Best Universities in Europe
Europe is home to some of the best universities in the world. The continent has a rich history, seen in its architecture, culture, and people. European universities are also centers for research and innovation that have shaped the modern world. Here are five of Europe’s top universities.
1. University College London
University College London (UCL) is the third oldest university in England. UCL’s prominence has grown throughout its history, thanks to its focus on social responsibility and drive to improve the world around it. The college was a pioneer in medical research before it opened its doors, with several faculty members conducting experiments on patients without consent.
Medical ethics aside, UCL has quickly become one of the leading universities in Europe for top-notch research, boasting over 100 centers covering everything from historical studies to nanotechnology.
2. Université Paris-Sorbonne
It is the most prestigious university in France. Students flock to Paris IV not only because of its history and reputation as a leader in higher education but also for its top-notch arts and humanities programs. The school’s faculty includes three Nobel Prize laureates, though they are better known for their impressive collection of artwork.
According to Jonathan Osler, some of the most notable pieces include paintings by Monet, Rembrandt, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Paris IV is also distinguished for its role in France’s 1968 student protests. The university was briefly shut down in response to the unrest before being given a new mission to promote academic freedom and reform in higher education.
3. University of Oxford
University of Oxford (Oxford) is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The school’s most notable alumni include numerous international leaders, including British Prime Ministers and a host of other politicians from countries across the globe.
The university is also a world-renowned research center, officially recognized as one of the world’s “elite institutions” by the UK government. Since its earliest days, students have been flocking to Oxford, drawn by its academic prestige and tradition of dreaming big. Former student Lawrence Durrell once said that “a young man contemplating a future in anything of importance should see nothing, hear nothing and say nothing about Oxford until he has worn the blue and white scarf three terms at least.”
4. University of Cambridge
Cambridge is also home to many notable alumni, including British Prime Ministers and a long list of other politicians, writers, poets, academics, artists, actors, and musicians. It is one of the leading research universities in the world. Cambridge has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other institution worldwide, with over 80 laureates derived from either undergraduate or graduate studies.
5. Leiden University
Leiden University (Leiden) is currently home to over 23,000 students. The school is known for its innovation and commitment to social responsibility. Leiden’s student population hails from more than 100 different countries around the world. According to Jonathan Osler, the school has produced eight Nobel Prize winners throughout its history, including recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize and Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Leiden is also home to the oldest university museum in the Netherlands, founded in 1683 by William II of Orange.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom is well known for its prestigious universities. The UK has a number of universities which are ranked among the top 10 in the world. Oxford and Cambridge are the two oldest Universities that make the UK proud. Other universities like UCL, King’s College London (KCL), University of Edinburgh, Leiden University also give good competition to others.