University of Oxford

The University of Oxford, situated in the city of Oxford, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

History

The date of the university's foundation is unknown, and indeed it may not have been a single event, but there is evidence of teaching there as early as 1096. Following the murder of two students accused of rape in 1209, the University was disbanded. On June 20, 1214, the University returned to Oxford with a charter negotiated by Nicholas de Romanis, a papal legate.

When Henry III of England forbade English students to study at the University of Paris, Oxford began to grow very quickly. The foundation of the first halls of residence, which later became colleges, dates from this period and later.

Organisation

Oxford consists of a number of separate colleges, and students are enrolled in a specific one. These colleges are not only halls of residence, but are partly responsible for the teaching of undergraduates. The oldest colleges are University College, Balliol and Merton, established between 1249 and 1264. Women entered the university for the first time in 1878. They became members of the University (eligible to receive degrees) in 1920. Women's colleges before integration included Somerville College and Lady Margaret Hall. Almost all colleges are now co-educational, the only remaining women-only college being St. Hilda's.

Brasenose College in the 1670s

In addition to the colleges, there are a number of departments or faculties - one for each major subject studied. These organise lectures and are tasked with producing final examinations. Nevertheless, the principal task of many departments is research, much of which is privately funded (in the case of the more technical disciplines).

Famous Oxford scholars include:

Oxford's chief rival is Cambridge. Together Oxford and Cambridge are sometimes referred to as Oxbridge. Cambridge is considered stronger in scientific subjects whereas Oxford is stronger in languages and philosophy.

Oxford University is the setting of Gaudy Night, a Lord Peter Wimsey mystery by Dorothy Sayers (who was herself a student of Somerville).