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One of the world's oldest and best universities located in the county of Oxfordshire. It attracts thousands or even millions of students all over the world. When was it build? Who were its first students? And how does it function now? Keep on reading to discover all of that!
HISTORY
The foundation date of the university is unknow, although it is believed that already in 1096 there was teaching process. In the end of the 12th century, the university was well established with many students attending the classes. One of the reasons may be that in 1167 English students left the University of Paris and needed their own place to study. That's why the University of Oxford was constructed on the model of the University of Paris.
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The very first faculties of the university were the ones of theology, liberal arts, physical sciences and a bit later political science. By the 20th century, the faculties of modern languages and economics had been added and the reputation of the university had grown really a lot making it one of the best places to study.
NOWADAYS
The university looks like a whole city - all of the colleges, departments and other buildings are scattered in the city centre. Each college has a library, bars, churches, dormitories, etc. There are even pubs, shops, theatres, restaurants!
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A famous Sheldonian Theatre built during 1664-1669 and now used for lectures, concerts and university ceremonies is located here. Here you can also find the Botanic Garden located on the High Street which is the oldest botanic garden in the UK!
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Another notable thing is that many canteens and classrooms were featured in Harry Potter films. Besides, Oxford University has its own publishing house that publishes Oxford Dictionary known all over the world.
WHAT TO STUDY
Academic departments of Oxford can roughly be divided into four major areas: - Humanities; - Social Science; - Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences; - Medicine.
FAMOUS STUDENTS
As the university is ranked as one of the best ones, it is no surprise there are a lot of notable Oxonians (Oxford students). 69 Nobel prize-winners have studied or taught at Oxford, as well as many politicians (e.g. Margaret Thatcher, Boris Johnson). Other famous people who attended Oxford University are Indira Gandhi, Bill Clinton, Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, J.R.R. Tolkien, and many more.
Here's a little video about this amazing university. Enjoy it!
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The pubs look great!