Ancient universities

The ancient universities in United Kingdom are, in order of formation:

· University of Oxford – founded before 1167.

· University of Cambridge – founded in 1209.

· University of St Andrews – founded in 1413 (incorporating the University of Dundee from 1897 to 1967).

· University of Glasgow – founded in 1451.

· University of Aberdeen – founded in 1495 (as King’s College, Aberdeen).

· University of Edinburgh – founded in 1582.

Following the creation of the ancient universities, no more universities were created in the region until the late 18^th century.

The University of Oxford (or simply Oxford), located in the city of Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is also regarded as one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The most distinctive features of this university are its tutorial and college systems.

The colleges * are completely autonomous: each college has its own tutors, administrators, grounds, residence halls and traditions. Students apply to a college, rather than to Oxford University, and most Oxford students readily identify themselves as students at their particular college, rather than the University itself. While each college monitors students’ academic progress and personal welfare, Oxford University conducts degree examinations, confers degrees, organizes lectures and maintains museums, libraries, laboratories and lecture halls. The faculties of the university are responsible for teaching and scholarship within their disciplines and provide tutors to students within their disciplines in the colleges.

The hallmark of Oxford University academics is the tutorial system. The tutorial is typically a one-hour meeting between one or two students and the tutor. Tutorials usually meet once a week or every other week, and at the center of the tutorial is an essay on a topic the tutor previously assigned. The tutor will lead a discussion about the essay topic in an effort to provide new insights. At the end of the tutorial, the tutor will assign a new topic and may offer recommended reading. Tutorials are individually arranged, taking into account the subject to be studied and the tutor’s area of expertise. They are similar to independent study courses, but Oxford students bear even more responsibility for conducting independent research and maintaining good academic progress. Oxford University organizes weekly lectures on myriad academic subjects, and all students at the University, regardless of college, are welcome to attend. Lectures are not usually mandatory except for some science subjects, but tutors often recommend them as good supplements to tutorials and research.

The University of Cambridge** is one of the world’s oldest universities and leading academic centres, and a self-governed community of scholars. Cambridge comprises 31 Colleges and over 150 departments, faculties, schools and other institutions.

Each college is an independent institution with its own property and income. The colleges appoint their own staff and are responsible for selecting students, in accordance with University regulations. The teaching of students is shared between the Colleges and University departments. Degrees are awarded by the University.

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