Legacy is a term coined to describe the most renowned names in the world. The most excellent establishments have created history—here, universities. The UK is known for its British excellence and the standard of education it has produced year after year. The greatest minds of history, namely Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and more, have graduated from these learning centres.
Given its impressive reputation, it’s no surprise that 2.4 million students choose to study at universities in the UK each year. Here is our list of 8 oldest British universities in the UK:
List Of Oldest Universities In The UK:
The UK is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, each with a rich history and significant contributions to education and society. All of these universities have played vital roles in shaping higher education in the country. This overview will explore these ancient universities, highlighting their founding dates, notable programs, and historical significance.
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university located in Oxford, England. With teaching evidence dating back to 1096, it is recognised as England’s oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second oldest in continuous operation globally. The university grew rapidly after 1167 when English students were banned from attending the University of Paris. It comprises 43 constituent colleges, each a self-governing institution, and has a diverse range of academic departments organised into four divisions. Oxford is renowned for its rigorous academic programmes and has produced numerous notable alumni, including 31 UK prime ministers and 73 Nobel laureates. The university operates the Ashmolean Museum, the oldest university museum in the world, and has consistently ranked among the top universities globally for its academic excellence.
Ranking: 2
Average Tuition Fees: £27,840 – £39,010
Acceptance Rate: 17.5%
Top Courses: Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Medicine
2. University of Cambridge
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is a prestigious collegiate research university in Cambridge, England. It emerged when scholars left Oxford due to conflicts with local townsfolk. Cambridge is known for its rigorous academic standards and has produced many notable alumni, including over 116 Nobel laureates and influential figures like Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking. The university consists of 31 colleges, each offering a unique educational environment. Cambridge strongly emphasises research and innovation, contributing significantly to various fields, particularly in science and technology.
Ranking: 3
Average Tuition Fees: £22,227 – £58,738
Acceptance Rate: 15%
Top Courses: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities
3. University of St Andrews
Established between 1410 and 1413, the University of St Andrews is Scotland’s oldest university in St Andrews. Renowned for its high student satisfaction rates and academic rigour, it offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The university strongly focuses on research and has produced notable alumni, including Prince William and several prominent political figures. St Andrews is known for its picturesque coastal setting and historic architecture, providing a unique environment for students.
Ranking: 95
Average Tuition Fees: £28,190 – £30,160
Acceptance Rate: 8-12%
Top Courses: Psychology, International Relations, Economics
4. University of Glasgow
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Located in Glasgow, Scotland, it has a rich history and is known for its strong emphasis on research across various disciplines. The university boasts notable alumni such as Adam Smith, the father of economics. Glasgow consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK and worldwide with a diverse student body and a commitment to academic excellence.
Ranking: 82
Average Tuition Fees: £19,540 – £27,990
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Top Courses: Business, Law, Medicine
5. University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, is one of Scotland’s oldest universities. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines. The university has been recognised for its commitment to research and innovation, earning accolades such as Scottish University of the Year in 2019. Notable alumni include several influential figures in politics, science, and literature.
Ranking: 204
Average Tuition Fees: £20,500 – £24,000
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Top Courses: Engineering, Business Management
6. University of Edinburgh
Established in 1582, the University of Edinburgh was initially founded as a college of law. It has since expanded to offer a broad range of disciplines. The university is known for its contributions to medicine, science, and the humanities, with notable alumni such as Charles Darwin and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural scene complements its academic environment, making it an attractive student destination.
Ranking: 16
Average Tuition Fees: £22,700 – £37,100
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Top Courses: Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Art
7. University College London (UCL)
Founded in 1826, University College London (UCL) was established as the first university in England to admit students regardless of religion or gender. Located in London, UCL offers various programmes across various disciplines. It is known for its research output and has produced numerous notable alumni, including Mahatma Gandhi and Alexander Graham Bell. UCL’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation continues to make it one of the leading institutions in higher education.
Ranking: 8
Average Tuition Fees: £26,600 – £38,300
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Top Courses: Architecture, Law, Psychology
8. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester’s roots can be traced back to 1824 when the Manchester Mechanics Institute was established. Officially launched as a modern institution in 2004 through a merger, it is now one of the largest universities in the UK. Known for its strengths in science and engineering fields, Manchester boasts notable alumni such as Ernest Rutherford and Brian Cox. The university emphasises research-led teaching and has significantly contributed to various academic disciplines throughout its history.
Ranking: 29
Average Tuition Fees: £24,000 – £31,000
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Top Courses: Business Management, Engineering
Each institution has played a vital role in shaping education and research within the UK and on a global scale. With their diverse programmes, renowned alumni, and commitment to innovation, these oldest universities in the United Kingdom continue to attract students worldwide, fostering an environment where knowledge thrives and future leaders are nurtured. As they progress, these ancient institutions remain at the forefront of higher education, adapting to new challenges while preserving their storied legacies.
FAQs
What university is older than Oxford?
The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is older than the University of Oxford, which has evidence of teaching as early as 1096. However, Oxford is considered the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s second-oldest university in continuous operation.
How many ancient universities are there in the UK?
There are seven ancient universities in the UK, which include four in Scotland (University of St Andrews, University of Glasgow, University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh), two in England (University of Oxford and University of Cambridge), and one in Ireland (Trinity College Dublin)
What is the third oldest university in the UK?
The third oldest university in the UK is the University of St Andrews, founded between 1410 and 1413. It is recognised as Scotland’s oldest university and holds a significant place in the history of higher education in the UK.
Is Oxford better than Cambridge?
Both universities are world-renowned and have similar academic standards. Still, they differ in teaching styles, campus atmosphere, and course offerings, making the choice primarily personal based on specific interests and goals.
What is the first-ranking university in the UK?
According to various university rankings, including the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, the first-ranking university in the UK is the University of Oxford.
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