Cambridge University
Cambridge University, one of the two foremost English institutions of learning. (Oxford University is the other.) Cambridge is particularly noted for science and mathematics. Its Cavendish Laboratory of experimental physics, opened in 1873, is world famous. It was here that Baron Rutherford conducted his experiments in nuclear physics and James Chadwick discovered the neutron. The Cambridge University Press, founded in the 16th century, prints scholarly works in all fields. Its histories are especially notable.
The university is on the Cam River in the city of Cambridge, about 50 miles (80 km) north of London. It is composed of about 30 colleges. Most are coeducational; some admit men or women only. Each college has its own governing body, but all are subject to the general rules of the university.
Cambridge uses the same method of instruction as Oxford. Students study under tutors and also attend lectures. For a bachelor's degree, a student must attend the university for nine terms (three years) and pass oral and written examinations. Advanced degrees are also given. Degrees are granted by the university, not by the colleges.
The university probably was started in the early 13th century. It began as a center of learning where lectures were delivered to anyone who would pay to hear them. Peterhouse, the oldest college, was founded in 1284. The university was for males only until two colleges were founded for women—Girton in 1869 (now coeducational) and Newnham in 1871. Women did not receive degrees, however, until 1948. (Earlier, they received certificates.) Since the mid-1960's, most of the colleges have become coeducational.
Enrollment is about 13,500.