British universities

What does

"to read a subject at university"

exactly mean?

Does it mean: "to study" or "to teach a subject as a lecturer" or both?

thanx very much for "reading"

ciaoooo
Milena

to study

At most American universities, students are expected to come to class, take notes and then be tested. From movies, etc., I get the idea that at British universities students study independently, "read," under the guidance of a tutor and then are tested. Is that correct?