With courses available that focus on The Theology of Eating, and online degrees where you don't need to meet your course-mates face to face, today's universities are strange and diverse places compared to what they were. But how have they changed over the years? And what traditions have remained?
The University of Constantinople is often regarded by scholars as the first university. Established in 425, the main areas of study for its students were Philosophy, Rhetoric, and Law. Now, the Turkish capitol of Istanbul is home to several universities. Istanbul University is its oldest, and still remains highly regarded for its Faculty of Law and its Faculty of Political Sciences. It is also home to the Beyazit Tower, a fire-watch tower that stands at 85 meters tall and as an impressive reminder of the region's Baroque history.
Britain's first university, The University of Oxford, was founded in 1167 despite lectures being held in the city as early as 1096. Famously, soldier and roundhead Oliver Cromwell was the chancellor of the institution from 1650 to 1657 and stopped the puritans from closing its doors for religious reasons. Today, the uni retains its fame for its frequent top league table rankings (according to The Times), and its star-studded alumni - including former prime minister Tony Blair, author Graham Greene, as well as the celebrity chef and ever-carnivorous Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
After the industrial revolution, universities became more focused on science and engineering with the arrival of Polytechnics towards the end of the 20th century. Staffordshire Poly is a good example, forming in 1971, it now boasts courses as far reaching as football culture (where students can study the rise of David Beckham), and its established psychology department rates as one of the highest in the country. It also includes an impressive ex-RAF accommodation unit.
Today of course, it is possible to obtain a degree without even setting foot into a lecture hall. Online and distance learning courses are available in conjunction with such highly reputable establishments as The University of Essex. Founded by the Lord Alderman Charles Leatherland in 1959, the uni also has a tower that offers a view of the surrounding countryside which was committed to canvas by celebrated artist John Constable. The establishment also boasts an impressive 30% international student body.
Today there are many choices when it comes to choosing a conventional university or studying for an online degree. Although more modern institutions are not necessarily as architecturally inspiring as Istanbul University, the increasing range of courses available and easier accessibility for students means that higher education seems more tempting than it has ever been.
Sarah Maple writes about UK Universities and Distance Learning Courses |
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