Difference Between Cambridge and Oxford

Cambridge vs Oxford
 

As Cambridge University and Oxford University are two of the most famous and oldest universities in England, there is a huge interest worldwide in knowing the difference between them. Both the universities are commonly known as Oxbridge. The foundation history of the universities dates back to more than about 750 years. Many politicians and scientists have been produced by these universities. Both these universities have been in competition since they started working out, and there are differences between them in many ways. These differences can be seen in the cities they are situated, terms used in the universities, rules, names of terms, interview process, etc. All these will be discussed in this article.

More about Cambridge University

Cambridge University is situated in the city of Cambridge. The city of Cambridge is small, with less industry and less population. The areas around Cambridge accommodate a number of high-tech manufacturers. This can have a huge impact on studying professions followed by different students. When it comes to the use of terms for a number of major subjects, in Cambridge, JCR is used in the full form as Junior Combination Room. The three terms in Cambridge are referred to as Michaelmas, Lent and Easter.

Most of the colleges of Cambridge have got large grass compounds known as courts. In Cambridge, the students can join any of the subjects that are being taught by their colleges. Cambridge, moreover, calls students for the second interview if they fail to get in college of their first priority. Compared to those of Oxford, interviews of Cambridge are shorter, and results are late and usually appear in January. Cambridge University is not strict about ensuring proper university uniform being worn.

More about Oxford University

Oxford University is situated in the city of Oxford. Oxford is a bigger city and has got more industries while the areas around Oxford are related to the motor industry, which can have a huge impact on studying professions followed by different students. BMW manufactures its Mini in the Oxford city. When it comes to the use of terms for a number of major subjects, JCR is used in Oxford University to refer to undergraduate student boy. The names in Oxford for the three terms are Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity.

Large grass compounds in Oxford colleges are referred to as ‘quadrangles’. Choice of college is an important decision if you are studying in Oxford. Students cannot apply for all the subjects available at Oxford University, and a student can apply only for those classes which are teaching subjects of the student’s interest. The interview system of Oxford and Cambridge varies from each other too. The Oxford University interviews its applicants in more than one college, and they are asked to stay longer in the city so that they may be called for interview later on. Selection process is quicker, and the result is published before Christmas. Oxford requires its students to wear the formal academic dress, which is called ‘Sub Fusc’ before they are allowed to attend all examinations. Oxford offers its students quality education with an industrial environment which helps in better nourishment of their minds and a better chance to get a positive approach at professions.

What is the difference between Cambridge and Oxford?

• Cambridge University is ranked second in the world while Oxford University is ranked fifth.

• When it comes to subject strength in each university, it goes as follows: Cambridge University: Ranked 4th in the world for engineering & technology, 3rd for life sciences & medicine, 3rd for natural sciences, 3rd for arts & humanities and 4th for social sciences & management.
Oxford University: Ranked 13 in the world for engineering & technology, 2nd for life sciences & medicine, 5th for natural sciences, 2nd for arts & humanities and 3rd for social sciences & management.

• The universities are situated in two different cities which are completely different from each other. Oxford is a bigger city and has got more industries whereas the city of Cambridge is small, with less industry and less population.

• The areas around Cambridge accommodate a number of high-tech manufacturers while the areas around Oxford are related to motor industry which can have a huge impact on studying professions followed by different students based on the location they are at.

• Both the universities use different terms for a number of major subjects. An example of this is that JCR is used in Oxford University to refer to undergraduate student boy while, in Cambridge, it is used in the full form as Junior Combination Room.

• The terms of academics in both the institutes are three but are named differently in both universities. These three terms are referred to as Michaelmas, Lent and Easter while the names in Oxford for these terms are Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity.

• Most of the colleges of Cambridge have got large grass compounds known as courts while they are referred to as ‘quadrangles’ in Oxford.

• The process of interviews of both universities however starts at the same time i.e. Mid-December. Oxford has a faster selection process than Cambridge.

• Rules of the universities also differ from each other. Cambridge University is not strict about ensuring proper university uniform being worn, but Oxford requires its students to wear the formal academic dress, which is called ‘Sub Fusc’ before they are allowed to attend all examinations.

Images Courtesy: 

1. Cambridge King’s College Chapel by Andrew Dunn (CC BY-SA 2.0)
2. Chapel of Keble College, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford by Diliff (CC BY 2.5)