University of Oxford

About University of Oxford

The University of Oxford traces teaching in the city back to at least 1096, and its masters were recognised as a corporate body in 1231. University, Balliol and Merton, its earliest colleges, were established in the 13th century. Oxford is a collegiate university: 36 colleges and three societies, plus four permanent private halls, house students and provide much of the tutorial teaching, while academic work is organised in four divisions covering the humanities, the mathematical, physical and life sciences, medical sciences and social sciences. The University also runs a Department for Continuing Education, Oxford University Press and a group of gardens, libraries and museums holding over 21 million objects, specimens and printed items. As of 1 December 2025 it had about 26,800 students, of whom 12,460 were undergraduates and 13,755 graduate students.

Schools and faculties

• Humanities Division

  Brings together the University's faculties and departments in the humanities.

• Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division

  Covers mathematics, the physical sciences, engineering, computing and the life sciences.

• Medical Sciences Division

  Houses the University's departments in medicine and the biomedical sciences.

• Social Sciences Division

  Groups the departments and schools working in the social sciences.

• Department for Continuing Education

  Provides part-time, online and short courses for adult and lifelong learners.

• Gardens, Libraries and Museums

  Looks after the University's collections of more than 21 million objects, specimens and printed items.

• Colleges and permanent private halls

  Self-governing communities that admit students and provide accommodation and tutorial teaching.

Study options

• Undergraduate degrees
• Graduate taught and research degrees
• Part-time and lifelong learning qualifications
• Online and distance courses
• Summer schools and continuing professional development

Research

Research at Oxford is presented around themes such as global health and medicine, drug discovery, climate and energy, artificial intelligence and technology, and human society and culture. The University supports research translation through Oxford University Innovation, its technology transfer company, and engages with policy through the Oxford Policy Engagement Network.

Rank in United Kingdom

#1 of 25

Research works

625,629

Citations

74.4 million

h-index

2,195

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
• June 11, 2020Oxford names new graduate college after £80 million Reuben Foundation gift

This profile was written by WAC from University of Oxford’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.