The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, often known as Oxbridge, are the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. They were established almost 800 years ago in the 1000-1200s centuries. Both are the most prestigious and popular universities for all national and international students and accept practically the same number of students every year, around 25,000 in a wide range of short-term and long-term courses.
Oxford University and Cambridge University are like education brands on a global level. Both are super old and the best universities to pursue education and create the best opportunities in one's career. Both Universities are world-famous and are competitive with each other. They have set a benchmark for the world in terms of quality of education. In global University rankings, they are always neck to neck. If Oxford is ranked one for its research and excellence category, Cambridge is ranked one in the teaching category. According to the QS world university ranking, the University of Oxford is ranked above the University of Cambridge.
To choose between these two tough choices, one should consider the nature of the desired courses and their vision for their future, as both universities serve the best in education.
Comparison backgrounds for both the universities
Location of the Universities
Both the universities are located in the centre of Europe, i.e. London and are almost one hour away from the central city. Both universities have large renowned campuses and beautiful locations. Oxford has a more prominent campus than Cambridge and has a vibrant and cheerful environment, whereas Cambridge is quieter and picturesque.
Methodology for Teaching
Both universities offer a wide range of graduate, master's, post-graduate, research, and short-term courses online and offline. The Universities have different faculties, departments, other individual colleges, research centres, libraries, galleries, clubs, etc. The institutions follow modern technology and field-based teaching approaches with academic knowledge. Expert professors, tutorials, classes, laboratories, internships, and other events are common in both universities.
Assessment
Assessments are done by various formal and informal techniques, including written exams, practicals, minor projects, major projects, and other industrial-related internship programs and training.
- Oxford usually assists their students at the end of the first year and last year, and the degree is based on the final year's exam.
- Cambridge assigns their students in quite a different manner. They asset their students at the end of each academic year, and the degree is based on the collective results of all the semesters/academic year.
The Specialisation of Subjects
- Oxford has been featured in the UK for the specialisation in Arts and design, Business and management, English literature, Philosophy, Music, Economics, Politics, medicinal courses, etc.
- Whereas Cambridge's best programs in Architecture, Engineering, Pharmacy and pharmacology, linguistics, laws, etc.
Comparisons Course wise for both the universities
Law
- Bachelor of Arts in Law in Oxford emphasises the study of laws in their original forms, and to apply for admission, students must have higher grades or equivalent.
- BA in Law in Cambridge referred to as LLB, covers English law, the global legal system, and its history. It also requires entry-level minimum criteria (merit scores in the previous degree) for admission.
Medicine
- Oxford offers pre-medical courses with five-term courses which deal with basic medical science, clinical problems and academics are designed with both the theory and practical approach. The four-term system follows this course in Medicinal Science, which strongly focuses on tutorials and seminars. It provides opportunities for the student to apply to the Oxford Clinical School to complete their training and placements.
- Cambridge offers two types of courses: standard and the other is graduation. After completing the first three years (including the study of medicinal science), a student is awarded a BA degree. After completing the other three years in clinical studies, they are awarded a Bachelor of Surgery(includes medical practice).
Economics
- Oxford offers courses like Economics and Management: which come under the social science division and is taught by the Business School of Economics and the Department of Economics.
- Cambridge offers many courses related to economics like- sociology, politics, history, mathematics, statistics, etc., covering all the applied subjects.
Engineering
- Oxford has designed its engineering courses so that in the first two years of the degree, a student can learn the fundamentals of engineering. After that, they can choose their desired disciplines in Civil, Chemical, Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Information, technology, etc.
- Cambridge offers a BA degree after completing three years of course, and if students desire to continue with the course, they will be awarded an M.eng degree.
Admission Process
In the United Kingdom, if a student wants to pursue higher education, they must apply online via UCAS. After shortlisting, both universities will conduct separate written tests (essays), and further shortlisted students will get an invitation for personal interviews.
Cambridge requires to complete COPA (Cambridge preliminary application) and SAQ (supplementary application questionnaire) with the UCAS application.
By Mithila Rathod
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