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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.

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Birkbeck, University of London

London · QS World #354

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Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield · QS World #1001

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 10 datapoints

We looked at 10 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

6/10

Birkbeck

scored higher in 6 categories

VS

4/10

Sheffield Hallam

scored higher in 4 categories

Quick Verdict

Birkbeck, University of London leads in 6 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, established, satisfaction, graduate salary, scholarship). Sheffield Hallam University is ahead on TEF, employment, international, courses.

Birkbeck, University of London vs Sheffield Hallam University at a glance

Birkbeck, University of London and Sheffield Hallam University both teach 44 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology and Law. Birkbeck, University of London offers 361 courses across 69 subject areas; Sheffield Hallam University offers 365 courses across 84 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £18,500 a year at Birkbeck, University of London and £18,000 at Sheffield Hallam University: Sheffield Hallam University is about £500 a year cheaper.

Of the 21 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Birkbeck, University of London is higher in 19 and Sheffield Hallam University in 1, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £38,000 three years after graduating from Birkbeck, University of London, against £26,500 from Sheffield Hallam University. Of the 23 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Birkbeck, University of London is higher in 15 and Sheffield Hallam University in 8.

World & National Rankings

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

#354
QS World
#1001
#301
THE World
#801
—
Guardian UK
#63
1823
Established
1843
No
Russell Group
No
Bronze
TEF Rating
Gold

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Birkbeck, University of London

Sheffield Hallam University

85.1%
82.8%

Satisfaction

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

£32,500
£30,300

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

79.6%
86.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

12%
14.3%

International

International student share

361
365

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

16
12

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%
VS

Sheffield Hallam

44 countries · 14.3% international

  • 🇮🇳India53%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria15.5%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan7%
  • 🌐Kuwait4.3%
  • 🌐Myanmar (Burma)3.5%

Subjects

44 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.

Birkbeck, University of London

Sheffield Hallam University

Also taught at both: Psychology (General), Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Journalism, Chemistry, Mathematics, Software Engineering, Biochemistry, Creative Writing, Information & Library Studies, Drama & Theatre, Social Sciences (General), Cognitive & Experimental Psychology, Business Information Systems, Computing & IT, GIS & Remote Sensing, Teacher Training, Applied Psychology, English Studies, Environmental Sciences, Human Geography & Environment, Statistics, Biology, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Human Resource Management, Microbiology & Cell Biology, Biological Sciences (General), Clinical & Health Psychology, Planning & Housing.

Only at Birkbeck, University of London

Only at Sheffield Hallam 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

Birkbeck, University of London
£18,500
Sheffield Hallam University
£18,000

Sheffield Hallam University is about £500 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Birkbeck, University of London
£20,850
Sheffield Hallam University
No data

We do not have reliable international fee data for Sheffield Hallam 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.

Birkbeck, University of London

Sheffield Hallam University

  • Business & Management (General)

    £29,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    76%Satisfaction71%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £23,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    88%Satisfaction83%

  • Law

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    94%Satisfaction82%

  • Business Studies

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£26,500
    98%Satisfaction73%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £23,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    96%Satisfaction94%

  • Media & Film Studies

    £24,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    86%Satisfaction84%

  • Economics

    £23,000Salary (3 years)£27,000
    88%Satisfaction83%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £29,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    78%Satisfaction75%

  • History

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£20,500
    95%Satisfaction86%

  • Marketing

    £29,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    75%Satisfaction84%

  • Accounting

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    75%Satisfaction80%

  • Counselling & Psychotherapy

    No dataSalary (3 years)£25,000
    90%Satisfaction72%

Showing the 12 largest of 23 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Birkbeck, 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

View all scholarships →

Sheffield Hallam University

GREAT Scholarships 2026

£10,000

Deadline: N/A

TASS: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship

100%

Deadline: N/A

Executive MBA Scholarships

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

Transform Together Scholarships

50%

Deadline: N/A

Vice-Chancellor's Award

£4,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Birkbeck, University of London vs Sheffield Hallam University: common questions

Is Birkbeck, University of London or Sheffield Hallam University cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £18,500 a year at Birkbeck, University of London and £18,000 at Sheffield Hallam University: Sheffield Hallam University is about £500 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 Sheffield Hallam University?

Both universities teach 44 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology, Law, Design & Fashion, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Business Studies, Politics & International Relations, Media & Film Studies, Economics, Finance & Actuarial Science, History, Marketing and 32 more.

Is Birkbeck, University of London or Sheffield Hallam University better for Business & Management (General)?

Business & Management (General) graduates earn a median £29,500 three years after graduating from Birkbeck, University of London, and £25,000 from Sheffield Hallam University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 76% at Birkbeck, University of London and 71% at Sheffield Hallam University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Birkbeck, University of London or Sheffield Hallam University offer more courses?

Sheffield Hallam University lists 365 courses on CourseOptions and Birkbeck, University of London lists 361 courses.

What can you study at Birkbeck, University of London but not at Sheffield Hallam University?

Birkbeck, University of London teaches 25 subject areas that Sheffield Hallam University does not, including Physical Geography & Climate, Ancient Languages, History of Art & Design, Philosophy, Classical Studies, Archaeology, Asian Languages & Studies, Astronomy & Astrophysics and 17 more.

What can you study at Sheffield Hallam University but not at Birkbeck, University of London?

Sheffield Hallam University teaches 40 subject areas that Birkbeck, University of London does not, including Sport & Exercise Sciences, Film Production & Cinematography, Medical Imaging, Nutrition & Dietetics, Games Design & Computer Animation, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Building & Construction and 32 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

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Birkbeck, University of London361 courses · 16 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
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Sheffield Hallam University365 courses · 12 scholarshipsBrowse Courses