University of Cambridge

Overview

The University of Cambridge is a public research institution situated 50 miles north of London, in the heart of the ancient city of Cambridge. Every year, it serves thousands of students from all over the globe.

Established in 1209, the university stands as the fourth-oldest university in the world that is still in operation and the second-oldest institution in the English-speaking world. The university’s establishment was the result of the “town and gown” riots in Oxford. Scholars from Oxford escaped to Cambridge in an attempt to avoid the townspeople. To prevent the possibility of further troubles, Cambridge authorities only allowed entry for scholars who will be under the supervision of a master.

In 1284, Peterhouse, which also served as the university’s first college, was founded by the bishop of Ely, Hugo de Balsham. The establishment of Peterhouse also served as the first orderly place of residence for the scholars, who emulated the system in Oxford. Over the following centuries, 15 more colleges were established. Ultimately, Pope John XII formally recognized Cambridge as a studium generale in 1318.

Currently, the University of Cambridge comprises 31 autonomous colleges. Most of these, particularly the older ones, are located along the famous river Cam. With the autonomy of each school in the university, students can apply directly to the college of their choice as opposed to sending applications through the main campus. Students of the autonomous colleges participate in small-group teaching sessions, which are formally known as college supervisions. They can also reside within their preferred college.

The University of Cambridge is organized into six different schools: Arts and Humanities, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology. These schools are further divided into different colleges, faculties, and departments. In total, the autonomous colleges collectively house around 150 institutions. Cambridge also offers International Summer Schools that offer about 150 programs to international students hailing from over 50 countries.

Cambridge consists of numerous buildings. It is also home to more than 100 libraries that serve as homes to at least 15 million books. The main Cambridge University library, which also serves as a legal depository, has around eight million listed books and resources. The University of Cambridge also owns museums for arts, science, and culture. These are open to the public all year-round.

Operating for about a millennia, the university has already produced a multitude of notable alumni, including Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Christopher Marlowe, and Paul Dirac, to name a few. The university also has affiliations with Nobel Prize laureates, covering every category.