Higher Education in Great Britain
In early centuries Oxford and Cambridge were the only universities in the UK. They were founded in the Medieval period and dominated the British education.
By the middle of the 19th century two more universities were formed: the University of London and the University of Durham. After that Redbrick universities were founded in the major industrial cities of England (Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol and Manchester). They were initially established as civic science or engineering colleges and gave mostly technological training for the poorer boys. So the division between Oxbridge and Redbrick universities was a class one.
In the middle of the 20th century the so-called Plate Glass Universities were built and universities founded after 1992 are called the New Universities.
Higher education in the UK is represented by colleges, institutes and universities. All British universities are private institutions. Institutions vary in size, mission and the range of subjects taught as well as the different concentration on teaching or research. Universities' governing bodies are responsible for the effective management, future strategy, planning and monitoring of the institution. Although they receive financial support from the state, the Department of Education and Science has no control over their regulations, curriculum, examinations, appointment of staff.
Students have to pay fees and living costs, but every student may obtain a personal grant from local authorities. It depends on the income of the student’s parents. If the parents do not earn much money, their children will receive a full grant which will cover all the expenses.
Students studying for first degrees are known as undergraduates. After three or four years the students will take their finals. Those who pass examinations successfully are given the Bachelors degree: Bachelor of Arts or History or Bachelor of Science. The first postgraduate degree is Master of Arts, Master of Science. Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree. It is given for some original research work which is an important contribution to knowledge.
Open Days are a chance for applicants to see the university, meet students and ask questions. All this will help you decide whether you have made the right choice.
TEXT 4. Read and translate the text in order to answer the questions:
1. What is Oxbridge?
2. Which is the oldest: Oxford or Cambridge?
3. Who studied there?
4. What is Oxbridge made up of?
5. What do the colleges include?
6. How is the Oxbridge staff called?
7. What is special about the system of teaching?
8. What clubs and societies are there at Oxbridge?
9. Is sport popular at Oxbridge?
10. What is the most famous competition between Oxford and Cambridge?
Oxbridge
Oxford and Cambridge are the oldest and the most prestigious universities in Britain. They are known together as ‘Oxbridge’. Lots of prominent British people studied there. Oxford is the oldest of the two. Nobody knows for sure when it was founded but teaching existed in some form in 1096. Cambridge was formed in 1209 by scholars leaving Oxford after a dispute with townsfolk. Until the late 19th century only men were allowed to be students at the two universities.
Oxbridge today is made up of about 70 independent colleges. Each of them has its name, its coat of arms and its own buildings, including a chapel, a library, a dining hall and rooms for students to live in.
Each Oxbridge college has its own staff, known as ‘Fellows’. The Fellows teach the college students either one-to-one or in very small groups (known as ‘tutorials’ in Oxford and ‘supervision’ in Cambridge). This system of teaching is one of the ways in which Oxford and Cambridge differ from other universities. Students also go to lectures that are arranged by the University and are open to all students.
There are lots of societies at Oxbridge: debating clubs, drama societies, language, political and cinema clubs. Sport is also a very important part of Oxbridge life. The most famous competition between Oxford and Cambridge is the Boat Race, a rowing race which takes place every year on the River Thames. It’s a popular national event and is shown on TV.