Universities Tests Act 1871 removes religious tests

Background. Prior to 1871, religious tests restricted access to Oxford, Cambridge, and Durham universities to members of the Church of England. At Durham, a fundamental statute in 1835 established that degrees were open only to Church of England members. At Oxford, membership in the established church was required for Bachelor of Arts graduation until 1866. The Cambridge University Act 1856 abolished tests for certain degrees but maintained requirements for senate membership and specific offices, which the 1871 Act subsequently removed.

Legislative Process. The Universities Tests Act 1871 was an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Passage of the bill was secured after testimony before the House of Lords, following two previous blocks of similar legislation in 1869 and 1870. The Act abolished religious tests and enabled broader access to academic positions at the three universities.

Impact on Universities. The Act allowed Roman Catholics, non-conformists, and non-Christians to take up professorships, fellowships, studentships, and other lay offices at Oxford, Cambridge, and Durham. At Oxford, Dissenters were permitted to be promoted to Master of Arts starting in 1871. At Durham, staff and members of Convocation had previously been required to be members of the Church of England until this Act.