University of Cambridge

About University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge dates its beginnings to 1209, when scholars gathered in the town to study; Peterhouse, the first College, followed in 1284, and Cambridge University Press has published continuously since 1584. The University is a confederation of Schools, Faculties, Departments and 31 autonomous Colleges, and each student belongs both to a College and to an academic Faculty or Department. Teaching and research are grouped into six Schools spanning the arts and humanities, biological sciences, clinical medicine, humanities and social sciences, physical sciences and technology. The Institute of Continuing Education, founded in 1873, offers adult courses, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment publishes academic work and runs exam boards. For 2025-26 the University reported about 24,900 students from 144 countries and around 13,100 staff.

Schools and faculties

• School of Arts and Humanities

  An administrative grouping of faculties and departments in the arts and humanities.

• School of the Biological Sciences

  An administrative grouping of faculties and departments in the biological sciences.

• School of Clinical Medicine

  An administrative grouping of the University's clinical medicine faculties and departments.

• School of the Humanities and Social Sciences

  An administrative grouping of faculties and departments in the humanities and social sciences.

• School of the Physical Sciences

  An administrative grouping of faculties and departments in the physical sciences.

• School of Technology

  An administrative grouping of faculties and departments in technology.

• Institute of Continuing Education

  Founded in 1873, it offers more than 250 courses for adult learners.

Study options

• Undergraduate degrees
• Postgraduate taught and research degrees
• Continuing education for adults
• Executive and professional education
• Online courses

Research

The University highlights research on climate and nature, cancer and artificial intelligence, the last supported through its ai@cam initiative. Work across disciplines is organised through Interdisciplinary Research Centres and a set of Strategic Initiatives and Networks.

Rank in United Kingdom

#2 of 25

Research works

508,178

Citations

61.8 million

h-index

1,966

Research figures from OpenAlex (October 2026). How the directory is made.

In WAC News

• September 11, 2026UCL-led SOFAIR, described as a £30 million national AI research lab, officially opens
• March 31, 2026Cambridge to establish Rokos School of Government with £190 million commitment
• August 1, 2021Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment merge into one organization

This profile was written by WAC from University of Cambridge’s own website and checked in October 2026. It describes the institution and is not an endorsement or a ranking of teaching quality. Is this your institution? Send a correction.