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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 Lincoln

Lincoln · QS World #851

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 11 datapoints

We looked at 11 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

7/11

Cardiff

scored higher in 7 categories

VS

4/11

Lincoln

scored higher in 4 categories

Quick Verdict

Cardiff University leads in 7 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, satisfaction, graduate salary, courses). University of Lincoln is ahead on established, employment, international, scholarship.

Cardiff University vs University of Lincoln at a glance

Cardiff University and University of Lincoln both teach 59 subject areas, the largest being Mathematics, Chemistry and Computer Science. Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas; University of Lincoln offers 343 courses across 81 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £18,300 at University of Lincoln: University of Lincoln is about £12,400 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £18,800 at University of Lincoln: University of Lincoln is about £7,150 a year cheaper.

Of the 26 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Cardiff University is higher in 25 and University of Lincoln in 0, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Pharmacology: £40,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, against £27,500 from University of Lincoln. Of the 28 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Cardiff University is higher in 16 and University of Lincoln in 10, with 2 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#179
QS World
#851
#201
THE World
#601
#34
Guardian UK
#38
1883
Established
1861
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

University of Lincoln

86.3%
84.2%

Satisfaction

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

£36,100
£29,200

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

82.1%
83.3%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

16%
20.5%

International

International student share

362
343

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
21

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

Lincoln

47 countries · 20.5% international

  • 🇮🇳India34.9%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan24.4%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria22.2%
  • 🇻🇳Vietnam2.4%
  • 🇨🇳China2.2%

Subjects

59 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 Lincoln

Also taught at both: Architecture, Business & Management (General), Philosophy, Physical Geography & Climate, Social Sciences (General), History, Media & Film Studies, Music, Accounting, Biomedical Sciences, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, English Literature, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Business Studies, Economics, Film Production & Cinematography, Finance & Actuarial Science, Pharmacology, Childhood & Youth Studies, Computing & IT, Forensic Science, Creative Writing, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Pharmacy, Counselling & Psychotherapy, English Studies, Geography (General), Medicine, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Technology & Logistics, Education Studies, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Medical Imaging, Nursing (General), Social Work, Theology & Religious Studies, Applied Psychology, Biotechnology, Building & Construction, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Mental Health Nursing, Microbiology & Cell Biology, Midwifery.

Only at Cardiff University

Only at University of Lincoln

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 Lincoln
£18,300

University of Lincoln is about £12,400 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Cardiff University
£25,950
University of Lincoln
£18,800

University of Lincoln is about £7,150 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 Lincoln

  • Mathematics

    £27,500Salary (3 years)No data
    84%Satisfaction88%

  • Chemistry

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    94%Satisfaction77%

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£29,500
    70%Satisfaction73%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    81%Satisfaction89%

  • Physics

    £28,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    94%Satisfaction89%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    88%Satisfaction92%

  • Journalism

    £24,000Salary (3 years)£22,000
    83%Satisfaction83%

  • Human Geography & Environment

    £26,000Salary (3 years)No data
    82%Satisfaction81%

  • Mechanical Engineering

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    73%Satisfaction89%

  • Astronomy & Astrophysics

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    93%Satisfaction89%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    87%Satisfaction73%

  • General Engineering

    £32,500Salary (3 years)£30,500
    83%Satisfaction85%

Showing the 12 largest of 30 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Cardiff University

View all scholarships →

University of Lincoln

Chevening Scholarships

100%

Deadline: N/A

Canada Scholarship

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

European Union Scholarship

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

South Asia Scholarship

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

South East Asia Scholarship

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Cardiff University vs University of Lincoln: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £18,300 at University of Lincoln: University of Lincoln is about £12,400 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £18,800 at University of Lincoln: University of Lincoln is about £7,150 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 Lincoln?

Both universities teach 59 subject areas: Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Law, Physics, Politics & International Relations, Journalism, Human Geography & Environment, Mechanical Engineering, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Design & Fashion, Geology & Earth Sciences and 47 more.

Is Cardiff University or University of Lincoln better for Chemistry?

Chemistry graduates earn a median £26,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, and £21,000 from University of Lincoln. Student satisfaction with teaching is 94% at Cardiff University and 77% at University of Lincoln. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Cardiff University or University of Lincoln offer more courses?

Cardiff University lists 362 courses on CourseOptions and University of Lincoln lists 343 courses.

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

Cardiff University teaches 27 subject areas that University of Lincoln does not, including Civil Engineering, Management, Welsh Studies, Biological Sciences (General), Ancient Languages, Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Specialities, Planning & Housing and 19 more.

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

University of Lincoln teaches 22 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Animal Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Zoology & Animal Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Classical Studies, Cultural Studies, Hospitality, Events & Tourism and 14 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 Lincoln343 courses · 21 scholarshipsBrowse Courses