Have you ever dreamed of studying in a stunning historic castle, similar to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts? Stroll through grand archways and long corridors, relax in the grassy courtyards, explore ancient books in the library…
This might sound like a silly fantasy, but in fact the whole atmosphere of a university can add to students’ motivation and inspire them to achieve academic excellence. If you ask me, there isn’t anything more inspiring than studying in a great medieval castle or some other old and magnificent building. There is something about the spirit of these places that just pushes you to want more and to work harder to achieve it.
Where could you find the biggest variety of beautiful and historic universities? I suggest starting withuniversities in the UK, the island which has inspired so many legends about kings, knights and castles! Yes, universities in the UK are not only some of the most prestigious in Europe and indeed the world, but many also offer a rich historic atmosphere and stunning historic architecture that is difficult to beat. Here is my list of the top 10 beautiful historic universities in the UK, which are based inside some of the most majestic buildings you can imagine:
1. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge definitely has some of the most impressive and iconic university buildings in the world. Established back in 1209, this medieval university is not only incredibly beautiful, it’s also one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the world, ranked in joint second place in the QS World University Rankings 2014/15. The historic grandeur of Cambridge University’s colleges and faculties infuses the entire town, and must surely motivate students to develop and improve their skills and academic achievements.
2. University of Oxford
The oldest university in the English-speaking world, theUniversity of Oxford was established in 1096. Currently ranked joint 5th in the world, Oxford University has connections with an impressive 58 Nobel Prize winners, and many more famous and powerful people have passed through its historic doorways during the years of its existence. Iconic buildings such as the Radcliffe Camera library are symbols of academia throughout the world, and those dreaming of Harry Potter may recognize scenes from the film, including the Hogwarts Great Hall (filmed at Christ Church College).
3. Durham University
Compared to Cambridge and Oxford, Durham University is a relatively young institution of higher education – though it’s still fairly ancient as most buildings go! It was established in the 19th century, in 1832, and its stunning buildings have been described as "one of the great experiences of Europe to the eyes of those who appreciate architecture". Like Oxford and Cambridge, Durham is divided up into colleges, established at various stages in its growth. One of these, University College, is based in Durham Castle, built in the 11th century. Some lucky 100 students get to not only study here, but also live inside the castle! The university itself is currently ranked 92nd in the world.
4. University of Glasgow
Travelling further north from Durham, the University of Glasgow is known as one of the four “ancient universities of Scotland”, alongside Aberdeen, Edinburgh and St Andrews. It is part of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities and was a leading center of the Scottish Enlightenment. The university was established in 1451 and moved to its current site in 1870, with a stunning main building designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1886. It’s ranked 55th in the world in the current edition of the QS World University Rankings.
5. Royal Holloway, University of London
Established in 1879, Royal Holloway became a constituent member of the University of London in 1900, and is based just outside of the UK capital, in Surrey. Its striking gothic-revival-style Founder’s Building, completed in 1881, was designed by William Henry Crossland and inspired by the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley, France. It remains one of the most impressive university structures in the UK today, and has been used in a number of films and TV programs, recently including the popular Downton Abbey. Royal Holloway is ranked 275th in the world in the latest QS World University Rankings.
6. The Queen’s University of Belfast
The Queen’s University of Belfast is Northern Ireland’s highest-ranked university, currently standing at 170th in the world. It was founded in 1849, with roots in the earlier Royal Belfast Academical Institution, which was founded in 1810 and is considered one of the UK’s 10 oldest universities. The centerpiece of its campus is the red-brick gothic Lanyon Building, which opened in 1849 and is named for its architect, Charles Lanyon.
7. University of Edinburgh
Another of Scotland’s four ancient universities, theUniversity of Edinburgh was founded in 1583. It’s currently ranked 17th in the world, making it Scotland’s highest entrant in the QS World University Rankings. The university’s iconic Georgian Old College building was originally designed in 1789 but took several decades to fund and build, with the eye-catching dome finally added in 1887. It currently houses the University of Edinburgh’s School of Law, administrative offices and contemporary art exhibitions in the Talbot Rice Gallery.
8. University of St Andrews
Scotland’s oldest university and the third oldest in the UK, the University of St Andrews was established around 1410-1413 AD. It is ranked 88th in the world and 15th in the UK. Some of the university’s buildings, including St Salvator's Chapel, St Leonard's College Chapel and St Mary's College, date back to the 15thcentury, and are still in use. The University of St Andrews’ many notable and famous alumni include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – Prince William and his wife, Catherine.
9. University of Aberdeen
Completing the four great ancient Scottish universities, the University of Aberdeen was established in 1495, and is currently ranked 137th in the QS World University Rankings. The university’s iconic buildings, including Marischal College and King's College in Old Aberdeen, serve as widely recognized symbols of Aberdeen, which is far in the north of the UK on the east coast of Scotland, and the city’s rich academic heritage. The university has many notable alumni, including five Nobel laureates.
10. Aberystwyth University
Let’s complete the list with a visit to Wales, and one of the nation’s oldest higher education institutions,Aberystwyth University. Founded in 1872, the university currently ranks among the top 650 in the world. It lays claim to having established the world’s first official department for international politics, which was founded in 1919 in the wake of World War I. The university’s Old College building resembles a medieval castle and serves as the main site for most of Aberystwyth University’s administration, plus the departments of Welsh and education.
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