Universities in the UK

Students in Britain go to university like we go. According to Life and Story (2008, P18), about 40% of students go to university, which is smaller number than Japan. Students choose their major first, and then apply to universities. University students study only their major subject and there are no general classes. Students have to take A Levels, which is a test for entering university. It is like center exam in Japan. It is very important to get good score on it. There are two famous university called Oxford and Cambridge, and we say them Oxbridge for short. I will mention the basic information of these two universities.


The University of Oxford is built in 11 century. Since it is so long ago we don't know who set up this university. This university is a public school, and it is the oldest university in the English-speaking country. That's why it has so many histories, and there are many famous people who graduated that school. There are about 20,000 students there, and 25 students became a prime minister of Britain and 6 students become a king before. This university is ranked as second highest university. Students are so intelligent.


The University of Cambridge is built in 1209 by the chancellor, masters and scholars of the University of Cambridge. About 18,000 students are studying there. This university is also public school, and the second oldest university in the English-speaking country. 81 students (At the time of OCT in 2005) awarded Nobel Prize. There were also Japanese famous students before.