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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

L
Lancaster University

Lancaster · QS World #164

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

Lancaster

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). Lancaster University is ahead on TEF, employment, courses.

Durham University vs Lancaster University at a glance

Durham University and Lancaster University both teach 39 subject areas, the largest being Mathematics, Business & Management (General) and Politics & International Relations. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; Lancaster University offers 526 courses across 71 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £28,680 at Lancaster University: Lancaster University is about £2,320 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £24,300 at Lancaster University: Lancaster University is about £6,200 a year cheaper.

Of the 21 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 21 and Lancaster University in 0. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £32,000 from Lancaster University. Of the 21 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Lancaster University is higher in 10 and Durham University in 5, with 6 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#164
#175
THE World
#184
#6
Guardian UK
#10
1832
Established
1964
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

Lancaster University

90.7%
88.5%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£35,400

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
79.1%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
22.4%

International

International student share

278
526

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
11

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

Lancaster

83 countries · 22.4% international

  • 🇨🇳China41.1%
  • 🇮🇳India9.8%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.9%
  • 🇪🇸Spain3.8%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia3.1%

Subjects

39 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

Lancaster University

Also taught at both: Business Studies, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Theology & Religious Studies, Finance & Actuarial Science, Natural Sciences, English Literature, History, Management, Ancient Languages, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, English Language, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Biochemistry, English Studies, Physical Geography & Climate, Childhood & Youth Studies, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Civil Engineering, Clinical Specialities, Humanities, Social Policy & Public Policy.

Only at Durham University

Only at Lancaster 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
Lancaster University
£28,680

Lancaster University is about £2,320 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
Lancaster University
£24,300

Lancaster University is about £6,200 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

Lancaster University

  • Mathematics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£29,500
    89%Satisfaction89%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£27,000
    88%Satisfaction90%

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£31,000
    90%Satisfaction86%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£35,000
    87%Satisfaction80%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
    90%Satisfaction90%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£23,000
    89%Satisfaction92%

  • Physics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£29,500
    90%Satisfaction93%

  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)£32,000
    86%Satisfaction87%

  • Human Geography & Environment

    £32,500Salary (3 years)£26,000
    96%Satisfaction95%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£23,500
    91%Satisfaction87%

  • Chemistry

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    96%Satisfaction100%

  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£32,000
    89%Satisfaction90%

Showing the 12 largest of 21 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 →

Lancaster University

India Scholarship – Postgraduate

£10,000

Deadline: N/A

LPDP Scholarship 2026

100%

Deadline: N/A

Lancaster Sanctuary Fellowship

100%

Deadline: N/A

Master's Scholarship for Black British Students

100%

Deadline: N/A

Fulgoni Scholarship

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs Lancaster University: common questions

Is Durham University or Lancaster University cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £28,680 at Lancaster University: Lancaster University is about £2,320 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £24,300 at Lancaster University: Lancaster University is about £6,200 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 Lancaster University?

Both universities teach 39 subject areas: Mathematics, Business & Management (General), Politics & International Relations, Economics, Computer Science, Law, Sociology & Criminology, Physics, General Engineering, Human Geography & Environment, Psychology (General), Chemistry and 27 more.

Is Durham University or Lancaster University better for Mathematics?

Mathematics graduates earn a median £36,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £29,500 from Lancaster University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 89% at Durham University and 89% at Lancaster University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or Lancaster University offer more courses?

Lancaster University lists 526 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 15 subject areas that Lancaster University does not, including Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Studies, Geology & Earth Sciences, Education Studies, Biology, Asian Languages & Studies, Music and 7 more.

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

Lancaster University teaches 32 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Biomedical Sciences, Linguistics, Chemical Engineering, Media & Film Studies, Environmental Sciences, Geography (General), Operational Research, Pharmacology and 24 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

D
Durham University278 courses · 102 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
L
Lancaster University526 courses · 11 scholarshipsBrowse Courses