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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

O
Open University

None · THE World #801

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.

7/8

Cardiff

scored higher in 7 categories

VS

1/8

Open

scored higher in 1 category

Quick Verdict

Cardiff University leads in 7 of 8 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, employment, international, graduate salary, courses). Open University is ahead on satisfaction.

Cardiff University vs Open University at a glance

Cardiff University and Open University both teach 50 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Law and Business & Management (General). Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas; Open University offers 337 courses across 68 subject areas.

Of the 32 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Open University is higher in 19 and Cardiff University in 9, with 4 about level. The widest gap is in General Engineering: £32,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, against £43,500 from Open University. Of the 27 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Open University is higher in 18 and Cardiff University in 7, with 2 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#179
QS World
—
#201
THE World
#801
#34
Guardian UK
—
1883
Established
1969
Yes
Russell Group
No
—
TEF Rating
Gold

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Cardiff University

Open University

86.3%
89.8%

Satisfaction

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

£36,100
£29,900

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

82.1%
72.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

16%
0.2%

International

International student share

362
337

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.

Cardiff

89 countries · 16% international

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

Open

25 countries · 0.2% international

  • 🇩🇪Germany8.9%
  • 🌐Cyprus (European Union)6.7%
  • 🇫🇷France6.7%
  • 🇨🇳China4.4%
  • 🇮🇳India4.4%

Subjects

50 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

Open University

Also taught at both: Geology & Earth Sciences, Physical Geography & Climate, Ancient Languages, Computing & IT, Education Studies, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Social Work, Childhood & Youth Studies, English Language, Philosophy, Accounting, Economics, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, English Literature, Finance & Actuarial Science, Music, Software Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Health & Social Care, Human Resource Management, Statistics, Biomedical Sciences, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Design & Fashion, Linguistics, English Studies, Geography (General), Nursing (General), Public Health & Epidemiology, Theology & Religious Studies, Adult Nursing, Applied Psychology, Children's Nursing, Creative Writing, Mental Health Nursing.

Only at Cardiff University

Only at Open 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
Open University
No data

We do not have reliable international fee data for Open University yet.

Postgraduate

Cardiff University
£25,950
Open University
No data

We do not have reliable international fee data for Open 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.

Cardiff University

Open University

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£33,500
    70%Satisfaction91%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£24,500
    81%Satisfaction96%

  • Mathematics

    £27,500Salary (3 years)£30,000
    84%Satisfaction93%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£17,000
    87%Satisfaction89%

  • History

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£23,000
    92%Satisfaction93%

  • General Engineering

    £32,500Salary (3 years)£43,500
    83%Satisfaction88%

  • Human Geography & Environment

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£27,500
    82%Satisfaction93%

  • Physics

    £28,000Salary (3 years)£38,500
    94%Satisfaction98%

  • Psychology (General)

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    86%Satisfaction88%

  • Chemistry

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£27,000
    94%Satisfaction93%

  • Management

    £29,500Salary (3 years)£32,000
    79%SatisfactionNo data

  • Politics & International Relations

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£29,000
    88%Satisfaction92%

Showing the 12 largest of 32 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Cardiff University

View all scholarships →

Open University

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Cardiff University vs Open University: common questions

What subjects can you study at both Cardiff University and Open University?

Both universities teach 50 subject areas: Computer Science, Law, Business & Management (General), Mathematics, Sociology & Criminology, History, General Engineering, Human Geography & Environment, Physics, Psychology (General), Chemistry, Management and 38 more.

Is Cardiff University or Open University better for Computer Science?

Computer Science graduates earn a median £33,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, and £33,500 from Open University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 70% at Cardiff University and 91% at Open University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Cardiff University or Open University offer more courses?

Cardiff University lists 362 courses on CourseOptions and Open University lists 337 courses.

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

Cardiff University teaches 36 subject areas that Open University does not, including Civil Engineering, Journalism, Welsh Studies, Biological Sciences (General), Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Specialities and 28 more.

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

Open University teaches 18 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Humanities, Combined & General Studies, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Biology, Classical Studies, History of Art & Design, International Development, Natural Sciences and 10 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

C
Cardiff University362 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
O
Open University337 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses