materials specifically designed for the online learner, including videos, podcasts and other materials. This means that you can access your course materials at a time and place that suits you.
Enhance your career
Studying with us not only offers outstanding opportunities for career development, but also the chance to tap into a worldwide peer and business network.
As a graduate from the University of Exeter, you will be joining a community of more than 140,000 alumni from 183 countries across the world. Our alumni are looked after by our Alumni team who offer a wide range of support and resources, details of which can be found on our alumni office webpages. As well as the resources offered by the Alumni team, you will also have access to the resources from the Career Zone forever through our Exeter Forever scheme.
Additionally, learning in a virtual environment both enhances and demonstrates vital skills that employers are seeking in the modern workplace. These include communication and time management skills, the ability to self-motivate, and the confidence to work effectively within professional digital environments.
World-class online learning
Your learning will take place online in our all-encompassing Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). This includes:
- Teaching materials – as written, recorded, or animated content
- Related discussions in which to engage with your peers
- Quizzes to check your understanding
- Access to electronic books
There are no scheduled lectures or exams. Throughout each module you will be expected to contribute to the development of a collaborative learning experience. This means keeping up to date and actively participating in the weekly discussion activities that are supported and facilitated by your tutor.
Each module will be divided up into weekly sections so you can see what work you should aim to get through on a weekly basis. We’ve built in time for preparation and submission of any assessments you have and then time for you to get feedback on those before you progress onto the next module.
You should expect to be engaging in structured learning activities for 10-15 hours per week on average (please visit the programme page for specific details), plus additional time spent on self-directed learning (such as further reading or preparing for assessments).
Frequently asked questions about Online Study
Studying online offers flexibility and convenience, but it can also raise a few questions if you're new to digital learning. Below you'll find answers to some of the most common queries about how online study works, what you’ll need, and how to stay connected and supported throughout your course.
Find out about the support and services available to you as an online student
Online and digital learning
How does studying an online degree or course work?
All your learning will be accessed online in our all-encompassing Exeter Learning Environment (ELE), including:
- Teaching materials – as written, recorded, or animated content
- Quizzes to check your learning and understanding
- Videos, podcasts, articles to read
- Access to electronic books
Your learning will be divided up into a weekly schedule so you can see what work you should aim to get through on a weekly basis. We’ve built in time for preparation and submission of any assessments you have and then time for you to get feedback on those before you decide to sign up and pay for your next module.
Will there be any in-person lectures during my online degree or course?
Our courses are 100% online and include learning materials specifically designed for the online student, including videos, podcasts and other materials, which means that you can access your course materials whenever and wherever you are. Depending on the course, there may be some opportunity to attend online seminars and meetings with your tutors and other students.
Some courses may offer the chance to come on campus for a workshop or similar, but this would not be mandatory, and an online equivalent may be arranged – this would also be clearly stated in the course description on our webpages, with any additional costs stated.
Are online courses flexible if you work full time?
Your learning will be divided up into a weekly schedule so you can see what work you should aim to get through on a weekly basis. Our online courses put you in the driving seat so that you can create a schedule that enables you to study alongside continuing to achieve your professional goals.
The content of your course will be available at any time via our learning platform called Exeter Learning Environment (ELE), for you to work through at your own pace at a time that suits you. Should a course offer an online meeting or seminar, there will either be a selection of times available, or attendance will be non-mandatory, therefore, there will be no detriment to a student’s success on the course.
Do I need a specific type of computer for my online study?
To study with the University of Exeter and benefit from the full digital experience, you will need access to a computer with speaker and webcam, as well as reliable internet with a decent download speed. You will also need basic IT literacy of programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, for which we provide licences.
We also make additional recommendations that will enhance your studies on our support and requirements webpage.
Studying online with the University of Exeter
How much does an online degree or short course cost?
The fee for your chosen course is shown at the top of the course page.
For our Masters courses the fee shows the total amount it will cost if you complete the degree in the minimum time of two years. If you take longer than two years, for example, because you take one or more breaks between modules, the total fee you pay may increase slightly due to inflation.
To make it easier to budget, you don’t need to pay the total fee upfront. Instead, you can pay for each module as you are about to start studying it. You can pay for the whole year if you prefer, but the minimum payment is at least the cost of the module(s) you are taking that term.
A deposit may be required, please check the individual course page for more information.
Can I study an online course if I’m located overseas?
Yes, we encourage applications from students around the world to study our courses.
Will I have a graduation for studying online?
There will be the opportunity to attend a graduation ceremony.
Fees and funding for online degrees and courses
Can I change my online study programme?
It is sometimes possible to change programmes. If the programme you wish to change to is within the same discipline please contact Admissions via the online form, providing us with details of the programme you wish to be considered for.
If you are wishing to apply to a programme that is in a different discipline, you will need to submit a new application via the applicant portal Your Gateway.
How do I pay my tuition fees?
You will need your 9-digit Exeter Student Number, your Date of Birth and Full Name. Details of how to pay can be found on our Make a Payment pages.
If you are in receipt of a Postgraduate Loan, you will need to activate your IT account and submit a SID enquiry under ‘Online Programmes Funding Evidence’ to provide a copy of your payment schedule.
If your application for a scholarship was successful, it will be automatically deducted from your tuition fees upon enrolment.
Once your payment has reached Admissions, your status will be updated and an email confirmation sent. You will be able to view this on Your Gateway.
PLEASE NOTE – it can take up to 10 working days after a payment is made for your admission status to be updated.
What happens if I have applied for a postgraduate loan?
We understand that some applicants may be awaiting the approval of a postgraduate loan to pay for their course. In these circumstances and if evidence is provided through a SID enquiry, access to learning material will be provided prior to receipt of payment.
Max, an Online Masters student
"As a Russell Group member, the University of Exeter represents one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The online programme additionally enabled me to continue doing my job in Munich, and therefore, to put the theoretical knowledge gained throughout the course into practice."
Carys, studying MSc Psychology (Conversion) Online
"The MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme is really fascinating. I’m diving into topics that I’ve been interested in before, but now I’m getting a chance to discover more about them in greater detail.
I’ve also loved the friendships I’ve made. We’ve started a WhatsApp group and are sharing the highs and lows of studying online. It’s replaced the time you’d usually spend in the coffee shop after a lecture if you were on campus."
Joanna, an Online Masters student
"Interaction is key to sustaining and building all relationships and a key motivator too. Online learning can be a very rewarding and satisfying experience.
You get out of relationships what you put in – online learning is no exception to this. The people at Exeter gave me the feeling that they were without exception, deeply committed to their side of this relationship."
