Britain has more than 90 universities. British universities can be divided (c) into several categories. The foremost (f) universities are the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, both founded in the Middle Ages. The term Oxbridge is used to refer to both schools as a single (k) entity. Another type of university is the so-called redbrick variety-old and solid (l) schools built in the 19th century when bricks were the standard building material. The large number (g) of ultramodern universities that sprouted up in the last half of the 20th century are often called cement block and plate-glass universities.

London has its own great schools, the enormous (d) University of London and its world-famous college, the London School of Economics.

Students interested in advanced (a) education can also attend polytechnics, which are schools dedicated to the sciences (j) and applied technology. An education act in 1992 changed the status (m) of these colleges to universities. Higher education can also be obtained through the Open University, founded in 1969, which offers extension (e) courses taught through correspondence (b), television and radio programmes, and videocassettes.

It also sponsors local study centres and residential (i) summer schools. The purpose of the Open University is to reach people who may not ordinarily be qualified (h) for university study.