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.
Poole
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.
2/6
Arts University Bournemouth
scored higher in 2 categories
4/6
Reading
scored higher in 4 categories
Quick Verdict
University of Reading leads in 4 of 6 categories where both have data (employment, international, graduate salary, courses). Arts University Bournemouth is ahead on established, satisfaction.
Arts University Bournemouth vs University of Reading at a glance
Arts University Bournemouth and University of Reading both teach 9 subject areas, the largest being Design & Fashion, Business & Management (General) and Building & Construction. Arts University Bournemouth offers 78 courses across 13 subject areas; University of Reading offers 448 courses across 70 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,950 a year at Arts University Bournemouth and £25,850 at University of Reading: Arts University Bournemouth is about £5,900 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,980 a year at Arts University Bournemouth and £26,450 at University of Reading: Arts University Bournemouth is about £6,470 a year cheaper.
Of the 5 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Reading is higher in 4 and Arts University Bournemouth in 1. The widest gap is in Business & Management (General): £22,500 three years after graduating from Arts University Bournemouth, against £35,500 from University of Reading. Of the 7 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Arts University Bournemouth is higher in 5 and University of Reading in 2.
World & National Rankings
Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.
Visual Breakdown
Key metrics at a glance
Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.
Arts University Bournemouth
University of Reading
Satisfaction
Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)
Graduate Salaries (5y)
Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation
Employment
Graduate employment rate
International
International student share
Course Counts
Number of courses offered
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.
Arts University Bournemouth
35 countries · 13.5% international
- 🇨🇳China17.8%
- 🇮🇳India12.9%
- 🇺🇸United States8.9%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong5%
- 🌐Iceland3%
Reading
96 countries · 18% international
- 🇨🇳China26%
- 🇮🇳India6.9%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria4.2%
- 🇲🇾Malaysia3.9%
Subjects
9 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.
Arts University Bournemouth
University of Reading
Design & Fashion
25 coursesTypical fee £19,950 (UG)
8 coursesTypical fee £25,850 (UG)
Business & Management (General)
2 coursesTypical fee £19,950 (UG)
22 coursesTypical fee £25,850 (UG)
Building & Construction
1 courseFee not available
16 coursesTypical fee £31,650 (PG)
Film Production & Cinematography
14 coursesTypical fee £19,950 (UG)
1 courseTypical fee £25,850 (UG)
Drama & Theatre
Media & Film Studies
Fine Art
Creative Writing
Architecture
Only at Arts University Bournemouth
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
- Arts University Bournemouth
- £19,950
- University of Reading
- £25,850
Arts University Bournemouth is about £5,900 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Arts University Bournemouth
- £19,980
- University of Reading
- £26,450
Arts University Bournemouth is about £6,470 a year cheaper.
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.
Arts University Bournemouth
University of Reading
Design & Fashion
£22,500Salary (3 years)£26,00087%Satisfaction93%Business & Management (General)
£22,500Salary (3 years)£35,50084%Satisfaction77%Film Production & Cinematography
£21,000Salary (3 years)£22,50085%Satisfaction75%Drama & Theatre
£20,000Salary (3 years)£23,00094%Satisfaction67%Fine Art
£22,000Salary (3 years)£20,00090%Satisfaction81%Creative Writing
No dataSalary (3 years)£23,00087%Satisfaction86%Architecture
No dataSalary (3 years)£36,50072%Satisfaction89%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveArts University Bournemouth
British National Residing Overseas
See details
Deadline: N/A
University of Reading
The Sporting Excellence Scholarship
See details
Deadline: N/A
FAQ
Arts University Bournemouth vs University of Reading: common questions
Is Arts University Bournemouth or University of Reading cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,950 a year at Arts University Bournemouth and £25,850 at University of Reading: Arts University Bournemouth is about £5,900 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,980 a year at Arts University Bournemouth and £26,450 at University of Reading: Arts University Bournemouth is about £6,470 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 Arts University Bournemouth and University of Reading?
Both universities teach 9 subject areas: Design & Fashion, Business & Management (General), Building & Construction, Film Production & Cinematography, Drama & Theatre, Media & Film Studies, Fine Art, Creative Writing and Architecture.
Is Arts University Bournemouth or University of Reading better for Design & Fashion?
Design & Fashion graduates earn a median £22,500 three years after graduating from Arts University Bournemouth, and £26,000 from University of Reading. Student satisfaction with teaching is 87% at Arts University Bournemouth and 93% at University of Reading. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Arts University Bournemouth or University of Reading offer more courses?
University of Reading lists 448 courses on CourseOptions and Arts University Bournemouth lists 78 courses.
What can you study at Arts University Bournemouth but not at University of Reading?
Arts University Bournemouth teaches 4 subject areas that University of Reading does not, including Creative Arts (General), Games Design & Computer Animation, Performing Arts (General) and Personal & Professional Development.
What can you study at University of Reading but not at Arts University Bournemouth?
University of Reading teaches 61 subject areas that Arts University Bournemouth does not, including Finance & Actuarial Science, Economics, History, Law, Marketing, Mathematics, Psychology (General), Agriculture & Land Management and 53 more.
Ready to explore courses?
Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.