The University of Cambridge is rich in history – its famous Colleges and University buildings attract visitors from all over the world. But the University’s museums and collections also hold many treasures which give an exciting insight into some of the scholarly activities, both past, and present, of the University’s academics and students. The University is one of the world’s oldest universities and leading academic centers, and a self-governed community of scholars. Its reputation for outstanding academic success is known worldwide and reflects the intellectual achievement of its students, as well as the world-class original research carried out by the staff of the University and the Colleges. the University’s customs and unusual terminology can be traced to roots in the early years of the University’s long history, and this section of our website looks to the past to find the origins of much that is distinctive in the University of today.

Mission

The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning, and research at the highest international levels of excellence.

Core values

The University’s core values are as follows:

• freedom of thought and expression
• freedom from discrimination

Education

• the encouragement of a questioning spirit
• an extensive range of academic subjects in all essential issues groups
• quality and depth of provision across all subjects
• the close inter-relationship between teaching, scholarship, and research
• strong support for individual researchers as well as research groups
• residence in Cambridge as central to most courses
• education which provides the ability of students to learn throughout life

The University’s relationship with society

• the largest possible student access to the University
• the contribution which the University can make to society through the pursuit, dissemination, and application of information
• the place of the University within the broader academic and local community
• opportunities for innovative partnerships with business, charitable establishments, and healthcare
• concern for sustainability and the relationship with the environment

The Collegiate University

• the relationship between the University and the Colleges as fundamental to the nature of Cambridge
• the interdisciplinary nature of the Colleges as an essential stimulus to teaching and learning
• the enhanced quality of experience for students and staff through College membership

University staff

• recognition and reward of the University’s staff as its greatest asset
• the encouragement of career development for all staff

Other activities

• the occasions for broadening the experience of students and staff through participation in sport, music, drama, the visual arts, and other cultural activities