Why did John Duns Scotus spend many years studying at the University of Oxford?

John Duns Scotus spent approximately 13 years (1288–1301) at the University of Oxford because he was a member of the Franciscan province of England, which maintained its principal house of studies there.1

During this period, he was engaged in a rigorous, multi-year program preparing for inception as a master of theology. His time at Oxford included:1

• Preliminary Training: While records are missing for his initial eight years of philosophical training, he was required to complete this foundation before entering the advanced theology program.1
• Theological Studies: He studied theology for nearly four years, during which time he was ordained as a priest in 1291.1
• Bachelor of Theology: He spent his final four years as a bachelor of theology. This involved preparing and delivering lectures on Peter Lombard’s Sentences, lecturing on the Bible, and participating in public disputations.1

By June 1301, he had completed all requirements for the mastership; however, due to a long waiting list of qualified bachelors at the university, he remained at Oxford without the immediate opportunity to incept as a master.1