University and Colleges

A Brief History

The Future

The University is justly famous for its heritage of scholarship, historic role and magnificent architecture. This heritage supports one of the world's most important centres for teaching and research. The collegiate structure gives a strong sense of community, and the University is determined to remain at the forefront of international scholarship and research.

The University of Cambridge is in the middle of the greatest expansion in its history. Through the generosity of benefactors, the University has been able to create a new science and technology campus to the west of the city centre, and is now looking to expand further to the north west of Cambridge. The arts and humanities have seen dynamic changes in their Sidgwick Site location and expansion in the city centre.

Sustaining a world-class university demands investment in new facilities, new areas of study, and most importantly, in people; continued fundraising efforts and innovative partnerships will be vital. The University will celebrate its eight hundredth anniversary in 2009, marking the legacy of eight centuries and determined to remain among the world's greatest universities.