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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 the Arts London

London · QS World #851

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 10 datapoints

We looked at 10 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

9/10

Cardiff

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

1/10

Arts London

scored higher in 1 category

Quick Verdict

Cardiff University leads in 9 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, employment, graduate salary, courses). University of the Arts London is ahead on international.

Cardiff University vs University of the Arts London at a glance

Cardiff University and University of the Arts London both teach 18 subject areas, the largest being Design & Fashion, Computer Science and Film Production & Cinematography. Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas; University of the Arts London offers 183 courses across 29 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £30,890 at University of the Arts London, so the two cost about the same. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £30,890 at University of the Arts London: Cardiff University is about £4,940 a year cheaper.

Of the 6 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Cardiff University is higher in 5 and University of the Arts London in 0, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £33,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, against £26,500 from University of the Arts London. Of the 4 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Cardiff University is higher in 2 and University of the Arts London in 2.

World & National Rankings

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

#179
QS World
#851
#201
THE World
#1501
#34
Guardian UK
#52
1883
Established
1986
Yes
Russell Group
No
—
TEF Rating
Bronze

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Cardiff University

University of the Arts London

86.3%
83%

Satisfaction

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

£36,100
£28,500

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

82.1%
80.8%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

16%
54%

International

International student share

362
183

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

Arts London

84 countries · 54% international

  • 🇨🇳China55.7%
  • 🇮🇳India6%
  • 🇺🇸United States4.4%
  • 🌐Korea (South)3.9%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong3.3%

Subjects

18 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 the Arts London

Also taught at both: Public Relations, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Creative Writing.

Only at Cardiff University

Only at University of the Arts London

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 the Arts London
£30,890

About the same.

Postgraduate

Cardiff University
£25,950
University of the Arts London
£30,890

Cardiff University is about £4,940 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 the Arts London

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    70%Satisfaction80%

  • Management

    £29,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    79%SatisfactionNo data

  • Journalism

    £24,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    83%Satisfaction86%

  • Music

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£20,500
    93%Satisfaction70%

  • Architecture

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£28,500
    89%Satisfaction81%

  • Media & Film Studies

    £24,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    No dataSatisfaction80%

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Cardiff University

View all scholarships →

University of the Arts London

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Cardiff University vs University of the Arts London: common questions

Is Cardiff University or University of the Arts London cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £30,890 at University of the Arts London, so the two cost about the same. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £30,890 at University of the Arts London: Cardiff University is about £4,940 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 the Arts London?

Both universities teach 18 subject areas: Design & Fashion, Computer Science, Film Production & Cinematography, Management, Journalism, Music, Architecture, Business & Management (General), Marketing, Media & Film Studies, Business Studies, Computing & IT and 6 more.

Is Cardiff University or University of the Arts London better for Computer Science?

Computer Science graduates earn a median £33,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, and £26,500 from University of the Arts London. Student satisfaction with teaching is 70% at Cardiff University and 80% at University of the Arts London. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Cardiff University or University of the Arts London offer more courses?

Cardiff University lists 362 courses on CourseOptions and University of the Arts London lists 183 courses.

What can you study at Cardiff University but not at University of the Arts London?

Cardiff University teaches 68 subject areas that University of the Arts London does not, including Civil Engineering, Mathematics, Law, Chemistry, Geology & Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Environment, Politics & International Relations, Welsh Studies and 60 more.

What can you study at University of the Arts London but not at Cardiff University?

University of the Arts London teaches 11 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Drama & Theatre, Fine Art, Cultural Studies, Games Design & Computer Animation, Performing Arts (General), Biology, Crafts & Applied Arts, Hair & Beauty Sciences and 3 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 the Arts London183 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses