Feature

The University of Oxford, along with Cambridge, is perhaps the most famous institution for higher education in the world.

It is the reason that many people make the trip to the city as its presence seems to permeate almost every aspect of the historic centre.

Tracing its lengthy roots back to the 11th century, so-called Oxbridge students have reached the top of many professions. It may come as a surprise to learn that the uni has churned out no less than 47 Nobel Prize winners, 25 prime ministers, eight foreign kings and one pope.

Reaching number one in the Guardian university table in both 2005 and 2006, the university upholds it reputation as one of the foremost centres for learning on earth.

The University of Oxford is mentioned in various works of literature including Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh and Jill by Philip Larkin.

Oxford was victorious in the boat race last year and more than seven million viewers tuned in at the peak of the BBC's coverage. However, Cambridge currently leads the way historically, just shading it 78-73. 

According to the university, an estimated £482 million is thrust into the local economy per annum thanks to its collegiate spending.