The Truth About the “Magic Degree”: What University of Exeter Is Actually Offering

Recently, headlines and social media posts have claimed that the University of Exeter is launching the UK’s first-ever postgraduate degree in Magic and Occult Sciences. While this sounds dramatic, the reality is more nuanced and far more academically interesting.

Not the First Ever, But One of the Few

The University of Exeter in the UK is offering “Magic Degree” and the admissions are currently open. Many students think the uni is introducing magic as a fantasy or supernatural training course, but that’s not true. Instead, it offers a postgraduate degree titled MA in Magic and Occult Science, which is part of humanities and social science studies.

Importantly, this is not entirely new in 2026. The programme was announced earlier and has been running since around 2024, with admissions continuing.

It is also not literally the “first ever”, but it is among the very few specialised academic programmes in the UK dedicated to this subject.

What the Course Actually Teaches

Despite the name, the course is deeply academic and research-driven. It focuses on:

• The history of witchcraft and magic
• Folklore and mythology
• Religious and cultural traditions across societies
• The relationship between magic, science, and medicine
• Philosophical and social interpretations of belief systems

Students explore how magical thinking has influenced literature, religion, science, and society over centuries.

In simple terms: Harry potters aren’t lining up casting spells; the course is more about understanding human belief, culture, and knowledge systems.

An Interdisciplinary Approach

The programme stands out because it combines multiple academic fields, including:

• History
• Anthropology
• Literature
• Philosophy
• Religious studies

It is also linked to the university’s Centre for Magic and Esotericism, which supports research, discussions, and field-based learning.

This interdisciplinary approach allows students to study topics ranging from ancient occult traditions to modern cultural trends.

Who Can Apply?

One of the most accessible aspects of the course is its eligibility:

• Applicants typically need a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent
• Students from varied academic backgrounds can apply
• The course can be completed in 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)

This flexibility makes it attractive to students from both humanities and non-traditional backgrounds.

Why This Course Exists

The rise of this programme reflects a broader trend:
Growing global interest in folklore, spirituality, and alternative knowledge systems.

From tarot and astrology to cultural rituals, people today are increasingly curious about how such practices evolved and what they reveal about society.

Academically, this field helps answer deeper questions:

• Why do humans believe in the supernatural?
• How did magic influence early science and medicine?
• What role does belief play in shaping societies?

Beyond the Headlines

The idea of a “degree in magic” may sound sensational, but the truth is more grounded and intellectually valuable.

This course is about:

• Critical thinking
• Cultural understanding
• Historical analysis

It trains students to examine belief systems with academic rigor, not blind acceptance.

An Interesting Degree to Pursue

The University of Exeter is apparently not teaching students how to perform magic but it is teaching them how to study it as a serious academic subject.

So while the headlines may feel like something out of a fantasy novel, the reality is rooted in scholarship, research, and a deeper understanding of human culture. And that, arguably, is far more powerful than magic itself!