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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.

C
Cardiff University

Cardiff · QS World #179

D
Durham University

Durham · QS World #85

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.

2/10

Cardiff

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

8/10

Durham

scored higher in 8 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 8 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, scholarship). Cardiff University is ahead on employment, courses.

Cardiff University vs Durham University at a glance

Cardiff University and Durham University both teach 43 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Law and Mathematics. Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas; Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £31,000 at Durham University: Cardiff University is about £300 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £30,500 at Durham University: Cardiff University is about £4,550 a year cheaper.

Of the 24 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 23 and Cardiff University in 0, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Accounting: £28,000 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, against £44,000 from Durham University. Of the 24 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 19 and Cardiff University in 4, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#179
QS World
#85
#201
THE World
#175
#34
Guardian UK
#6
1883
Established
1832
Yes
Russell Group
Yes
—
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Cardiff University

Durham University

86.3%
90.7%

Satisfaction

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

£36,100
£43,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

82.1%
74.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

16%
32.6%

International

International student share

362
278

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
102

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.

Cardiff

89 countries · 16% international

  • 🇨🇳China22.8%
  • 🇮🇳India14.5%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia7.3%
  • 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia5.7%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5%
VS

Durham

86 countries · 32.6% international

  • 🇨🇳China49.5%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong7.4%
  • 🇮🇳India5.9%
  • 🇺🇸United States4.9%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore2.6%

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.

Cardiff University

Durham University

Also taught at both: Accounting, Finance & Actuarial Science, Sociology & Criminology, Ancient Languages, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Philosophy, Physical Geography & Climate, Social Sciences (General), History, Business & Management (General), Education Studies, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, English Literature, Music, Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Specialities, English Studies, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Asian Languages & Studies, Developmental & Educational Psychology, English Language, Forensic Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biotechnology, Childhood & Youth Studies, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Marketing.

Only at Cardiff University

Only at Durham 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

Cardiff University
£30,700
Durham University
£31,000

Cardiff University is about £300 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Cardiff University
£25,950
Durham University
£30,500

Cardiff University is about £4,550 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.

Cardiff University

Durham University

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£40,000
    70%Satisfaction87%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£36,000
    81%Satisfaction90%

  • Mathematics

    £27,500Salary (3 years)£36,000
    84%Satisfaction89%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£34,000
    88%Satisfaction88%

  • Chemistry

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£34,000
    94%Satisfaction96%

  • General Engineering

    £32,500Salary (3 years)£35,500
    83%Satisfaction86%

  • Economics

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£42,000
    80%Satisfaction90%

  • Geology & Earth Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£31,500
    95%Satisfaction96%

  • Archaeology

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    91%Satisfaction96%

  • Human Geography & Environment

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£32,500
    82%Satisfaction96%

  • Psychology (General)

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£29,000
    86%Satisfaction91%

  • Theology & Religious Studies

    £22,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    97%Satisfaction98%

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

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Cardiff University

View all scholarships →

Durham University

Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship

£53,333

Deadline: N/A

Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarships - Undergraduate

£30,000

Deadline: N/A

The Global DBA Scholarships

£25,000

Deadline: Nov 2026

The Mary Ward Postgraduate Scholarship Fund

£25,000

Deadline: N/A

Global Grand Challenges Studentships

£20,780

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Cardiff University vs Durham University: common questions

Is Cardiff University or Durham University cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £31,000 at Durham University: Cardiff University is about £300 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £30,500 at Durham University: Cardiff University is about £4,550 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 Cardiff University and Durham University?

Both universities teach 43 subject areas: Computer Science, Law, Mathematics, Politics & International Relations, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Management, Economics, Geology & Earth Sciences, Archaeology, Human Geography & Environment and 31 more.

Is Cardiff University or Durham University better for Computer Science?

Computer Science graduates earn a median £33,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, and £40,000 from Durham University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 70% at Cardiff University and 87% at Durham University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Cardiff University or Durham University offer more courses?

Cardiff University lists 362 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

What can you study at Cardiff University but not at Durham University?

Cardiff University teaches 43 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Journalism, Welsh Studies, Biological Sciences (General), Architecture, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Computing & IT, Planning & Housing, Software Engineering and 35 more.

What can you study at Durham University but not at Cardiff University?

Durham University teaches 11 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Anthropology, Classical Studies, Natural Sciences, Biology, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Teacher Training, Biochemistry, Combined & General Studies and 3 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

C
Cardiff University362 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
D
Durham University278 courses · 102 scholarshipsBrowse Courses