Oldest Universities in UK

The history of education in England dates back to the 5th century when academic institutions were only for male nobles and gentry. Spanning across a long historical period, the UK education system evolved into a progressed and modern apparatus making it one of the top study destinations in the world. Becoming a revered place for higher learning, the UK is home to many oldest universities in the world which have been founded even more than 800 years back! This blog explores the oldest universities in UK, their long history of learning and teaching excellence and how they have consistently strived towards implementing the best learning and academic environment for students around the world!

University of Oxford 

One of the leading universities in the world, the University of Oxford shows evidence of teaching and learning from as early as 1096. Ranking 4th globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2020, it is amongst the oldest universities in UK and the second oldest continuously running university in the world. Oxford University offers around 350 different graduate degree programs and is organised into 39 independent colleges and 6 permanent private halls. There are 4 academic divisions of Medical Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences, which together comprise around 100 academic departments of study. Around 43 percent of the student body at the University of Oxford is constituted of international students.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is the second oldest university in the UK. It was established by an association of scholars who left the University of Oxford due to some issues with the people of the town. The university consists of 31 autonomous colleges and six schools (Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Technology and Physical Sciences), each consisting of numerous departments. It also has 8 principal non-school institutions. The University of Cambridge occupies the 7th position according to the QS World University Rankings 2020.

University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews was founded in 1410 and is the third among the oldest universities in UK. It is also the oldest university in Scotland and arrived at the 100th position according to the QS World University Rankings 2020. Constituted of a total of 25 schools, the university comprises of four main faculties across the disciplines of Arts, Divinity, Medicine and Science. The University of St Andrews offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in around 42 different subjects of study. Additionally, it also offers an assorted range of non-degree and tailored short courses for students.

University of Glasgow 

Established in the University of Glasgow, this academic institution in Scotland was founded by a papal bull (a form of public decree) in Glasgow, Scotland. Featured at 67th in the QS World University Rankings 2020, this university is a renowned centre for internationally acclaimed research. The university offers over 600 different courses at the undergraduate level and around 300 courses at the postgraduate level of study. The degrees offered are flexible in nature with a choice of studying multiple subjects before deciding on a specialization. The University of Glasgow also offers a plethora of postgraduate degrees and research-oriented programs taught in an online mode.

University of Edinburgh

Getting the 20th rank in the QS World University Rankings 2020, the University of Edinburgh is spread across five campuses in Edinburgh. Founded in 1582, it ranks sixth among the oldest universities in UK. The university comprises 3 colleges, collectively hosting 21 schools, each divided into various academic sub-units or departments. It offers excellent research opportunities in the areas of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Science and Engineering, Animal Research etc.

University of Aberdeen

Another essential mention amongst the oldest universities in UK, the University of Aberdeen came into being in 195. Located in Scotland, it ranks 207th globally as per the QS World University Rankings 2020. The university is internationally acclaimed for its research and is among the best universities in the UK for degree programs in dentistry and sports science. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a vast range of disciplines divided among 12 schools. The major schools of the University of Aberdeen are divided across Biological Sciences, Language, Literature, Geosciences, Engineering, Medicine, History and Philosophy, Social Science, amongst others.

University College London

Originally named as London University in 1826, the University College London is the first university to be established in the capital city. Placed 8th according to the QS World University Rankings 2020, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a vast array of subjects divided among 11 faculties including Life Sciences, Social and Historical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Laws, Bartlett, Medical Sciences, to name a few. Additionally, the University College London also offers students the chance to choose from around 400 short courses which can be pursued both online and on campus.

University of Manchester

Founded in 1824, the University of Manchester was established after the merger of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and the Victoria University of Manchester. It is ranked as one of the top universities in the UK and ranks 27 in the World University Ranking QS 2021. The university offers various specializations for international students with business and marketing being the most popular programs. Students enjoy a pleasant learning environment and also study in the iconic Victorian buildings. 

Durham University

Established in 1832, Durham University is a  collegiate public research university and is the 3rd oldest university in England. Having excellence of more than 150 years old, the university is known for its programs in Theology, divinity and religious studies. Archaeology. Durham University is ranked #82 globally by QS World Rankings 2021. It is also a member of the prestigious British research universities’ Russell Group and has the highest graduate employment rate in the UK. Apart from academics, students also benefit from international partnerships and associations.

Hence, the UK is significantly a famed seat of higher education and is an old-time favorite amongst those planning to pursue overseas studies! We hope that this blog helped you browse through the oldest universities in UK. Aspiring to study your dream course in the UK? Our Leverage Edu experts are just a click away from guiding you throughout the process of choosing the best course and university as well as sorting out the admission process to ensure that you send a winning application! Sign up for a free consultation session with us today!