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
Farnham
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.
6/8
Cardiff
scored higher in 6 categories
2/8
University for the Creative Arts
scored higher in 2 categories
Quick Verdict
Cardiff University leads in 6 of 8 categories where both have data (Russell Group, satisfaction, employment, international, graduate salary, courses). University for the Creative Arts is ahead on established, scholarship.
Cardiff University vs University for the Creative Arts at a glance
Cardiff University and University for the Creative Arts both teach 10 subject areas, the largest being Design & Fashion, Film Production & Cinematography and Computer Science. Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas; University for the Creative Arts offers 194 courses across 14 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £17,500 at University for the Creative Arts: University for the Creative Arts is about £13,200 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £18,020 at University for the Creative Arts: University for the Creative Arts is about £7,930 a year cheaper.
In Music, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, Cardiff University is higher. Of the 3 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Cardiff University is higher in 2 and University for the Creative Arts in 1.
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 for the Creative Arts
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 for the Creative Arts
56 countries · 14.6% international
- 🇨🇳China26%
- 🇮🇳India21.5%
- 🌐Nepal15.8%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria3.8%
- 🌐Sri Lanka3.2%
Subjects
10 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 for the Creative Arts
Design & Fashion
1 courseTypical fee £12,950 (PG)
69 coursesTypical fee £17,500 (UG)
Film Production & Cinematography
1 courseTypical fee £24,950 (PG)
29 coursesTypical fee £17,500 (UG)
Computer Science
14 coursesTypical fee £30,700 (UG)
7 coursesTypical fee £17,500 (UG)
Business Studies
4 coursesTypical fee £29,700 (PG)
13 coursesTypical fee £17,500 (UG)
Architecture
Marketing
Music
Software Engineering
Applied Computing
Media & Film Studies
Only at Cardiff University
Only at University for the Creative Arts
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 for the Creative Arts
- £17,500
University for the Creative Arts is about £13,200 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Cardiff University
- £25,950
- University for the Creative Arts
- £18,020
University for the Creative Arts is about £7,930 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
University for the Creative Arts
Computer Science
£33,500Salary (3 years)No data70%Satisfaction88%Architecture
£29,000Salary (3 years)No data89%Satisfaction86%Music
£23,500Salary (3 years)£16,00093%Satisfaction76%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveCardiff University
View all scholarships →University for the Creative Arts
2026 Venice Art Biennale Fellowship
£3,300
Deadline: N/A
FAQ
Cardiff University vs University for the Creative Arts: common questions
Is Cardiff University or University for the Creative Arts cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £17,500 at University for the Creative Arts: University for the Creative Arts is about £13,200 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £18,020 at University for the Creative Arts: University for the Creative Arts is about £7,930 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 for the Creative Arts?
Both universities teach 10 subject areas: Design & Fashion, Film Production & Cinematography, Computer Science, Business Studies, Architecture, Marketing, Music, Software Engineering, Applied Computing and Media & Film Studies.
Is Cardiff University or University for the Creative Arts better for Music?
Music graduates earn a median £23,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, and £16,000 from University for the Creative Arts. Student satisfaction with teaching is 93% at Cardiff University and 76% at University for the Creative Arts. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Cardiff University or University for the Creative Arts offer more courses?
Cardiff University lists 362 courses on CourseOptions and University for the Creative Arts lists 194 courses.
What can you study at Cardiff University but not at University for the Creative Arts?
Cardiff University teaches 76 subject areas that University for the Creative Arts does not, including Civil Engineering, Mathematics, Law, Chemistry, Management, Geology & Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Environment, Journalism and 68 more.
What can you study at University for the Creative Arts but not at Cardiff University?
University for the Creative Arts teaches 4 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Games Design & Computer Animation, Fine Art, Crafts & Applied Arts and Drama & Theatre.
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