OXFORD: CITY AND UNIVERSITY
Oxford is an ancient and compact city which has grown up around the university, having originally been a cattle-crossing point of the Thames, hence the name "Ox(en)ford". The oldest college, Merton, was founded in 1264, although legend has it that University College may have been founded by King Alfred the Great as early as 872. Since the first colleges were established the university has grown steadily, having now reached a total of thirty-nine constituent colleges. It has gained a reputation second to none for academic excellence and is home to some of the best young minds of each succeeding generation. All Oxford undergraduates must be accepted by one of the colleges which comprise the university and are taught by ‘fellows' of that college, eminent academics in their chosen field. Tutorials are held weekly, to monitor and supervise students' work and research, and courses of lectures are organised by the university each term. Each college has its own identity and most have architecturally fascinating buildings and splendid gardens, oases of scholarship and tranquillity in this vibrant modern city. Oxford boasts a wealth of excellent teaching and has always depended upon the educational activity which takes place within it.
| "Spending a year studying abroad in Oxford left with me with a global perspective that any student should strive for. The atmosphere of Oxford is perfect both for learning and for its rich and varied culture. I particularly enjoyed the intellectual challenges posed in my classes and I look forward to developing my thinking further in my Law course at Southampton University." |
| Richard Ashley |
There are now two universities in Oxford, Oxford Brookes University having been granted its charter in 1992 and offering an excellent alternative to its venerable neighbour. As well as university education, there are a large number of other independent colleges offering a vast range of courses, including teacher training, secretarial, business, pre-university and English language courses.