OXBRIDGE. Oxford and Cambridge are the oldest and most prestigious universities in Great Britain

Oxford and Cambridge are the oldest and most prestigious universities in Great Britain. They are often called collectively Oxbridge. Both universities are independent. Only very rich and aristocratic families can afford to send their sons and daughters to these universities, mostly they are former public school levers.

The tutorial is the basic mode of instruction at Oxford and Cambridge, with lectures as optional extras.

The normal length of the degree course is three years, after which the students take the Degree of Bachelor of Arts. Some courses, such as languages or medicine, may be one or two years longer. The students may work for other degrees as well. The degrees are awarded at public degrees ceremonies.

Oxford and Cambridge universities consist of a number of colleges. Each college is different, but in many ways they are alike. Each college is governed by a Master. The Large ones have more than 400 members, the smallest colleges have less that 30. Each college offers teaching in a wide range of subjects. Within the college one will normally find a chapel, a dining hall, a library, rooms for undergraduates, fellows and Master, and also rooms for teaching purposes.

Oxford is one of oldest universities in Europe. It is the second largest in Britain, after London.

There are now twenty – four colleges for men, five for women and another five which have both men and women members, many from overseas studing for higher degrees. Among the oldest colleges are Universities College. All Souls and Christ Chuck.

The Cambridge University Started during the 13^th century and grew until today. Now there are more than 30 colleges.

The universities have over a hundred societies and clubs, enough for every interest one could imagine. Sport is a part of student’s life at Cambridge.