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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
Loughborough University

Loughborough · QS World #203

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

Loughborough

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

Durham University vs Loughborough University at a glance

Durham University and Loughborough University both teach 39 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; Loughborough University offers 416 courses across 63 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £29,750 at Loughborough University: Loughborough University is about £1,250 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £29,500 at Loughborough University: Loughborough University is about £1,000 a year cheaper.

Of the 19 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 15 and Loughborough University in 3, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Chemistry: £34,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £27,000 from Loughborough University. Of the 14 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 11 and Loughborough University in 2, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#203
#175
THE World
#301
#6
Guardian UK
#11
1832
Established
1909
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

Loughborough University

90.7%
87.6%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£41,200

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
84%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
18.4%

International

International student share

278
416

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
36

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

Loughborough

90 countries · 18.4% international

  • 🇨🇳China24.7%
  • 🇮🇳India13.2%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong4.6%
  • 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates3.7%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria3.4%

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

Loughborough University

Also taught at both: Sociology & Criminology, English Studies, Physical Geography & Climate, Geology & Earth Sciences, Accounting, Natural Sciences, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, History, Human Geography & Environment, Biology, Business & Management (General), Ancient Languages, Biomedical Engineering, Education Studies, Mechanical Engineering, Childhood & Youth Studies, English Literature, Marketing, Social Sciences (General), Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biotechnology, Clinical Specialities, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Social Policy & Public Policy.

Only at Durham University

Only at Loughborough 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
Loughborough University
£29,750

Loughborough University is about £1,250 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
Loughborough University
£29,500

Loughborough University is about £1,000 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

Loughborough University

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£40,500
    87%Satisfaction86%

  • Mathematics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£31,000
    89%Satisfaction85%

  • Physics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    90%Satisfaction96%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    88%SatisfactionNo data

  • Chemistry

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£27,000
    96%Satisfaction85%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£26,500
    92%Satisfaction85%

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£37,500
    90%Satisfaction88%

  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)£34,500
    86%Satisfaction86%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    91%Satisfaction85%

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£36,000
    83%Satisfaction88%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£43,000
    89%Satisfaction82%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    89%Satisfaction88%

Showing the 12 largest of 19 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 →

Loughborough University

Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships

£50,000

Deadline: N/A

Care Leaver's Scholarship

100%

Deadline: N/A

Commonwealth Scholarships

100%

Deadline: N/A

Global Impact Scholarship

100%

Deadline: N/A

Inspiring Success Scholarship

100%

Deadline: Jul 2026

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs Loughborough University: common questions

Is Durham University or Loughborough University cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £29,750 at Loughborough University: Loughborough University is about £1,250 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £29,500 at Loughborough University: Loughborough University is about £1,000 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 Loughborough University?

Both universities teach 39 subject areas: Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Politics & International Relations, Chemistry, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Economics, General Engineering, Management, Psychology (General), Business Studies, Manufacturing & Production Engineering and 27 more.

Is Durham University or Loughborough University better for Computer Science?

Computer Science graduates earn a median £40,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £40,500 from Loughborough University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 87% at Durham University and 86% at Loughborough University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or Loughborough University offer more courses?

Loughborough University lists 416 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 15 subject areas that Loughborough University does not, including Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Studies, Philosophy, Asian Languages & Studies, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Music and 7 more.

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

Loughborough University teaches 24 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Design & Fashion, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Media & Film Studies, Aerospace Engineering, Building & Construction, Information & Library Studies, Planning & Housing and 16 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
Loughborough University416 courses · 36 scholarshipsBrowse Courses