Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics - Oxford, University & City

University of Oxford

University of Oxford crest The University of Oxford hardly needs introduction. It is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and lays claim to nine centuries of continuous existence. Academic teaching existed here in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167.

The University is comprised of thirty-nine self-governing colleges and seven Permanent Private Halls, of which Wycliffe is one, which relate to the University in a type of federal system.

Punts at Magdallen Bridge Throughout its history, Oxford has produced gifted men and women in every specialty. Among these are Kings, Queens, Princes, Prime Ministers, Presidents, Archbishops and many Nobel prize-winners. Since 1355, when Edward III paid tribute to the University for its invaluable contribution to learning, Oxford has continued to be praised for its unique and crucial role as a centre of excellence in teaching and research.

Bodleian Entrance Oxford has excellent facilities and resources for learning. The University and city’s history has been built upon books being read, written, published, studied and debated. The central library of the university – the Bodleian – is a copyright deposit library and so is entitled to request one free copy of every book published. The Bodleian’s collections of books and manuscripts are used by scholars around the world, and all OCCA students are permitted access to the library.

OCCA students may also be able to attend the occasional select lecture series in the Oxford University Examination Schools. The Schools have housed lectures since 1882 and today, during term-time, over a thousand students come and go through its doors every hour.

Moral Philosophy The opportunity to study Christian Apologetics in Oxford is a unique one. We encourage you to take advantage of this and join the talented students and scholars from around the globe who are all drawn to this magnificent place of learning.

(Please note that the OCCA courses are not accredited by the University of Oxford)

University of Oxford - Main Website
University of Oxford - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
University of Oxford - Interactive map of Colleges and Halls

The City of Oxford

Oxford is not merely well-known for the University in itself, but also as a centre of religious debate. Places of learning are frequently places where passions run high. John Wycliffe endured the hostility of the Pope in the Fourteenth Century when he argued for the Bible to be translated into the vernacular, making it available to everyone. In the Sixteenth Century, Protestant Bishops Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley were tried and burned at the stake in Oxford for heresy. John and Charles Wesley endured the hostility of the University authorities for their weekly prayer meetings, as did George Whitefield whilst a student at the University. Passions again ran high in 1860, when the University Museum housed the famous debate between Thomas Huxley and Bishop Wilberforce on Darwin’s Origin of the Species. It is into this wonderful Christian heritage that OCCA students are immersed.

One of the great attractions of Oxford is its architectural beauty. Known as The City of Dreaming Spires, poet John Keats thought it to be the finest city in the world. The Radcliffe Square, Sheldonian Theatre and Christ Church College are but a few examples of the striking and breath-taking design that is commonplace in Oxford.

Yet for all its beauty, to discover the real charm of Oxford you must look beyond her appearance and remember all that this city has meant to the world. These are the streets upon which many of the great figures of our time have walked. These are the sights that inspired the likes of J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis. There is so much to excite the imagination; when you come to Oxford expect to be inspired.

Visit Oxford website - Oxford Tourist Information
Oxford City website - OXLink

" This course is the gold standard for effective training in evangelism and apologetics. "

Michael Ramsden, European Director of RZIM Zacharias Trust

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