How your degree is structured
You can combine subjects in various proportions and in the case of some subject combinations the proportion can change each year, provided core, compulsory modules are taken.
All our undergraduate degree programmes are made up of modules, each of which has a credit value, usually 15 or 30 credits. You take modules to the value of 120 credits in each year. If you choose to study two subjects you will likely weight the credits 60/60, and in some cases this is essential. But in some subject combinations you could make one subject a “major” and one subject a “minor” through a 75/45 credit arrangement. If you study three subjects you would organise your credits as 45/45/30 or 60/30/30. This will be reflected in your degree title.
Year 1
In your first year you usually take a combination of one or more compulsory modules, plus optional modules chosen from those available in that year. Please be aware that some subjects only offer compulsory modules in order for students to have a thorough understanding in order to progress to second year and third year study eg. BioSciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology.
If you are a prospective student and would like to find out more about the subjects available for study, module choices and entry requirements please visit the FCH undergraduate pages.
If you are a current student and would like more information on the subjects available for study and module choices please visit our current students page.
Note – optional modules are subject to change and not all modules are available to FCH students, due to timetable constraints.
Year 2
In your second year, most subjects will offer more choice of modules and may be able to structure your degree more flexibly to reflect your own preferences. It is occasionally possible to drop a first-year subject and start a new one or follow a new themed pathway. Ask the FCH admin team and Director.
If you are a prospective student and would like to find out more about the subjects available for study, module choices and entry requirements please visit the FCH undergraduate pages.
If you are a current student and would like more information on the subjects available for study and module choices please visit our current students page.
Note – optional modules are subject to change and not all modules are available to FCH students, due to timetable constraints.
Note – some subjects are unlikely to allow second year entry due to space and timetabling. For example: Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, Philosophy, English, History, Medical Sciences and some other subjects.
Year 3
If you study a language through the Modern Language department, as 50% of your degree, you will spend your third year abroad as an integral, compulsory part of your programme.
If you are a non-language student you can apply directly for a four-year programme, or add a year abroad once you are at Exeter subject to space being available (this is not guaranteed). The year abroad consists of study in a partner university or a graduate-level work placement in the UK or abroad.
Degrees in Exeter
Degrees in Cornwall
Final year
During your final year you can also include research-based independent study or a dissertation with individual supervision in a subject of your choice.
If you are a prospective student and would like to find out more about the subjects available for study, module choices and entry requirements please visit the FCH undergraduate pages.
If you are a current student and would like more information on the subjects available for study and module choices please visit our current students page.
Note – optional modules are subject to change and not all modules are available to FCH students, due to timetable constraints.
