The University of Oxford has long been known as one of the best universities in the world. Established sometime during the 11th century, the university has been the educational home to many of the world's academic and political elite. Oxford's organizational structure is different than universities outside the U.K. because it is made up of 38 self-governed colleges. In addition to its organization, its educational structure is different than most universities. Instead of regular examinations, the university uses a tutorial system, where the student and professor meet on a weekly or biweekly basis and debate. This forces the student to think outside the box and gather information from a wide variety of sources, rather than studying from a single textbook. For the 2011 school year, HESA has named Oxford the best university in the U.K.
Although Oxford has been named the best for 2011, the University of Cambridge has been named the best many times before; therefore, it is often said that Oxford and Cambridge are equally good. Cambridge's organizational and educational structures are similar to Oxford's. The University of Cambridge was established after disagreements erupted between academics and the local townspeople in the city of Oxford in the early 13th century. The academics fled to Cambridge, founded the university and there has been rivalry between the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford ever since. The two universities are considered to be the best in the world, and are often referred to as "Oxbridge."
The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, as it is formally called, has been named the third-best university in Britain by HESA for the 2011 school year. The college was once a self-governing college of the University of London, but became an independent establishment in 2007. With only a 15 percent acceptance rate for its undergraduate programs, it is considered one of the most difficult universities in Britain to get into. Some of Imperial College's notable graduates include Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Ghandi and astrophysicist and Queen guitarist Brian May.
Founded in 1832, Durham University is the third-oldest university in the U.K., after Oxford and Cambridge universities. Durham consistently finds itself in the list of top universities in Britain and HESA has given it the fourth highest score for the 2011 school year. It has a similar organizational structure to Oxford and Cambridge and is made up of 16 self-governed colleges. Durham is divided into three faculties: Social and health sciences, arts and humanities and science. The university is located in the city of Durham and the nearby town of Stockton-on-Tees.
HESA has given LSE the 5th highest score of best British universities for the 2011 school year. Located in the heart of London, LSE is one of the self-governing colleges of the University of London. Its primary educational focus is economics and political science. LSE is highly selective, and has the lowest admission rate of any university in Britain. LSE's alumni have included politicians such as Lord Frank Judd of the Labour Party and Elspeth Howe, Baroness of Idlicote, former deputy chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission.