What is the University of Oxford?
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with teaching existing there from around 1096. It is made up of more than 30 colleges and is one of the world's leading universities.
Oxford grew rapidly in 1167, when King Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. Many scholars moved to Oxford.
The university is made up of independent colleges, such as Christ Church, Balliol and Magdalen, where students live and study. Teaching often takes place in small tutorials.
Famous graduates
Oxford has educated many British Prime Ministers, as well as writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Oscar Wilde. Scientists such as Stephen Hawking studied there.
The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and holds millions of books. The Radcliffe Camera, a domed building, is one of Oxford's most famous landmarks.
Christ Church's Great Hall inspired the dining hall at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Oxford and Cambridge, often called Oxbridge, have a long rivalry, including the annual Boat Race.