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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
Aston University, Birmingham

Birmingham · QS World #416

U
Ulster University

Belfast · QS World #595

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 8 datapoints

We looked at 8 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

4/8

Aston

scored higher in 4 categories

VS

4/8

Ulster

scored higher in 4 categories

Quick Verdict

Aston University, Birmingham and Ulster University are evenly matched: each leads in 4 of 8 categories where both have data. Aston University, Birmingham is ahead on ranking, established; Ulster University on satisfaction, employment, international, courses.

Aston University, Birmingham vs Ulster University at a glance

Aston University, Birmingham and Ulster University both teach 35 subject areas, the largest being Business Studies, Law and Accounting. Aston University, Birmingham offers 169 courses across 51 subject areas; Ulster University offers 170 courses across 66 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £22,580 a year at Aston University, Birmingham and £17,490 at Ulster University: Ulster University is about £5,090 a year cheaper.

Of the 24 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Ulster University is higher in 12 and Aston University, Birmingham in 11, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#416
QS World
#595
#401
THE World
#601
#39
Guardian UK
#60
1895
Established
1968
No
Russell Group
No
Gold
TEF Rating
—

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Aston University, Birmingham

Ulster University

85.2%
86.4%

Satisfaction

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

£37,600
No data

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

84.5%
84.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

22.1%
32.5%

International

International student share

169
170

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
0

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.

Aston

67 countries · 22.1% international

  • 🇮🇳India40.8%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria10.2%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan5.9%
  • 🌐Kuwait4.2%
  • 🇻🇳Vietnam4%
VS

Ulster

45 countries · 32.5% international

  • 🇵🇰Pakistan27.8%
  • 🇮🇪Ireland21.4%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria16.1%
  • 🇮🇳India12.6%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh8.6%

Subjects

35 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.

Aston University, Birmingham

Ulster University

Also taught at both: Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, History, Psychology (General), Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biomedical Engineering, Information Systems & Data Science, Software Engineering, Human Resource Management, English Studies, Health & Social Care, Linguistics, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Media & Film Studies, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Pharmacy, Public Health & Epidemiology, Management, Medicine, Optometry & Ophthalmics.

Only at Aston University, Birmingham

Only at Ulster University

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

Aston University, Birmingham
£22,580
Ulster University
£17,490

Ulster University is about £5,090 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Aston University, Birmingham
£24,000
Ulster University
No data

We do not have reliable international fee data for Ulster 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.

Aston University, Birmingham

Ulster University

  • Business Studies

    £30,500Salary (3 years)No data
    82%Satisfaction83%

  • Law

    £23,000Salary (3 years)No data
    89%Satisfaction87%

  • Accounting

    £29,500Salary (3 years)No data
    86%Satisfaction95%

  • Electronic & Electrical Engineering

    £32,500Salary (3 years)No data
    64%Satisfaction86%

  • Marketing

    £28,500Salary (3 years)No data
    79%Satisfaction85%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £23,000Salary (3 years)No data
    89%Satisfaction84%

  • Civil Engineering

    £31,000Salary (3 years)No data
    83%Satisfaction100%

  • Computer Science

    £33,000Salary (3 years)No data
    85%Satisfaction79%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £27,500Salary (3 years)No data
    81%Satisfaction84%

  • Biomedical Sciences

    £27,500Salary (3 years)No data
    90%Satisfaction83%

  • Building & Construction

    £32,500Salary (3 years)No data
    82%Satisfaction85%

  • Economics

    £35,500Salary (3 years)No data
    95%Satisfaction88%

Showing the 12 largest of 24 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Aston University, Birmingham

View all scholarships →

Ulster University

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Aston University, Birmingham vs Ulster University: common questions

Is Aston University, Birmingham or Ulster University cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £22,580 a year at Aston University, Birmingham and £17,490 at Ulster University: Ulster University is about £5,090 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 Aston University, Birmingham and Ulster University?

Both universities teach 35 subject areas: Business Studies, Law, Accounting, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Marketing, Sociology & Criminology, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Politics & International Relations, Biomedical Sciences, Building & Construction, Design & Fashion and 23 more.

Does Aston University, Birmingham or Ulster University offer more courses?

Ulster University lists 170 courses on CourseOptions and Aston University, Birmingham lists 169 courses.

What can you study at Aston University, Birmingham but not at Ulster University?

Aston University, Birmingham teaches 16 subject areas that Ulster University does not, including Business & Management (General), English Language, Mathematics, Technology & Logistics, Aerospace Engineering, Biochemistry, Clinical & Health Psychology, Personal & Professional Development and 8 more.

What can you study at Ulster University but not at Aston University, Birmingham?

Ulster University teaches 31 subject areas that Aston University, Birmingham does not, including Sport & Exercise Sciences, Social Work, Irish Studies, Journalism, Music, Film Production & Cinematography, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Nutrition & Dietetics and 23 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

A
Aston University, Birmingham169 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
Ulster University170 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses