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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.

D
Durham University

Durham · QS World #85

K
Kingston University

London · QS World #686

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 12 datapoints

We looked at 12 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

9/12

Durham

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

3/12

Kingston

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 9 of 12 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, scholarship). Kingston University is ahead on TEF, employment, courses.

Durham University vs Kingston University at a glance

Durham University and Kingston University both teach 29 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Economics and Law. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; Kingston University offers 390 courses across 67 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £18,500 at Kingston University: Kingston University is about £12,500 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £18,900 at Kingston University: Kingston University is about £11,600 a year cheaper.

Of the 14 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 13 and Kingston University in 1. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £24,500 from Kingston University. Of the 14 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 10 and Kingston University in 4.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#686
#175
THE World
#801
#6
Guardian UK
#67
1832
Established
1899
Yes
Russell Group
No
Silver
TEF Rating
Gold

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Durham University

Kingston University

90.7%
85.4%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£31,900

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
78.9%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
21.9%

International

International student share

278
390

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
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.

Durham

86 countries · 32.6% international

  • 🇨🇳China49.5%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong7.4%
  • 🇮🇳India5.9%
  • 🇺🇸United States4.9%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore2.6%
VS

Kingston

91 countries · 21.9% international

  • 🇮🇳India24.1%
  • 🇨🇳China23.8%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria3.5%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan3.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States3.2%

Subjects

29 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.

Durham University

Kingston University

Also taught at both: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Management, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Human Geography & Environment, Music, Forensic Science, Marketing, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Teacher Training, Biochemistry, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Clinical Specialities.

Only at Durham University

Only at Kingston 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

Durham University
£31,000
Kingston University
£18,500

Kingston University is about £12,500 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
Kingston University
£18,900

Kingston University is about £11,600 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.

Durham University

Kingston University

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£26,500
    90%Satisfaction78%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    90%Satisfaction92%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    91%Satisfaction80%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
    87%Satisfaction83%

  • Chemistry

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    96%Satisfaction81%

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    83%Satisfaction71%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    89%Satisfaction81%

  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
    89%Satisfaction86%

  • Education Studies

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    86%Satisfaction90%

  • Geology & Earth Sciences

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    96%Satisfaction94%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    92%Satisfaction87%

  • Music

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    97%Satisfaction98%

Showing the 12 largest of 14 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Durham University

Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship

£53,333

Deadline: N/A

Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarships - Undergraduate

£30,000

Deadline: N/A

The Global DBA Scholarships

£25,000

Deadline: Nov 2026

The Mary Ward Postgraduate Scholarship Fund

£25,000

Deadline: N/A

Global Grand Challenges Studentships

£20,780

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

Kingston University

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs Kingston University: common questions

Is Durham University or Kingston University cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £18,500 at Kingston University: Kingston University is about £12,500 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £18,900 at Kingston University: Kingston University is about £11,600 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 Durham University and Kingston University?

Both universities teach 29 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Economics, Law, Psychology (General), Computer Science, Chemistry, Business Studies, General Engineering, Sociology & Criminology, Accounting, Childhood & Youth Studies, Education Studies and 17 more.

Is Durham University or Kingston University better for Economics?

Economics graduates earn a median £42,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £26,500 from Kingston University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 90% at Durham University and 78% at Kingston University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or Kingston University offer more courses?

Kingston University lists 390 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

What can you study at Durham University but not at Kingston University?

Durham University teaches 25 subject areas that Kingston University does not, including Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Politics & International Relations, Anthropology, Classical Studies, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Ancient Languages and 17 more.

What can you study at Kingston University but not at Durham University?

Kingston University teaches 38 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Aerospace Engineering, Design & Fashion, Building & Construction, Applied Psychology, Midwifery, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Architecture and 30 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

D
Durham University278 courses · 102 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
K
Kingston University390 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses