Exeter is home to many higher education institutions, universities and joint projects of more universities. One of them is the largest employer in the city. There is also a large number of religious institutions.

Courses in the social sciences prepare students to engage within human society. Through courses such as economics, political science, anthropology, sociology, history, and psychology, students may gain a better understanding of how the world around them works.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom and Britain, is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. The two most famous (and oldest) universities are Oxford and Cambridge (often referred to as Oxbridge by many Britons). England also has several other world-class institutions, including several in London (notably Imperial College, the London School of Economics, University College London and King's College London, all are part of London University).

Achieving high scores on A-levels is important for UK students who wish to enter university. Institutions of higher learning use the results of these exams to decide if a student is prepared to study at their program.