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Compare any two UK universities

Select any two universities below and we'll generate an instant, data-driven comparison — rankings, salaries, student satisfaction, international community, and more.

A
Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth · QS World #801

U
University of Reading

Reading · QS World #196

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 6 datapoints

We looked at 6 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

3/6

Aberystwyth

scored higher in 3 categories

VS

3/6

Reading

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

Aberystwyth University and University of Reading are evenly matched: each leads in 3 of 6 categories where both have data. Aberystwyth University is ahead on TEF, established, scholarship; University of Reading on ranking, courses.

Aberystwyth University vs University of Reading at a glance

Aberystwyth University and University of Reading both teach 43 subject areas, the largest being History, Economics and Mathematics. Aberystwyth University offers 414 courses across 66 subject areas; University of Reading offers 448 courses across 70 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,720 a year at Aberystwyth University and £25,850 at University of Reading: Aberystwyth University is about £5,130 a year cheaper.

Of the 31 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Reading is higher in 31 and Aberystwyth University in 0. The widest gap is in Business Studies: £23,000 three years after graduating from Aberystwyth University, against £39,500 from University of Reading. Of the 33 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Aberystwyth University is higher in 21 and University of Reading in 11, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.

#801
QS World
#196
—
THE World
#201
#62
Guardian UK
#33
1872
Established
1892
No
Russell Group
No
Gold
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.

Aberystwyth University

University of Reading

No data
85.1%

Satisfaction

Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)

No data
£35,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

No data
84.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

No data
18%

International

International student share

414
448

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

22
1

Scholarships

Number of scholarships

International Community

Where do international students come from?

Top source countries based on official HESA enrolment data. A higher diversity of nationalities often means a richer campus experience.

Aberystwyth

No published data on international students

    VS

    Reading

    96 countries · 18% international

    • 🇨🇳China26%
    • 🇮🇳India6.9%
    • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
    • 🇳🇬Nigeria4.2%
    • 🇲🇾Malaysia3.9%

    Subjects

    43 subjects you can study at both

    Courses listed at each university in the subject, and the typical (median) international fee a year. Select a count to see the courses.

    Aberystwyth University

    University of Reading

    Also taught at both: English Literature, Human Geography & Environment, Animal Science, Creative Writing, Ecology & Conservation, Physical Geography & Climate, Zoology & Animal Biology, Environmental Sciences, Fine Art, Information & Library Studies, Drama & Theatre, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Philosophy, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Ancient Languages, Geology & Earth Sciences, Management, Microbiology & Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Biological Sciences (General), Education Studies, Media & Film Studies, Biology, English Language, History of Art & Design, Film Production & Cinematography, Countryside & Rural Management.

    Fees

    What it costs international students

    The typical (median) international tuition fee a year across each university's published course fees. Individual courses vary; each course page shows its own fee.

    Undergraduate

    Aberystwyth University
    £20,720
    University of Reading
    £25,850

    Aberystwyth University is about £5,130 a year cheaper.

    Postgraduate

    Aberystwyth University
    No data
    University of Reading
    £26,450

    We do not have reliable international fee data for Aberystwyth University yet.

    Outcomes

    Graduate outcomes by subject

    Median graduate salary three years after graduating, and student satisfaction with teaching, across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject. Source: Discover Uni.

    Aberystwyth University

    University of Reading

    • History

      £19,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
      92%Satisfaction95%
    • Economics

      £22,500Salary (3 years)£32,500
      73%Satisfaction82%
    • Mathematics

      £23,500Salary (3 years)£30,500
      97%Satisfaction86%
    • Finance & Actuarial Science

      £23,000Salary (3 years)£38,500
      98%Satisfaction83%
    • Law

      £20,000Salary (3 years)£27,500
      87%Satisfaction86%
    • Politics & International Relations

      £22,000Salary (3 years)£27,500
      92%Satisfaction92%
    • Agriculture & Land Management

      £24,000Salary (3 years)£29,500
      92%Satisfaction83%
    • Psychology (General)

      £18,500Salary (3 years)£24,000
      91%Satisfaction83%
    • Business Studies

      £23,000Salary (3 years)£39,500
      93%Satisfaction79%
    • Computer Science

      £34,000Salary (3 years)£35,000
      84%Satisfaction76%
    • Marketing

      £23,000Salary (3 years)£29,000
      95%Satisfaction76%
    • Sociology & Criminology

      £20,500Salary (3 years)£31,000
      87%Satisfaction96%

    Showing the 12 largest of 33 shared subjects with published outcomes.

    Scholarships for International Students

    Exclusive

    Aberystwyth University

    International Accommodation Award

    100%

    Deadline: N/A

    International Accommodation Award

    100%

    Deadline: N/A

    Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Exam

    £6,000

    Deadline: N/A

    Vice-Chancellor's Regional Scholarship (PG)

    £3,000

    Deadline: N/A

    David Game College Scholarship

    £2,500

    Deadline: N/A

    View all scholarships →

    University of Reading

    The Sporting Excellence Scholarship

    See details

    Deadline: N/A

    View all scholarships →

    FAQ

    Aberystwyth University vs University of Reading: common questions

    Is Aberystwyth University or University of Reading cheaper for international students?

    For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,720 a year at Aberystwyth University and £25,850 at University of Reading: Aberystwyth University is about £5,130 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.

    What subjects can you study at both Aberystwyth University and University of Reading?

    Both universities teach 43 subject areas: History, Economics, Mathematics, Finance & Actuarial Science, Law, Politics & International Relations, Business & Management (General), Agriculture & Land Management, Psychology (General), Business Studies, Computer Science, Marketing and 31 more.

    Is Aberystwyth University or University of Reading better for History?

    History graduates earn a median £19,500 three years after graduating from Aberystwyth University, and £25,000 from University of Reading. Student satisfaction with teaching is 92% at Aberystwyth University and 95% at University of Reading. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

    Does Aberystwyth University or University of Reading offer more courses?

    University of Reading lists 448 courses on CourseOptions and Aberystwyth University lists 414 courses.

    What can you study at Aberystwyth University but not at University of Reading?

    Aberystwyth University teaches 23 subject areas that University of Reading does not, including Physics, Welsh Studies, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Computing & IT, Applied Psychology, French, Information Systems & Data Science and 15 more.

    What can you study at University of Reading but not at Aberystwyth University?

    University of Reading teaches 27 subject areas that Aberystwyth University does not, including Building & Construction, Chemistry, Design & Fashion, Food Science, Archaeology, Teacher Training, Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition & Dietetics and 19 more.

    Ready to explore courses?

    Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.