Cambridge vs Oxford: Which University Should I Choose?
So how do you choose when it comes to Oxford vs Cambridge? Here are some factors you'll want to consider as you make your choice.
The Cambridge vs Oxford debate has been going on for hundreds of years. To be precise, it began in the year 1209, when a group of scholars left Oxford during the turbulent reign of King John. They settled in Cambridge and set up a new university. As the only two universities in Britain at that time, they began a rivalry that's as strong today as it ever was.
At first glance, Oxford and Cambridge universities look remarkably similar. They're Britain's most prestigious universities, they're deeply historic and traditional and they're both modern centres of world-class research. The similarities run deep - they're even an almost identical distance away from London (although in different directions). The university names have been combined to describe those who study at either - they're referred to as Oxbridge students.
So how do you choose when it comes to Oxford vs Cambridge? Here are some factors you'll want to consider as you make your choice.
Oxford vs Cambridge in University Rankings
When considering where to study for a degree, one of the first things to look at are the university rankings. These tables list universities in order of performance across various areas, such as teaching, research and quality of student life.
Here's how Oxford and Cambridge compare in the top three ranking systems of global universities:
Times Higher Education
- Top - University of Oxford
- Third - University of Cambridge
QS World University Rankings
- Second - University of Cambridge
- Third - University of Oxford
Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities
- Fourth - University of Cambridge
- Seventh - University of Oxford
Both Cambridge and Oxford are consistently in the top few places. They're not only some of the oldest universities in the world, they're also some of the very best for academic excellence.
Oxford vs Cambridge in Teaching Methods
The two universities both use similar teaching methods, based around the tutorial system. This teaching style places students in very small groups, typically no more than four, usually led by a college fellow.
One difference is that they are called tutorials at Oxford, and supervisions at Cambridge. These weekly sessions are highly interactive and are the main method of teaching. This sets both universities apart from others in Britain, which rely more on teaching through lectures.
Not only do both universities apply similar teaching methods, they both operate these methods through the collegiate system.
Colleges at Oxford and Cambridge
Colleges are a vital part of the education and student experience at Oxford and Cambridge universities. This is a significant difference from other universities. All Oxbridge students choose a college when they apply. This college is their home, where they sleep, eat and socialise during their undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
The residential colleges are prestigious institutions, often with long histories and rich traditions. They have their own libraries, dining halls, sports facilities and bars. Many clubs
and societies are based in individual colleges.
While each academic department at both Oxford and Cambridge is part of the main university, and there are central libraries and lecture halls, much of the learning takes place in colleges.
Colleges at the University of Cambridge
- 31 colleges
- 2 are women-only
- 3 are for over 21s only (mature students)
- 29 admit undergraduates
Colleges at the University of Oxford
- 36 colleges
- 1 for over 21s only (mature students)
- 32 admit undergraduates
All Oxford colleges now accept both male and female students.
While colleges are a vital part of life at the two universities, the university retains overall control over several key functions, including:
- Organising lectures and seminars.
- Providing central learning resources.
- Setting and marking exams.
- Awarding degrees.
Oxford University is divided into four academic divisions: Humanities Division, Medical Sciences Division, Social Sciences Division and Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.
Cambridge University comprises six Schools: Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Technology.
Oxford vs Cambridge Degrees and Academic Performance
Oxford and Cambridge are just two of many educational institutions that offer degree courses. As with all universities, the content of each course is unique to each institution, and the list of courses offered is not identical.
Every undergraduate degree is technically equal as an academic qualification, within the final degree classification. However, employers and others usually look more favourably on graduates from institutions nearer the top of world university rankings. Degrees from either Oxford or Cambridge are highly regarded.
Most of the 30 or so undergraduate degree courses at Cambridge University are in single subjects, such as Architecture, Law or Music.
Many of the around 50 undergraduate degrees from Oxford University are joint courses, with academic offerings such as Classics and English, History and Politics, or Philosophy and Theology.
When it comes to academic performance, the three ranking systems we've already mentioned show that the two universities closely match one another. There will always be more graduates with degrees from the University of Oxford, because it's the larger of the two.
Oxford vs Cambridge - Size, Location and Costs
There are over 26,000 students studying at the University of Oxford, compared to over 20,000 at the University of Cambridge. These numbers include overseas students from well over 100 countries.
The city of Oxford is larger and busier than Cambridge. Both universities have colleges and facilities in the city centre. The bustling city of Oxford lies in the hills west of London, while Cambridge lies in flat fenlands to the north. Both universities are about 60 miles from London.
The cities of both Oxford and Cambridge have rivers running through them. This has led to a strong tradition of rowing and punting. The Oxford and Cambridge rivalry is exemplified by the annual Boat Race, which takes place every spring. It began in 1829 and of the around 190 recorded results, Cambridge has a handful more wins than Oxford.
The educational and living costs for the two universities are high compared to most other institutions. The tuition fees for both Oxford and Cambridge are the same for UK undergraduates.
Many students use some form of financial support to cover tuition fees and living costs. These can be student loans, scholarships or other grants. The cost of living in both cities is broadly similar, although it’s higher than most other places in the UK.
Oxford vs Cambridge for Formality and Tradition
Both universities have a long and respected history. This has led to many traditions, such as formal events and the wearing of gowns at dinners and even in exams.
Oxford University, being a little older, is considered to be the more formal of the two. Many of the traditions are based around the individual colleges.
Students with less interest in tradition are often more comfortable in the newer colleges at Oxford and Cambridge,
Here are examples of traditions at the two universities:
Formal Hall: The colleges host Formal Hall several times a week. This is a three-course dinner by candlelight. Formal dress is required, and Fellows wear their gowns. Some colleges have a high table, reserved for Fellows, and there may be other traditions, such as readings before the meal.
Matriculation: This is the formal admission of a student into the university. Oxford students are required to participate in this formal ceremony within two terms of starting a course. In Cambridge matriculation must be completed in the first term. Both universities have a strict dress code for the event.
Bop: This is the term used at both Oxford and Cambridge for a party with music and dancing.
Bumping races: Boat racing is a major sport at the two universities. However, the rivers are too narrow to allow boats to race side by side. This has led to a tradition of bump racing.
It’s a form of race where boats race one behind the other. When one bumps another, the bumped boat pulls over to let the other pass.
Oxford vs Cambridge for Student Satisfaction
As the top universities in Britain, the student experience at both Oxford and Cambridge is world-class. Student satisfaction at both institutions is high.
The National Student Survey gives students the opportunity to provide feedback on their university experience. Here is a comparison of some answers given by students for the 2024 survey:
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
Cambridge: 93.8% positive
Oxford: 93.2% positive
How well organised is your course?
Cambridge: 69.4% positive
Oxford: 62.4% positive
How easy is it to access specific resources (e.g. equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
Cambridge: 94.1% positive
Oxford: 94.3% positive
The results, for most questions, are very similar between the two universities.
It’s important to remember that the student experience is significantly influenced by the choice of college, because this is where each student spends much of their time.
As a general guide, students looking for a livelier environment are drawn to Oxford, while Cambridge is better suited to students looking for a quieter, more picturesque undergraduate experience.
Oxford vs Cambridge for Career Services and Alumni Networks
Achieving a good degree at Oxford or Cambridge provides a solid base for a successful career. Both institutions also provide extensive services to help their graduates secure jobs and networking opportunities.
The University of Oxford provides CareerConnect, a service exclusive to its current students, alumni and research staff. Users of CareerConnect can set up a profile describing their qualifications, skills and other factors that may be relevant to potential employers. They can upload a CV (Curriculum Vitae).
The system also allows users to view job vacancies, book appointments with careers advisors and look for careers fairs and similar events.
The Alumni Relations Office at Oxford maintains a programme that helps ex-students maintain their connection with the University and to network with one another.
The University of Cambridge encourages its students and alumni to use the Handshake career app. While it offers similar features to Oxford’s CareerConnect, this app is not exclusive to Cambridge. Its members are drawn from a wide variety of educational institutions around the world, including Oxford.
The Careers Service at Cambridge arranges and promotes careers festivals and other events, has a team of consultants that supports students and alumni, and offers tools to help people learn more about the type of career that might best suit them.
Oxford vs Cambridge in Summary
Course Offerings - Undergraduate Degrees
- Oxford offers around 50.
- Cambridge offers around 30.
Number of Students
- Oxford has over 26,000
- Cambridge has over 20,000
Tuition Costs per Year
- Identical for undergraduate degrees for UK students.
- For international students, starting from around £27,000 at Cambridge and £35,000 at Oxford.
Nobel Prize Winners
- Cambridge - 118
- Oxford - 69
Famous Graduates
Oxford University:
- JRR Tolkien - author of Lord of the Rings
- Margaret Thatcher - politician and British Prime Minister
- Tim Berners-Lee - inventor of the World Wide Web
Cambridge University
- Stephen Hawking - theoretical physicist
- Emma Thompson - actress and writer
- David Attenborough - broadcaster and natural historian
Oxford students refer to Cambridge students as 'tabs', being short for 'cantabs', based on a medieval Latin name for the city.
Summer Schools Help You Choose Between Oxford and Cambridge
In any debate about Oxford vs Cambridge, it's clear that there's little difference between the two. Cambridge appears a little less formal and is smaller, while Oxford has more course offerings and has produced more British Prime Ministers. When it comes to academic achievements, it's hard to separate the two.
A great way to choose between the two is to visit the cities and some of the colleges. Even better is to take a course there. This lets you experience student life for yourself.
We offer Summer Schools courses at both Oxford and Cambridge. There's a variety available, including science courses, English language courses and many others.
Learn more by taking a look at the full list of our course offerings.
