Cambridge University offers a distinctive intellectual and cultural environment
in a historic setting. The collegiate nature of the University gives graduate
students an environment in which they can meet graduates from other disciplines
and benefit from a wide variety of cultural, sporting and social activities,
while working in their specialist academic fields alongside high calibre
senior colleagues.
Students studying for Cambridge degrees have to be accepted both by
the University Faculty, for academic support, including all aspects of
teaching and examination on taught courses, and by one of the 31 colleges,
which are independent foundations. The main role of colleges is to look
after the general welfare of students, including, as far as possible, the
provision of accommodation, meals and other social amenities.
They also provide library and computer facilities, and support research
through the provision of research fellowships and studentships. Each student
is assigned to a college tutor, who will usually be a college fellow. The
college tutor’s role is to help with any problem which is outside the responsibility
of the relevant Course Director or a PhD student’s supervisor. The tutor
is also the official channel between the student and the University in
case of any dispute. College tutors are unlikely to be experts in the student’s
own field of study. Colleges encourage a stimulating and broadening educational
environment for all their members, not least through the cross-disciplinary
mix of members’ interests.
