Added: 11/29/2005 |
The University of Oxford is Your Guide in the Successful FutureThough the exact date of the university's foundation remains unclear, the established facts point out to the year 1096, which is regarded as the beginning of the history of Oxford University. Shortly after its foundation the University of Oxford showed the signs of rapid growth. The main reason for this was the royal decree of Henry II of England in 1167, according to which English students could no longer study at the University of Paris.
The expansion of the university started with the establishment of the first halls of residence, which transformed later into colleges. In 1209 many scholars left the university for other parts of England, which led to the establishment of the University of Cambridge. The two universities have since become rivals and are recognized as the most prestigious universities of the United Kingdom, commonly referred to as Oxbridge.
The status of a university was granted to Oxford in 1571 as well as its formal title The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford.
The university's history is closely interlinked with the social life of the country. In 1603 it got the right to appoint two Members of Parliament. During the English Civil War the university offered its support to the king Charles I thus becoming the site of his parliament and court. In 1830 it was a site of the Oxford Movement of the Church of England. The Royal Commission, aimed at reforming the university was first established in 1850. Later Commissions were appointed in 1872 and 1919. Women were first admitted to the University of Oxford in 1878.
As one of the world's most prominent universities Oxford attracts students and scholars from all over the world. Today more than half of the university students come from state schools. Various scholarships and exhibitions are available to the most successful students. The university collaborates with nearly 90 research institutions, located in China, India, the USA, South Africa and Latin America. Some exchange agreements were concluded with the overseas universities, including Kyoto University, Princeton University, Peking University and Australian National University. The university values the international students, who comprise over 25% of the student body. A wide range of scholarships is offered for their support.
The University of Oxford is a founding member of the Franco-British Student Alliance, which was established to addresses the issues of Franco-British relations. The alliance reflects a joint co-operation of six major universities, including the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Sciences Po Paris, HEC and top engineering school of France the Ecole Polytechnique. The goal of the Franco-British Student Alliance is the promotion of Franco-British co-operation.
The University of Oxford is a member of a group of leading European universities, known as the Coimbra Group, the Russell Group of research led British universities and the League of European Research Universities.
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