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.
London · QS World #354
London
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
Birkbeck
scored higher in 4 categories
4/8
Royal College of Music
scored higher in 4 categories
Quick Verdict
Birkbeck, University of London and Royal College of Music are evenly matched: each leads in 4 of 8 categories where both have data. Birkbeck, University of London is ahead on established, graduate salary, courses, scholarship; Royal College of Music on TEF, satisfaction, employment, international.
Birkbeck, University of London vs Royal College of Music at a glance
Birkbeck, University of London and Royal College of Music have one subject area in common, Cognitive & Experimental Psychology. Birkbeck, University of London offers 361 courses across 69 subject areas; Royal College of Music offers 39 courses across 2 subject areas.
For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,850 a year at Birkbeck, University of London and £32,760 at Royal College of Music: Birkbeck, University of London is about £11,910 a year cheaper.
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.
Birkbeck, University of London
Royal College of Music
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.
Birkbeck
60 countries · 12% international
- 🇺🇸United States10.8%
- 🇨🇳China9.7%
- 🇮🇳India8.6%
- 🇪🇸Spain4.8%
- 🇮🇹Italy4.3%
Royal College of Music
37 countries · 48.2% international
- 🇨🇳China35.4%
- 🇺🇸United States10.4%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong8.3%
- 🇦🇺Australia3.1%
- 🇫🇷France3.1%
Subjects
1 subject 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.
Birkbeck, University of London
Royal College of Music
Cognitive & Experimental Psychology
Only at Birkbeck, University of London
Only at Royal College of Music
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
- Birkbeck, University of London
- £18,500
- Royal College of Music
- No data
We do not have reliable international fee data for Royal College of Music yet.
Postgraduate
- Birkbeck, University of London
- £20,850
- Royal College of Music
- £32,760
Birkbeck, University of London is about £11,910 a year cheaper.
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveBirkbeck, University of London
Bonnart Trust Sanctuary Scholarship
£18,000
Deadline: Jun 2026
Cyril Taylor Scholarships
£15,000
Deadline: Jul 2026
Breakspear scholarship
£12,000
Deadline: Jul 2026
MA History of Art scholarship
£6,000
Deadline: Jul 2026
Legal & General Sustainable Leaders Bursary
£5,000
Deadline: N/A
Royal College of Music
Adami Award for Collaborative Piano Fellows
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Fellowship in Historical Keyboards
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Gilbert & Eileen Edgar and Anthony Saltmarsh CPF
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Lord & Lady Lurgan Collaborative Piano Fellowship
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Carne Junior Fellowship
See details
Deadline: N/A
FAQ
Birkbeck, University of London vs Royal College of Music: common questions
Is Birkbeck, University of London or Royal College of Music cheaper for international students?
For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,850 a year at Birkbeck, University of London and £32,760 at Royal College of Music: Birkbeck, University of London is about £11,910 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 Birkbeck, University of London and Royal College of Music?
Both universities teach 1 subject area: Cognitive & Experimental Psychology.
Does Birkbeck, University of London or Royal College of Music offer more courses?
Birkbeck, University of London lists 361 courses on CourseOptions and Royal College of Music lists 39 courses.
What can you study at Birkbeck, University of London but not at Royal College of Music?
Birkbeck, University of London teaches 68 subject areas that Royal College of Music does not, including Sociology & Criminology, Law, Business & Management (General), Politics & International Relations, Media & Film Studies, History, Physical Geography & Climate, Ancient Languages and 60 more.
What can you study at Royal College of Music but not at Birkbeck, University of London?
Royal College of Music teaches 1 subject area that Birkbeck, University of London does not, including Music.
Ready to explore courses?
Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.