Exeter Employability Award: Build Skills & Experience

University of Exeter
Exeter and Penryn Campuses, United Kingdom

The University of Exeter offers the Exeter Award, an extracurricular and co-curricular employability achievement programme designed for current undergraduate and taught postgraduate students. Delivered in partnership with the Students' Guild in Exeter and the Students' Union in Penryn, the programme provides structured opportunities for students to develop professional skills, gain work experience, and enhance their employability profile.

The Exeter Award focuses on continuous professional development and recognition of activities undertaken alongside academic studies. Participants complete a structured journey that includes employability workshops, skills sessions, mock applications, and interview preparation. A key component of the programme is the completion of at least 35 hours of work experience or volunteering, which can be undertaken in any country and across various roles, including part-time work or self-employment.

Completion of the award results in formal recognition by the University and is recorded on the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR). The programme is designed to help students build a strong CV, improve job readiness, and demonstrate key competencies sought by employers. Students who complete the award are statistically more likely to secure graduate-level employment within six months of graduation.

• Open to current undergraduate and taught postgraduate students at the University of Exeter
• International Study Centre (ISC) students enrolled in eligible programmes may participate
• Must complete required activities before graduation

• Willingness to engage in professional development activities
• Participation in employability workshops and training sessions
• Completion of a minimum of 35 hours of work experience or volunteering
• Ability to complete mock job applications and attend mock interviews
• Commitment to building transferable skills such as communication, networking, and teamwork

• Not applicable (non-paid employability development programme)

• No fixed deadline; must be completed during the period of study before graduation