| − | One of the most influential universities in history, Oxford University was founded in 1167. Located in the city of Oxford, England, it is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Like most medieval universities, its undergraduate programs are operated entirely by its colleges, which appoint their own masters and enjoy a high degree of independence. The oldest of these, [[Balliol College]], was established in 1263; the second-oldest, [[Merton College]], was established in 1264 A.D. Oxford also has a number of "Permanent Halls," some of which, over the years, have become colleges in their own right; the oldest of these is [[Blackfriars Hall]], founded in 1221. | + | One of the most influential universities in history, Oxford University was founded in 1167. Located in the city of Oxford, [[England]], it is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Like most medieval universities, its undergraduate programs are operated entirely by its colleges, which appoint their own masters and enjoy a high degree of independence. The oldest of these, [[Balliol College]], was established in 1263; the second-oldest, [[Merton College]], was established in 1264 A.D. Oxford also has a number of "Permanent Halls," some of which, over the years, have become colleges in their own right; the oldest of these is [[Blackfriars Hall]], founded in 1221. |
| | As it is, Oxford University is one of the most respected universities in the world, with many in the Japanese royal family studying for degrees at the university, amongst many others. | | As it is, Oxford University is one of the most respected universities in the world, with many in the Japanese royal family studying for degrees at the university, amongst many others. |