This discussion is now closed.

Check out other Related discussions

Cambridge arts /oxford sciences or the other way round?

Hey everyone.

Not that I am considering going; but just for general interest, I was wondering which one has the reputation for what?

Is it oxford for science and cambridge for arts? Or the other way round?

Thanks

Reply 1

Slumpy

16

I'm of the opinion Cambridge for sciences.
But then, I'm biased.

Reply 2

The_Lonely_Goatherd

20

I've heard it's the other way round, though I've never heard any justification for this! :smile:

Reply 3

caroline147

14

Why would it have to be one or the other?

Reply 4

ukclean

OP

2

caroline147

Why would it have to be one or the other?

Doesnt have to be , its just there is some sort of accpeted notion as far as I know that one is a front runner in the arts and the other sciences. Its just I can't remember which way roud its supposed to go.

Reply 5

Saturday Night Special

11

Im not sure either is true or not, but I've aways heard of Cambridge for science.

Reply 6

Craghyrax

17

Its the other way round as far as I know, but on the league tables Cambridge is above Oxford for everything except for two subjects (I forget which) and second after MIT on world Uni ranking. (this is just hearsay btw - I haven't checked the tables myself)
But - I really don't think it is going to make that much difference, so just apply to whichever you like. In particular, choose Uni according to which course you think you'll enjoy the most for three years.

Reply 7

StandingOnAir

Craghyrax

Its the other way round as far as I know, but on the league tables Cambridge is above Oxford for everything except for two subjects (I forget which) and second after MIT on world Uni ranking. (this is just hearsay btw - I haven't checked the tables myself)
But - I really don't think it is going to make that much difference, so just apply to whichever you like. In particular, choose Uni according to which course you think you'll enjoy the most for three years.

Which league tables, though? IIRC, The Times has Cambridge at the top for my subject, whereas The Guardian has Oxford at the top. The tables fluctuate so often, they hardly seem to be something to base your university education on.

I'm not there so I can only speak of the few students I know, but having spoken to science undergrads from both universities, they do seem to get a fairly similar education. There may well be a reason for the universities' reputations (Oxford for arts, Cambridge for science) - I think Cambridge has had more scientific achievements in its name, while Oxford has more PMs as alumni, for example - but they're brilliant for both and any difference at undergrad level is going to be negligible in most cases.

Reply 8

Andy the Anarchist

10

Craghyrax

Its the other way round as far as I know, but on the league tables Cambridge is above Oxford for everything except for two subjects (I forget which) and second after MIT on world Uni ranking.

Well Oxford is higher in the Times league table than Cambridge for both Politics and Philosophy, dunno about any others.

And to the OP, the difference is unlikely to be massive at two of the most prestigious universities in the world, and any variations will be between individual departments rather than such broad categories as "arts" and "sciences".

Reply 9

motoroller

14

Both Oxford and Cambridge have many notable achievements in science and art.

Reply 10

azhao

3

There isn't really any difference although the stereotype is Cambridge Science, Oxford Arts.

Reply 11

Craghyrax

17

Andy the Anarchist

Well Oxford is higher in the Times league table than Cambridge for both Politics and Philosophy, dunno about any others.
.

Yep. Those being the two.

StandingOnAir

Which league tables, though?

Which bit of " I haven't looked at any tables myself" wasn't clear? :tongue:

Reply 12

Nonsmoking

12

Remember there are major differences between the courses at the two - you can't do PPE at Cambridge for example, but you can do SPS which you can gear towards particular interests. Look in detail at the courses at each and you are likely to find one that stands out, just because it presses your buttons.

Reply 13

cpchem

14

Oxford is for decisive scientists, Cambridge is for those who don't really know what they want :tongue:

Reply 14

mf2004

14

cpchem

Oxford is for decisive scientists, Cambridge is for those who don't really know what they want :tongue:

Reply 15

lucasarar

9

cpchem

Oxford is for decisive scientists, Cambridge is for those who don't really know what they want :tongue:

I know that I definitely don't want a science degree :P

Reply 16

jacketpotato

20

The stereotype that Cambridge for sciences, Oxford for Arts isn't true.

It is largely founded on the fact that Cambridge offer a natural sciences course, whereas Oxford doesn't.

Reply 17

The West Wing

18

The stereotype that Cambridge for sciences, Oxford for Arts isn't true.

Reply 18

tabbycat1

9

Yeah I've always heard cambridge - sciences and oxford - arts, but it's all meaningless to be honest.

Reply 19

jw366

Is it really that meaningless?

I mean Cambridge does have a fair few more scientific discoveries to its name than Oxford.

Using the Nobel Prize as an index; Trinity has won more than Oxford as a whole hasn't it?

Cambridge arts /oxford sciences or the other way round?

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you