Oxford and the region

With centuries of history behind it, Oxford will always be a great place to study, especially for anyone fascinated by cities and buildings. From medieval college quadrangles to cutting-edge 21st century architecture you will find it all here in Oxford.

There can be few more exciting cities in which to study the built environment than Oxford. It is amazingly compact and full of contrasts, containing within a few square miles some of Britain's most expensive property, vibrant multi-cultural and 'student' areas, 1960s housing estates, state-of-the-art architecture and new business parks. It is also one of the world's most visited cities, with a year-round tourist industry.

For those working in the built environment, Oxford poses a tremendous challenge as it strives to develop as a 21st century city without losing its historic heart. Planners, architects and urban designers have to balance the pressure from developers wishing to build more shops, nightclubs and offices on the one hand, with the need to preserve its green belt and ancient buildings, on the other.

Why study in Oxford?

• Who can resist its inspiring arts scene? A short listed contender for Capital of Culture 2008, the city is now embarking on an exciting path as European Centre of Culture.
• Let yourself be stimulated by its buildings. From 13th-century colleges to solar houses, it is an encyclopedia in miniature of British Architecture.
• Why not join moves to become a greener city? From promoting cycling to setting up innovative park-and-ride systems, it is striving to tackle environmental issues.
• Put yourself at the heart of things. With London and Birmingham each a little over an hour away, and the Cotswolds and beautiful Thames river on your doorstep, where else would you find so much so close by?