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.
Cardiff · QS World #179
Leeds
Head-to-Head Summary
Based on 7 datapoints
We looked at 7 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.
6/7
Cardiff
scored higher in 6 categories
1/7
Leeds Arts
scored higher in 1 category
Quick Verdict
Cardiff University leads in 6 of 7 categories where both have data (Russell Group, satisfaction, employment, international, graduate salary, courses). Leeds Arts University is ahead on established.
Cardiff University vs Leeds Arts University at a glance
Cardiff University and Leeds Arts University both teach 7 subject areas, the largest being Design & Fashion, Film Production & Cinematography and Music. Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas; Leeds Arts University offers 56 courses across 11 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £18,000 at Leeds Arts University: Leeds Arts University is about £12,700 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £18,300 at Leeds Arts University: Leeds Arts University is about £7,650 a year cheaper.
In Music, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, Cardiff University is higher. In Music, the one shared subject where both publish a student satisfaction score, Cardiff University is higher.
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.
Cardiff University
Leeds Arts University
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.
Cardiff
89 countries · 16% international
- 🇨🇳China22.8%
- 🇮🇳India14.5%
- 🇲🇾Malaysia7.3%
- 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia5.7%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong5%
Leeds Arts
17 countries · 7.4% international
- 🇮🇳India12.5%
- 🇺🇸United States12.5%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong9.4%
- 🇨🇳China6.2%
- 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates6.2%
Subjects
7 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
Leeds Arts University
Design & Fashion
1 courseTypical fee £12,950 (PG)
22 coursesTypical fee £18,000 (UG)
Film Production & Cinematography
1 courseTypical fee £24,950 (PG)
10 coursesTypical fee £18,000 (UG)
Music
Business & Management (General)
Creative Writing
Applied Computing
Marketing
Only at Cardiff University
Only at Leeds Arts 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
- Leeds Arts University
- £18,000
Leeds Arts University is about £12,700 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Cardiff University
- £25,950
- Leeds Arts University
- £18,300
Leeds Arts University is about £7,650 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
Leeds Arts University
Music
£23,500Salary (3 years)£19,50093%Satisfaction65%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveCardiff University
View all scholarships →Leeds Arts University
View all scholarships →FAQ
Cardiff University vs Leeds Arts University: common questions
Is Cardiff University or Leeds Arts University cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £18,000 at Leeds Arts University: Leeds Arts University is about £12,700 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £18,300 at Leeds Arts University: Leeds Arts University is about £7,650 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 Leeds Arts University?
Both universities teach 7 subject areas: Design & Fashion, Film Production & Cinematography, Music, Business & Management (General), Creative Writing, Applied Computing and Marketing.
Is Cardiff University or Leeds Arts University better for Music?
Music graduates earn a median £23,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, and £19,500 from Leeds Arts University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 93% at Cardiff University and 65% at Leeds Arts University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Cardiff University or Leeds Arts University offer more courses?
Cardiff University lists 362 courses on CourseOptions and Leeds Arts University lists 56 courses.
What can you study at Cardiff University but not at Leeds Arts University?
Cardiff University teaches 79 subject areas that Leeds Arts University does not, including Civil Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Law, Chemistry, Management, Geology & Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Environment and 71 more.
What can you study at Leeds Arts University but not at Cardiff University?
Leeds Arts University teaches 4 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Creative Arts (General), Fine Art, Crafts & Applied Arts and Drama & Theatre.
Ready to explore courses?
Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.