Clare Hall, University of Cambridge
Clare Hall is a graduate-only college of the University of Cambridge, founded in 1966 to support postgraduate study and research. It is small in student numbers but notable for a high proportion of academic Fellows.
Overview
Clare Hall is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge based in England. Founded in 1966 by Clare College, it was created to provide a welcoming environment for postgraduate students and visiting scholars. Unlike many Cambridge colleges, Clare Hall admits only graduate students and no undergraduates, giving it a distinct scholarly focus.
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Community and numbers
The college is intentionally small: it typically hosts only around one to two hundred postgraduate members, while maintaining a comparatively large body of academic staff and research Fellows. This results in a high ratio of teaching and research Fellows to students, which helps foster close mentoring relationships and an active intellectual community. The governing academics are often referred to as Fellows.
History and purpose
Established in the mid-20th century, Clare Hall was conceived as a place where those already holding degrees could return to advanced study without the traditional undergraduate environment. Its foundation reflected a wider expansion of graduate education at Cambridge and a desire to support interdisciplinary research and international scholars. From the start the college emphasized hospitality toward visiting academics and family-inclusive facilities.
Facilities and life
The college offers accommodation, communal rooms, dining and social spaces tailored to graduate needs, including provisions that accommodate families and longer-term visitors. Sporting and recreational opportunities are available alongside formal academic events: seminars, lectures and conferences are a regular feature of collegiate life. These facilities are intended to support concentrated research while also encouraging social interaction among scholars.
Distinctive features
- Graduate-only membership emphasizing research and postgraduate teaching.
- High fellows-to-student ratio that promotes mentorship and collaboration.
- A history of hosting international visiting scholars and family-friendly provisions.
- An institutional link with Clare College and the wider university network.
Clare Hall remains one of the University of Cambridge's smaller colleges by student population but continues to play a notable role in graduate education and interdisciplinary research. Its scale and governance model make it particularly suited to those seeking an intimate, research-focused collegiate experience.
Questions and answers
Q: What is Clare Hall?
A: Clare Hall is one of the colleges of the University of Cambridge, England.
Q: When was Clare Hall built?
A: Clare Hall was built in 1966.
Q: How many postgraduate students does Clare Hall have?
A: Clare Hall has about 145 postgraduate students.
Q: Does Clare Hall allow undergraduate students?
A: No, Clare Hall does not allow undergraduate students.
Q: How many fellows does Clare Hall have?
A: Clare Hall has 125 fellows (teachers), making the ratio fellows/students very high.
Q: Why was Clare Hall built?
A: Clare Hall was built by Clare College to make it easier for people who are not students anymore to come back to university and do further education.
Q: What facilities does Clare Hall have?
A: Clare Hall has many facilities for families and for sports.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Clare Hall, University of Cambridge Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/20679
Sources
- clarehall.cam.ac.uk : "Clare Hall - History"