There are more than 60 universities in the U. K. The leadinguniversities are Cambridge, Oxford and London. English universitiesdiffer from each other in traditions, general organization, internalgoverment, etc. British universities are comparatively small, theapproximate number is about 7-8 thousand students. Most universitieshave under 3000 students, some even less than 1500 ones.
London andOxford universities are international, because people from many partsof the world come to study at one of their colleges. A number ofwellknown scientists and writers, among them Newton, Darvin, Byronwere educated in Cambridge.
A university consists of a number of departments: art, law, music, economy, education, medicine, engineering, etc.
After three years of study a student may proceed to a Bachelor’sdegree, and later to the degrees of Master and Doctor. Besidesuniversities there are at present in Britain 300 technical colleges, providing part-time and full-time education.
The organization system of Oxford and Cambridge differs from thatof all other universities and colleges. The teachers are usuallycalled Dons. Part of the teaching is by means of lectures organized bythe university. Teaching is also carried out by tutorial system.
Thisis the system of individual tuitio organized by the colleges. Eachstudent goes to his tutor’s room once a week to read and discuss anessay which the student has prepared.
Some students get scholarship but the number of these students iscomparatively small. There are many sociaties and clubs at Cambridgeand Oxford. The most celebrating at Cambridge is the Debating Sociatyat which students discuss political and other questions with famouspoliticians and writers.
Sporting activities are also numerous.
The work and games, the traditions and customs, the jokes anddebates – all are parts of students’ life there.
It should be mentioned that not many children from theworking-class families are able to receive the higher education as thefees are very high (more than L1000 a year). Besides that special feesare taken for books, for laboratory works, exams and so on.
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