The University of Cambridge is one of the world's oldest universities and leading academic centres, and a self-governed community of scholars. Established in 1209, the University is rich in history.
Cambridge's famous Colleges and University buildings attract visitors from all over the world, while its museums and collections also hold many treasures which give an exciting insight into the scholarly activities of the University's academics and students.
The University's reputation for outstanding academic achievement is known worldwide and reflects the intellectual achievement of its students over more than eight centuries, as well as the world-class original research carried out by the staff of the University and the Colleges. Many of the University's customs and unusual terminology can be traced to roots in the early years of the University's long history, and this section of our website looks to the past to find the origins of much that is distinctive in the University of today.
How the University and Colleges work
With more than 20,000 students from all walks of life and all corners of the world, over 12,000 staff, 31 Colleges and 150 Departments, Faculties, Schools and other institutions, no two days are ever the same at the University of Cambridge.
The University is a confederation of Schools, Faculties, Departments and Colleges. The 31 Colleges are governed by their own statutes and regulations, but are integral to the make-up of the University.
As well as being a member of the University and of an academic Faculty/Department, our students also belong to a College community, an arrangement that offers pastoral and academic support for each individual.
Colleges
Students live, eat and socialise in one of the University’s 31 autonomous Colleges. Undergraduates receive College supervisions – small group teaching sessions – regarded as one of the best teaching models in the world.
Each College has its own internal procedures. They select their own students, subject to University regulations, and most admit both undergraduate and postgraduate students. College representatives sit on the University Council and Finance Committee.
See a list of Cambridge Colleges
Schools
There are six Schools, which each form an administrative grouping of Faculties and other institutions. They are:
There is a Council of each School – including representatives of its Faculties and Departments. The Schools are represented on the General Board.
Faculties and Departments
University Faculties organise teaching and research into individual subjects or groups of subjects. Their work is normally organised into sub-divisions called Departments.
Centres of studies are controlled by committees of management, bringing together representatives from several disciplines.
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