University Of Oxford

University of Oxford SkylineThe University of Oxford, referred to as Oxford, was established in 1096, is located in Oxford, England, UK. Oxford is considered the first university in the English-speaking world. The university experienced growth from 1167 when the English students were banned from attending University of Paris. Women have been granted degrees since 1920. The University of Oxford's recent enrollments have been more than 11,000 undergraduate and 7,000 postgraduate students. The institution draws from over 140 countries.

Oxford has a reputation as one of the premier universities in the UK and in the world. It is regularly ranked as a top English, European, and world university by publications such as the Times Good University Guide, Guardian University Guide, THE - QS World University Rankings, and others.

The university organizes its academic studies around over 35 colleges. Each of the colleges is independent and self governing. Oxford considers this system of colleges to be at core of its success -- it sees its students as having the advantages of belonging to a large, internationally regarded institution while at the same time being part of a smaller academic college community.

The university offers its undergraduate and graduate programs across four major divisions. These include:

  • Humanities
  • Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences
  • Medical Sciences
  • Social Sciences

Students at Oxford have over 400 clubs and societies to choose from, ranging from music, sports, literature, politics, performing arts, media, faiths, cultural groups, and opportunities for volunteering. Examples of groups include Oxford University Dramatic Society, Oxford University Student Union, Oxford University Psychology Society, and Oxford Union Society. For sports activities, while Oxford may be best known for its rowing and rugby, the University's Sports Federation helps run over 80 clubs including those for badminton, archery, boxing, cross-country, fencing, cricket, swimming, cycling, running, and baseball.

Notable alumni of Oxford span the centuries. As of 2010 the university's alumni have included 25 British Prime Ministers; at least 30 international leaders; 47 Nobel Prize winners; at least 6 kings, 12 saints; some 50 Olympic medal winners; and the editors of 2 UK national newspapers.

From the 20th and 21st centuries those who have studied or taught at Oxford include renowned personalities such as: Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web; Sir Roger Bannister, neurologist and athlete who ran the first sub four minute mile; Stephen Hawking, physicist; Margaret Thatcher, former UK prime minister; Tony Blair, former UK prime minister; William Clinton, former president of the US; Justice Stephen Breyer, member of the US Supreme Court; Indira Gandhi, former prime minister of India; Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan; Hugh Grant, actor; Aldous Huxley, author; Michael Palin, actor and writer; Sir Edwin Arnold, journalist and poet; and many others.

From earlier centuries famous students and faculty at Oxford include: Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson), author and academic; Cecil Rhodes, colonial pioneer, founder of the Rhodes Scholarships; Oscar Wilde, playwright and author; William Harvey, scientist who discovered the circulation of the blood; Jonathan Swift, author; Sir Walter Raleigh, explorer; and many more.

Campus Location

Wellington Square
Oxford OX1 2JD
England
Main Tel: +44 1865 270000
Web Site

More About University of Oxford

  • University of Oxford is a public school.
  • The school was founded in 1096.
  • The highest degree offered is the Doctorate degree.