Traveling Through History
Issue 39: University Colleges - Oxford and Cambridge
Welcome
In 2017 I gained a place on a Pre-Master course in British and European Studies at the University of Oxford. A lifelong (40 year) dream. After one year I was fortunate enough to gain a place in a Masters course to study Early Modern History at Oriel College.
This was my first ‘taste’ of the college system at an English University but the ‘college’ system is unique to Oxford, Cambridge and to a lesser extent Durham Universities.
To study at an Oxbridge institution (an abbreviation used to denote the big ‘two’ Oxford and Cambridge within the UK), is a prestigious reward for your studious effort at your A Levels or further achievements in your life.
This week I will give you a small understanding of both universities and over this month, we will look at an in depth history of some of them.
March also sees the start of Women’s History Month and I will be posting on my social media profiles, quotes and information relating to famous women in history.
I hope you enjoy Traveling Through History with me this week, and for the rest of March through Oxford and Cambridge colleges.
Michelle
Savvy Travel Historian
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The Oxford University Collegiate System
The University of Oxford, renowned for its history and academic excellence, is a collegiate research university located in Oxford, England.
Its origins can be traced back to the late 11th century, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
The university's college system, a hallmark of its structure, has evolved significantly over the centuries. This system plays a central role in the university's operations, offering a unique blend of academic and social communities within the larger institution.
The first Oxford college, University College, was founded in 1249, although there are claims that it dates back to 872 when Alfred the Great established a scholarly community.
Shortly after, Balliol (1263) and Merton (1264) colleges were established, laying the foundation for the collegiate system. These early colleges were founded to provide students with accommodation and a supportive educational environment, a response to the needs of scholars who were flocking to Oxford from all over Europe.
The growth of the collegiate system accelerated during the 14th and 15thC, with the establishment of colleges such as Exeter (1314), Oriel (1326 - my college), and Queen's (1341).
Each college was set up with its statutes, governing body, and endowments, often provided by wealthy benefactors or religious institutions. The colleges were primarily established for the study of arts and theology, reflecting the educational priorities of the time.
Over the centuries, the number of colleges at Oxford grew, each founded to cater to different groups of students, with varying religious affiliations, educational missions, and, eventually, gender policies.
The colleges became centers of learning and scholarship, with their own libraries, chapels, and teaching staff, contributing significantly to the intellectual life of the university.
The inclusion of women in the University of Oxford's colleges marked a significant turning point in its history.
Women were first admitted to the university in 1878 at Lady Margaret Hall and Somerville College, both of which were initially established as halls for women students outside the university's formal structure.
However, it was not until 1920 that women were admitted as full members of the university, allowing them to take degrees and participate fully in university life. St. Hilda's College, founded in 1893, was the last of Oxford's single-sex colleges to become coeducational in 2008.
The transition to coeducational colleges at Oxford was gradual, with many of the traditionally male colleges beginning to admit women in the 1970s and 1980s. The move towards inclusivity and gender equality reflected broader societal changes and the university's commitment to providing a world-class education to all qualified students, regardless of gender.
Today, all colleges at the University of Oxford are coeducational, and they continue to evolve, reflecting the university's dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community.
There are currently 39 colleges and 6 permanent private halls at Oxford, each with its distinct character, traditions, and specialisation.
Colleges at Oxford are not merely residential halls but are integral to the academic fabric of the university. They provide students with a sense of belonging and community, opportunities for interdisciplinary interaction, and a supportive environment for personal and academic growth. Each college has its fellows and tutors, who are experts in their subjects and provide students with tutorials, a distinctive feature of the Oxford educational experience.
The history of the University of Oxford's colleges is a testament to the evolution of one of the world's leading institutions of higher learning. From their medieval origins to their present-day prominence, Oxford colleges have played a pivotal role in shaping the university's character, fostering academic excellence, and nurturing generations of scholars and leaders.
Over the rest of March we will be looking at:
Christ Church
Magdalen College
Oriel College
Somerville College
Mansfield College
New COllege
Worcester College and
Keble College
The Cambridge University Collegiate System
The collegiate system is a distinctive and defining feature of the University of Cambridge, mirroring a similar structure at its ancient rival, the University of Oxford.
Cambridge's collegiate system dates back to the early 13th century, evolving over the centuries into a complex and integral part of the university's fabric. This system combines the resources of a large, internationally renowned university with the intimacy of college communities, offering a unique academic and social environment.