What is an Oxford college?

All graduate students belong to a department or faculty and a college, except those taking non-matriculated courses. Supervision and teaching will be provided by your academic department, so no matter which college you belong to, this won't limit your access to potential supervisors or teaching staff; your course content is the same.

Oxford’s colleges are small, multidisciplinary communities. Each one has students, academic staff and administrative staff. Most colleges offer meals, libraries, accommodation, sports, events and other opportunities to enrich your Oxford experience.

Our 43 colleges have much in common, but each has its own character and history.

Thirty six colleges are independent and self-governing, having a charter approved by the Privy Council, under which it is governed by a Head of House, elected and appointed by the governing body directly. The governing body comprises a number of Fellows, most of whom also hold University posts.

The three societies – Kellogg College, Reuben College and St Cross College – operate very much like the other colleges but are considered departments of the University rather than independent colleges because, unlike the others, they do not have a royal charter. One of the main differences is that the governing body recommends a president, who is then appointed by Council.

The four permanent private halls (PPHs) – Blackfriars, Campion Hall, Regent's Park College and Wycliffe Hall – were founded by different Christian denominations and still retain their religious character.

In addition to the 43 colleges that are part of the University, two external colleges – Ripon College Cuddesdon and St Stephen's House – accept students for several courses offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religion.