Lori Meadows
During the 18th century, the age of university students varied. In the University of Pennsylvania, boys were admitted to the Academy between the ages of seven and thirteen, while few entered the College before turning thirteen. However, many received degrees at sixteen or seventeen. Enrollment numbers at universities like Oxford and Cambridge were significantly higher in the 17th century, with a notable decline in the 18th century. The educational experience was often secondary to the social aspect, with coffeehouses becoming popular gathering places for students. The core curriculum of most Western universities was based on the seven liberal arts, with students proceeding to study medicine, law, or theology. The pedagogical approach at Oxford and Cambridge involved an independent study system with weekly discussions, rather than formal lectures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age of students at the time of their matriculation into the Academy | 7-13 years |
| Age of students at the time of their matriculation into the College | 13 years and above |
| Age of students when they received their degrees | 16-17 years |
| Age of exemption from the oath during registration | Under 14 years |
| Age of students entitled to a reduction in the sum of money paid during registration | Under 25 years |
| Age of students who received their bachelor's degrees at Penn | 17 years |
| Age of Alexander Graydon when he enrolled in the Academy of Philadelphia | 11 years |
| Age of Alexander Graydon when he withdrew from the Academy and College of Philadelphia | 14 years |
| Age of students in the 18th century when they went to university | 16-17 years |
| Age of students in the 18th century when they went to university according to another source | 18 years and above |
| Duration of university education in the 18th century | 3-4 years |
| Number of fellows at Trinity College in 1755 | 2 |
| Number of fellows per college in the 17th century | 12-17 |
| Number of students assigned to each fellow in the 17th century | 1-4 |
| Number of students assigned to each fellow in the 18th century | 1-3 |
| Enrollment at Cambridge in the 18th century | 16,000 |
| Enrollment at Oxford in the 18th century | 25,000 |
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What You'll Learn
University students' ages varied
During the 18th century, the Charity School, Academy, and College were all housed on the same campus and overseen by the same board of trustees. Each school had its own classrooms, but the students shared the same buildings, playgrounds, and, at times, even teachers. Older college students occasionally assisted in other schools. All schools followed a basic daily routine, and extracurricular activities, including sports, were limited to what the students could improvise.
The core curriculum at most Western universities was based on the seven liberal arts: grammar, logic, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and music. Students would then choose one of the professional faculties of medicine, law, or theology to specialize in. Final exams were notoriously difficult, and many students failed.
Enrollment at universities declined in the 18th century. For instance, Cambridge University had around 30,000 students in the 17th century, but this number dropped to 16,000 in the 18th century. Similarly, Oxford University's student population decreased from 31,000 to 25,000 during the same period. The highest number of graduates in a single year during the 18th century was 36 in 1792.
The pedagogical approach at Oxford and Cambridge was unique, employing a tutorial system. There were no classes or lectures; instead, "fellows" (tutors) were assigned 1-3 students and held weekly one-hour discussion sessions. These meetings were not intended for teaching but rather for students to discuss their independent studies.
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No academic qualification required
During the 18th century, no academic qualification was required for admission to universities. Students could enrol at any time of the year, and admission requirements were minimal. All that was needed was the payment of a sum of money, the swearing of an oath to abide by the academic authorities' decisions, and registration on a student roll. Those under the age of 14 were exempt from taking the oath.
The amount due varied according to the student's social position and age. For example, nobles usually had to pay a larger contribution, while those under 25 were entitled to a reduction, and the poorest students were sometimes wholly exempt.
The universities of the 18th century catered to all levels of instruction, from elementary to higher education, and welcomed pupils of all ages and degrees of knowledge. There was no formal link between secondary school and university, and students came from a variety of educational backgrounds.
The core curriculum at most Western universities was based on the seven liberal arts: grammar, logic, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and music. Students then proceeded to study under one of the professional faculties of medicine, law, or theology. Final examinations were gruelling, and many students failed.
At Penn in the 18th century, the Academy, Charity School, and College were all housed on the same campus and governed by the same board of trustees. Boys were admitted to the Academy between the ages of seven and thirteen and then placed in the appropriate class based on their prior training. Most students did not enter the College before turning thirteen, but many received degrees at sixteen or seventeen.
Enrollment at universities like Cambridge and Oxford plummeted in the 18th century compared to the previous century. For example, Cambridge saw around 30,000 enrollments in the 17th century, compared to 16,000 in the 18th century. Similarly, Oxford's enrollments dropped from 31,000 to 25,000 during the same period.
The pedagogical approach at Oxford and Cambridge during the 18th century was unique, utilising a tutorial system. There were no classes to attend, and no professors lecturing. Instead, "fellows" (tutors) were assigned 1-3 students and hosted weekly one-hour discussion sessions. The responsibility for education and study fell on the students, who were expected to prepare for the well-known Senate House Examination to earn their degrees.
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Tutorial system at Oxbridge
The age of students in the 18th century varied, with boys being admitted to academies between the ages of seven and thirteen, and then placed in classes depending on their level of prior training. However, it was uncommon for students to enter college before turning thirteen, although many received degrees at sixteen or seventeen. Until the end of the 18th century, no academic qualifications were required for university admission, and there was no formal link between secondary school and university. The amount of money due for admission varied according to the student's age, with those under 25 being entitled to a reduction and the poorest students being wholly exempt.
Now, moving on to the tutorial system at Oxbridge, Oxford and Cambridge had a unique pedagogical approach, employing a tutorial system that still persists to a large extent. In the 18th century, this system involved no classes or lectures, instead relying on independent study. "Fellows" or tutors were assigned 1-3 students and hosted weekly one-hour discussion sessions. These sessions were not for teaching but for sharing and analysing ideas. The responsibility for education and study lay with the student, although a good fellow would guide them on what and how to study. The final examinations were rigorous, and many students failed.
The core curriculum at most Western universities in the 18th century was based on the seven liberal arts: grammar, logic, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and music. Students then specialised in one of the professional faculties of medicine, law, or theology. A degree was essential for certain careers, such as law or medicine, but it offered little advantage to the wealthy. Many students attended university to learn social graces and gain fluency in languages like Latin and Greek.
Oxford University, in particular, has a long history, with teaching existing in some form as early as 1096. The university experienced significant growth in 1167 when English students were expelled from the University of Paris and returned to establish an academic community in Oxford. The Renaissance greatly influenced Oxford from the late 15th century onwards, transforming its teaching methods. However, Oxford's reputation declined during the Age of Enlightenment, with enrolments dropping. In the 19th century, the natural sciences became a major part of the curriculum, and examinations dominated undergraduate education.
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Low enrollment at universities
The age of students in the 18th century varied. Boys were admitted to academies between the ages of seven and thirteen and then placed in classes depending on their prior education. Few entered college before turning thirteen, but many received degrees at sixteen or seventeen. The universities of the time accepted students of all ages and levels of knowledge. Until the end of the 18th century, no academic qualifications were required for university admission, and there was no formal link between secondary school and university.
Low enrollment numbers were a problem in 18th-century universities. For instance, at Cambridge, enrollment dropped from 30,000 in the 17th century to 16,000 in the 18th century, with only 25 new enrollments per year. Oxford saw a similar decline, with enrollment falling from 31,000 to 25,000. Graduation rates also decreased throughout the century, from 450 per year in the 1700s to 150 per year in 1750.
Several factors contributed to low university enrollment in the 18th century. Firstly, the curriculum in universities was heavily influenced by religion, with both Protestant and Catholic institutions focusing more on defending religious doctrines than embracing the emerging interest in science across Europe. This resistance to new learning likely deterred potential students.
Secondly, the high cost of tuition and the low salaries of professors may have played a role. Tuition fees varied based on social status and age, with nobles paying more and those under 25 receiving discounts. The low salaries of professors often meant they relied on class fees, and when enrollment declined, some professors struggled financially and moved to other teaching areas with higher student demand.
Additionally, the absence of a structured secondary school system feeding into universities may have been a factor. Without academic qualifications required for university admission, students with varying educational backgrounds enrolled, creating a challenge for professors catering to diverse knowledge levels.
Finally, the general atmosphere on campuses in the 18th century has been described as lax, with low attendance at lectures, potentially impacting enrollment numbers as students may have chosen to pursue other avenues of education or training.
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Courses and curriculum
The courses and curriculum of 18th-century universities were quite different from what they are today. The heart of the curriculum was based on the classics, with students learning reading, writing, mathematics, Greek, and Latin. Many students also studied logic, history, and geography. Latin and Greek were considered crucial for preparing boys for university, as the teachings of ancient philosophers like Cicero, Plato, and Aristotle were extremely influential in all aspects of intellectual life, from philosophy to science and medicine.
During the 18th century, universities offered a core curriculum based on the seven liberal arts: grammar, logic, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and music. Students could enroll at any time during the year, and admission requirements included the payment of a sum of money, swearing of an oath, and registration. No academic qualifications were required, and there was no formal link between secondary school and university. Universities welcomed pupils of all ages and knowledge levels, with some students as young as seven enrolled in the Academy.
The University of Pennsylvania, for example, offered a three-year course of study that included Latin and Greek, mathematics, natural science (then called natural philosophy), ethics, oratory, logic, and history (grouped under moral philosophy). The goal was to develop students' independent thinking skills so they could apply their knowledge to various life situations. After completing the course, students received their bachelor's degrees.
Other universities, like Oxford and Cambridge, were also primarily focused on Classical and Liberal Arts education during the 18th century. However, towards the end of the century, the curriculum began to shift, and lectures were introduced alongside tutorials and supervisions. The focus on Classical studies decreased in favor of mathematics, the sciences, and especially astronomy.
While some students pursued degrees in medicine, law, theology, and teaching, many young gentlemen did not finish their university education, as these degrees offered little advantage to heirs or the wealthy. University life was often more of a social experience and a place to make connections, rather than a purely academic endeavor.
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Frequently asked questions
The age of students at universities in the 18th century varied. Sources suggest that boys were admitted to preparatory academies as young as seven, and then progressed to university at the age of thirteen or older. Many received degrees at sixteen or seventeen.
No academic qualifications were required for admission to universities in the 18th century. However, students were required to pay a sum of money, swear an oath, and register in a student roll. The amount due varied according to the student's social position and age.
Universities in the 18th century offered a core curriculum based on the seven liberal arts: grammar, logic, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and music. Students then proceeded to study under one of the professional faculties of medicine, law, and theology.
