Oxbridge

Oxbridge is a collective name of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. This term is used in contrast to other British Universities and it implies their superior social and intellectual status. The term is rather new although both universities were founded more than eight centuries ago.

Oxbridge is also used as shorthand for characteristics which both universities share. Both Universities were founded in the 13^th century and were the only English universities until the 19^th century. Many great scientists, writers, politicians and members of the Royal family studied there. Among them you can find Francis Bacon (a philosopher and statesman), John Milton (a poet), Isaac Newton (a physicist and mathematician) and Oliver Cromwell (an English military and political leader).

Because of their age, they have established similar institutions and facilities such as printing houses (Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press). Rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge has a long history. Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is an example of this rivalry in sports.

Entrance to these universities is extremely competitive. They are targeted by ambitious pupils, parents and schools. The majority of applicants come from public schools.

The principal undergraduate teaching method at Oxbridge is based on tutorial system. A tutorial is a small class of one or a few students, in which the tutor gives individual attention to the students. For example, in Oxford faculty / student ratio is one to four. The tutorial itself is a one-hour meeting between the tutor and one or two students. During this time, a piece of written work (an essay) is read and discussed. At the end of the tutorial, the tutor assigns the topic of study for the coming week and suggests readings. The student studies one primary (8 tutorials) and one secondary subject (4 or 5 tutorials) at 1–2 week intervals during the term. At Cambridge the tutorials are called “supervisions”.

Both universities are collegiate institutions. They consist of self-governing colleges. There are 38 colleges in Oxford and 31 in Cambridge. Tutorials and classes are the responsibility of colleges, while lectures, examinations, laboratories and the central library are run by the university.

Notes:

shorthand – зд. условное обозначение

Boat Race - лодочные гонки, состязания по гребле

public school - закрытое частное привилегированное среднее учебное заведение для мальчиков (в Англии)

tutorial – консультация, встреча с руководителем (в колледже или университете)

tutor – руководитель группы (в университете)

faculty – профессорско-преподавательский состав

supervision – руководство

collegiate – состоящий из колледжей

Read the text “How to Apply to a University in the UK”. Answer the following pre-reading questions.

1. Would you like to study abroad if you had enough money? Why? Where would you like to go?

2. What course would you choose?

3. Would it be difficult to apply for an international student do you think?