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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

U
University of Kent

Canterbury · QS World #415

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 9 datapoints

We looked at 9 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

9/9

Cardiff

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

0/9

Kent

scored higher in 0 categories

Quick Verdict

Cardiff University leads in 9 of 9 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, employment, graduate salary, courses). University of Kent does not lead in any category where both have data.

Cardiff University vs University of Kent at a glance

Cardiff University and University of Kent both teach 46 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Politics & International Relations and Mathematics. Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas; University of Kent offers 335 courses across 63 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £23,500 at University of Kent: University of Kent is about £7,200 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £20,700 at University of Kent: University of Kent is about £5,250 a year cheaper.

Of the 23 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Kent is higher in 14 and Cardiff University in 8, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Finance & Actuarial Science: £31,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, against £41,500 from University of Kent. Of the 22 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Cardiff University is higher in 11 and University of Kent in 9, with 2 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#179
QS World
#415
#201
THE World
#401
#34
Guardian UK
#47
1883
Established
1965
Yes
Russell Group
No
—
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

University of Kent

86.3%
84%

Satisfaction

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

£36,100
£33,600

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

82.1%
80%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

16%
16%

International

International student share

362
335

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

Kent

85 countries · 16% international

  • 🇮🇳India9.9%
  • 🇨🇳China6.8%
  • 🇹🇭Thailand6.6%
  • 🇫🇷France5.7%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria5.3%

Subjects

46 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 of Kent

Also taught at both: Business Studies, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Psychology, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Ancient Languages, Business & Management (General), History, English Literature, Biomedical Engineering, Forensic Science, Marketing, Pharmacy, Software Engineering, General Engineering, Creative Writing, Film Production & Cinematography, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Media & Film Studies, Microbiology & Cell Biology, Archaeology, English Studies, Social Work, Statistics, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Design & Fashion, Human Resource Management, Technology & Logistics, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Health & Social Care, Linguistics.

Only at Cardiff University

Only at University of Kent

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 of Kent
£23,500

University of Kent is about £7,200 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Cardiff University
£25,950
University of Kent
£20,700

University of Kent is about £5,250 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 of Kent

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£37,000
    70%Satisfaction79%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    88%Satisfaction87%

  • Mathematics

    £27,500Salary (3 years)£32,000
    84%Satisfaction87%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£26,000
    81%Satisfaction86%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£41,500
    81%Satisfaction81%

  • Physics

    £28,000Salary (3 years)£28,000
    94%Satisfaction82%

  • Economics

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£32,500
    80%Satisfaction85%

  • Chemistry

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    94%Satisfaction87%

  • Management

    £29,500Salary (3 years)No data
    79%Satisfaction78%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£24,000
    87%Satisfaction83%

  • Architecture

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    89%Satisfaction90%

  • Electronic & Electrical Engineering

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£35,000
    92%Satisfaction88%

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

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Cardiff University

View all scholarships →

University of Kent

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Cardiff University vs University of Kent: common questions

Is Cardiff University or University of Kent cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £23,500 at University of Kent: University of Kent is about £7,200 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £20,700 at University of Kent: University of Kent is about £5,250 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 of Kent?

Both universities teach 46 subject areas: Computer Science, Politics & International Relations, Mathematics, Law, Finance & Actuarial Science, Physics, Economics, Chemistry, Management, Sociology & Criminology, Architecture, Electronic & Electrical Engineering and 34 more.

Is Cardiff University or University of Kent better for Computer Science?

Computer Science graduates earn a median £33,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, and £37,000 from University of Kent. Student satisfaction with teaching is 70% at Cardiff University and 79% at University of Kent. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Cardiff University or University of Kent offer more courses?

Cardiff University lists 362 courses on CourseOptions and University of Kent lists 335 courses.

What can you study at Cardiff University but not at University of Kent?

Cardiff University teaches 40 subject areas that University of Kent does not, including Civil Engineering, Geology & Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Environment, Journalism, Welsh Studies, Biological Sciences (General), Physical Geography & Climate, Clinical Specialities and 32 more.

What can you study at University of Kent but not at Cardiff University?

University of Kent teaches 17 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Biology, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Ecology & Conservation, Biochemistry, Cognitive & Experimental Psychology, Drama & Theatre, Social Policy & Public Policy, Business Information Systems and 9 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

C
Cardiff University362 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Kent335 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses