The University of Cambridge (legally The Chancellor, Masters, and Scholars of the University of Cambridge) is a collegiate public research university in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Founded in 1209 and granted a royal charter by King Henry III in 1231, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s fourth-oldest surviving university. The university grew out of an association of scholars who left the University of Oxford after a dispute with the townspeople. The two ancient universities share many common features and are often referred to jointly as “Oxbridge”.
The history of the University of Cambridge can be traced back to around 1208 when a group of scholars left Oxford after a disagreement with townsfolk there and migrated to Cambridge. The University’s first college, Peterhouse, was founded in 1284 by Hugh de Balsham, Bishop of Ely. As centenary celebrations for 900 years began in 2009, controversy also broke out over whether or not women should be allowed to become full members (known as fellows) of colleges – currently they may only study for degrees and hold certain junior posts. In 2010 the first female fellow was elected at Churchill College.
Although teaching has always been central to what we do at Cambridge, research is now recognised as playing an equally important role. Indeed it was largely because our early researchers achieved such distinction that teaching came here in the first place: students were attracted by our reputation for excellence. Today this tradition continues: more than 80%of our academic staff are actively engaged in research which encompasses both basic science and applied technology; while nearly 60%of our undergraduates go on to postgraduate study – often staying on to conduct research themselves.
It’s no surprise that such commitment should bring rewards: eight Nobel Prizes have been awarded to members or former members of staff since 2004; while last year alone saw over £400 million worthof external research grants secured by academics across all disciplines.
But if numbers don’t mean much to you then let’s put it another way: whatever your field – from engineering and medicine through law, economics or divinity – you’ll find yourself learning from specialists who are leaders in their chosen field; people whose work has changed lives or even transformed whole industries worldwide; people committed not justto passing on their knowledge but alsoto sharing their excitement about their subject with you