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
Southend-on-Sea
Head-to-Head Summary
Based on 6 datapoints
We looked at 6 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.
4/6
Cardiff
scored higher in 4 categories
2/6
University Centre South Essex
scored higher in 2 categories
Quick Verdict
Cardiff University leads in 4 of 6 categories where both have data (Russell Group, established, graduate salary, courses). University Centre South Essex is ahead on satisfaction, employment.
Cardiff University vs University Centre South Essex at a glance
Cardiff University and University Centre South Essex both teach 11 subject areas, the largest being Sociology & Criminology, Accounting and Business & Management (General). Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas; University Centre South Essex offers 25 courses across 18 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £17,930 at University Centre South Essex: University Centre South Essex is about £12,770 a year cheaper.
Of the 3 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Cardiff University is higher in 3 and University Centre South Essex in 0. The widest gap is in Accounting: £28,000 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, against £19,000 from University Centre South Essex. Of the 3 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University Centre South Essex is higher in 3 and Cardiff University in 0.
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
University Centre South Essex
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%
University Centre South Essex
No published data on international students
Subjects
11 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
University Centre South Essex
Sociology & Criminology
Accounting
Business & Management (General)
Computing & IT
Psychology (General)
Design & Fashion
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Film Production & Cinematography
Manufacturing & Production Engineering
Media & Film Studies
Education Studies
Only at Cardiff 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
- University Centre South Essex
- £17,930
University Centre South Essex is about £12,770 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Cardiff University
- £25,950
- University Centre South Essex
- No data
We do not have reliable international fee data for University Centre South Essex 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
University Centre South Essex
Sociology & Criminology
£23,500Salary (3 years)£22,00087%Satisfaction94%Accounting
£28,000Salary (3 years)£19,00088%SatisfactionNo dataPsychology (General)
£25,000Salary (3 years)No data86%Satisfaction95%Counselling & Psychotherapy
£26,500Salary (3 years)No data86%Satisfaction98%Education Studies
£24,000Salary (3 years)£20,00091%SatisfactionNo data
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveCardiff University
View all scholarships →University Centre South Essex
View all scholarships →FAQ
Cardiff University vs University Centre South Essex: common questions
Is Cardiff University or University Centre South Essex cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £17,930 at University Centre South Essex: University Centre South Essex is about £12,770 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 University Centre South Essex?
Both universities teach 11 subject areas: Sociology & Criminology, Accounting, Business & Management (General), Computing & IT, Psychology (General), Design & Fashion, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Film Production & Cinematography, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Media & Film Studies and Education Studies.
Is Cardiff University or University Centre South Essex better for Sociology & Criminology?
Sociology & Criminology graduates earn a median £23,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, and £22,000 from University Centre South Essex. Student satisfaction with teaching is 87% at Cardiff University and 94% at University Centre South Essex. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Cardiff University or University Centre South Essex offer more courses?
Cardiff University lists 362 courses on CourseOptions and University Centre South Essex lists 25 courses.
What can you study at Cardiff University but not at University Centre South Essex?
Cardiff University teaches 75 subject areas that University Centre South Essex does not, including Civil Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Law, Chemistry, Management, Geology & Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Environment and 67 more.
What can you study at University Centre South Essex but not at Cardiff University?
University Centre South Essex teaches 7 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Crafts & Applied Arts, Drama & Theatre, Dance, Fine Art, Games Design & Computer Animation, Sport & Exercise Sciences and Teacher Training.
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