Oxford University

Oxford University, located in the city of Oxford, UK, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and among the most prestigious. It traces its origins back to the late twelfth century; its first chancellor was appointed in 1201 and the masters of its colleges were incorporated as a university in 1231.

Like many such institutions founded in the later middle ages, Oxford is a corporation of individual colleges, each of which appoints its own masters, admits its own students and fellows, and enjoys a great deal of independence. The oldest, Balliol, was founded in 1263; the second-oldest, Merton College, was established just one year later. Currently there are thirty-nine Colleges and seven Permanent Halls.