About the University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s second oldest surviving university. While its exact founding date is unknown, there is evidence that teaching took place as far back as 1096. Located in and around Oxford’s medieval city centre, the university comprises 44 colleges and halls, and over 100 libraries, making it the largest library system in the UK.
A brief history
Oxford's 12th Century establishment is often attributed to King Henry II's barring of English students from attending the University of Paris, with early classes being in theology, medicine and law.
General information
Oxford academics are structured around the following divisions: Humanities, Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences, Medical Sciences and Social Sciences.
Quick facts about Oxford
- Average undergrad degree: 3 years course specific
- Setting: City in the rural area of Oxfordshire
- Residential Status: Primarily on campus
- Number of Undergraduates: 12,000 (approx)
22,155
54%
A*A*A-AAA
38-40
Oxford FAQ
What is Oxford's QS World University Ranking?
#4
What is the median starting salary of Oxford graduates?
$50,300 AUD
What percentage of Oxford students are international students?
40%
How hard is it to get into Oxford?
While Oxford’s overall admissions rate is approximately 17%, this rate is often lower for more competitive courses. Oxford and Cambridge are the two most competitive universities in the UK.
How many colleges and halls does Oxford have?
44
What is Oxford's Student-Faculty Ratio?
11:1
What's the easiest way to get into Oxford?
There is no easy way to get into Oxford! But starting early and seeking guidance from resources like Crimson can increase your chances by 400%
Six popular courses
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
This course, which combines 3 subjects into one, is only offered at a few exclusive institutions in the UK. Acceptance rates to Oxford's PPE course are one of the university's lowest at approx 15%.
Medicine
Oxford's 6 year medicine course provides well-rounded intellectual training with a particular emphasis on basic science research. The course is 3 years 'pre-clinical' and 3 years 'clinical'.
Law
Oxford law students develop a high level of skill in comprehension, analysis and presentation. Students read from a vast array of primary sources developing views on the law and the reasons behind it.
English Literature
The Oxford English faculty is the largest English department in Britain. All Oxford colleges have at least two tutors in English who are responsible for tutorial teaching in their own college.
History
Oxford is known for it's world class history department which offers a vast choice of subjects covering British and European history from the declining years of the Roman Empire to the present day.
Physics
Oxford has one of the largest physics departments in the UK, with an outstanding and research programme. Expertise in the department ensures the curriculum is updated in the light of new developments.
Virtual tour of University of Oxford
Notable alumni
Oxford is associated with 11 winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 5 in Physics and 16 in Medicine. Notable Oxford thinkers and scientists include Tim Berners-Lee, Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins. The actors Hugh Grant and Rosamund Pike also went to Oxford, as did the writers Oscar Wilde, Graham Greene, Vikram Seth and Philip Pullman.
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