The University and the Colleges

The different roles of the University and Colleges have evolved over time.

Colleges and Halls

• Select and admit undergraduate students, and select graduate students after they are admitted by Oxford University.
• Provide accommodation, meals, common rooms, libraries, sports and social facilities, and pastoral care for their students.
• Are responsible for students' tutorial teaching and welfare.

The University

• Determines the content of the courses within which college teaching takes place.
• Organises lectures and seminars.
• Provides a wide range of resources for teaching and learning in the form of libraries, laboratories, museums, computing facilities, etc.
• Admits and supervises graduate students, examines theses.
• Sets and marks examinations.
• Awards degrees.

Conference of Colleges

• Represents the common concerns of the colleges.
• Negotiates with central University bodies on collegiate matters.
• Appoints members of joint University/College committees.
• Has representation on Council, its committees, and the four Divisional Boards.
• Acts as a body for intercollegiate discussion and decision-making.