The University of Cambridge is the second of the seven “ancient universities” after Oxford. Cambridge is one of the leaders in authoritative international rankings, such as QS or THE, on a par with Harvard and Stanford universities, both in general indicators and by individual criteria and areas of study. Students from more than 140 countries study here.
Faculties and Colleges of the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge, like its eternal rival Oxford University, is a confederation of colleges, faculties, and departments.
In total at the University of Cambridge there are 31 autonomous colleges, each guided by its own charters and rules, including self-selection of prospective students. What makes the colleges of Cambridge unique is that they do not specialize in a particular academic area, but are interdisciplinary communities implementing student support through a system of individualized tutoring.
In general the University offers education in six so-called Schools, or fields of knowledge:
- Arts and Humanities;
- Biological Sciences;
- Clinical Medicine;
- Humanities and Social Sciences;
- Physical Sciences;
- Engineering and Technology.
Each school includes several Faculties, which teach and research one or more subject groups. The latter, in turn, are divided into more specialized Departments. A full list of the departments that make up the University of Cambridge can be found on its official website.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), which offers all sorts of part-time programs, summer schools, internships, short-term courses, including online.
The setting of the University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge is not only an educational institution, but also a powerful research center with many laboratories and classrooms. The campus is home to one of the largest libraries in the world, the Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Zoological Museum, the Fitzwilliam Museum of Art, the R. R. Fitzwilliam Institute for Polar Research, and the University of Cambridge. Р. Scott and many other attractions. In addition, Cambridge University boasts majestic architectural structures. The King’s College Chapel occupies a special place among them, which was under construction for 69 years.
With Cambridge University buildings scattered chaotically across the city, they’re often next door to stores, restaurants, cafes, and loud, atmospheric pubs.
Sport occupies a special place in the lives of Cambridge students, so the campus has several sports complexes (fitness rooms, gyms, weight rooms), stadiums for soccer, baseball, rugby, basketball and golf grounds, tennis courts and much more. The most popular sport among students of Cambridge University is rowing. Quite often rowing competitions are held between colleges and faculties of the University, and in May the University of Cambridge team competes against the main rival – the team of Oxford University.
The University of Cambridge runs a student-run radio station and several newspapers giving the latest news about the life and research taking place in the University. Cambridge also has a drama society, a student council that helps solve students’ pressing problems, and the Footlights comedy club.
Prospects after graduation from Cambridge University
The University of Cambridge has a 100% reputation among employers, according to QS rankings, which shows the wide prospects of graduates both in Britain and around the world. 90% are employed or continue their studies within 6 months of graduation. The rest are either looking for work (4%, compared to a national average of 5%) or are temporarily not planning to study/work (6%). Examples and employment statistics for different programs can be found on this website.
Of course, in the case of international students, the employment and immigration process can be somewhat complicated by visa requirements. Until recently a graduate had only 4 months to find a job with a student visa. However, with the return of the UK post-study work visa for graduates in 2020, international students will have more time (2 years) and chances to stay in the UK.
The Careers Service, which organizes internships and job fairs, conducts consultations and workshops on careers and related processes (CV writing, interview preparation), and offers job matching services, can be of great help in finding a job.
