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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

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Northumbria University, Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne · QS World #528

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.

9/11

Durham

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

2/11

Northumbria

scored higher in 2 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 9 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, scholarship). Northumbria University, Newcastle is ahead on employment, courses.

Durham University vs Northumbria University, Newcastle at a glance

Durham University and Northumbria University, Newcastle both teach 35 subject areas, the largest being Business Studies, Computer Science and Law. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; Northumbria University, Newcastle offers 305 courses across 71 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £19,850 at Northumbria University, Newcastle: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £11,150 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £19,850 at Northumbria University, Newcastle: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £10,650 a year cheaper.

Of the 20 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 20 and Northumbria University, Newcastle in 0. The widest gap is in Economics: £42,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £21,000 from Northumbria University, Newcastle. Of the 21 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 12 and Northumbria University, Newcastle in 6, with 3 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#528
#175
THE World
#401
#6
Guardian UK
#53
1832
Established
1969
Yes
Russell Group
No
Silver
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Durham University

Northumbria University, Newcastle

90.7%
83.5%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£31,000

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
86.1%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
24.5%

International

International student share

278
305

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
7

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

Northumbria

85 countries · 24.5% international

  • 🇮🇳India35.3%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria16.3%
  • 🌐Kuwait4%
  • 🇨🇳China3.8%
  • 🌐Sri Lanka3.8%

Subjects

35 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

Northumbria University, Newcastle

Also taught at both: Chemistry, Business & Management (General), Education Studies, Human Geography & Environment, Biology, Civil Engineering, English Studies, Marketing, Physical Geography & Climate, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Teacher Training, Forensic Science, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Biochemistry, English Language, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Music, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Childhood & Youth Studies.

Only at Durham University

Only at Northumbria University, Newcastle

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
Northumbria University, Newcastle
£19,850

Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £11,150 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
Northumbria University, Newcastle
£19,850

Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £10,650 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

Northumbria University, Newcastle

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£26,000
    83%Satisfaction83%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    87%Satisfaction87%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    90%Satisfaction73%

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    90%Satisfaction70%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    91%Satisfaction84%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    89%Satisfaction78%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    92%Satisfaction83%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    88%Satisfaction92%

  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£25,000
    89%Satisfaction78%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£26,000
    89%Satisfaction88%

  • History

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    94%Satisfaction98%

  • Mathematics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£27,000
    89%Satisfaction85%

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 →

Northumbria University, Newcastle

2025/26 PGT Sanctuary Scholarships

£3,000

Deadline: N/A

2025/26 UG Sanctuary Scholarships

£3,000

Deadline: N/A

Castle Peak Postgraduate Scholarships

See details

Deadline: N/A

GEMS Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Horiba Foundation UK Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs Northumbria University, Newcastle: common questions

Is Durham University or Northumbria University, Newcastle cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £19,850 at Northumbria University, Newcastle: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £11,150 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £19,850 at Northumbria University, Newcastle: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £10,650 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 Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Both universities teach 35 subject areas: Business Studies, Computer Science, Law, Economics, Psychology (General), Sociology & Criminology, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Politics & International Relations, General Engineering, Accounting, Finance & Actuarial Science, History and 23 more.

Is Durham University or Northumbria University, Newcastle better for Business Studies?

Business Studies graduates earn a median £41,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £26,000 from Northumbria University, Newcastle. Student satisfaction with teaching is 83% at Durham University and 83% at Northumbria University, Newcastle. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or Northumbria University, Newcastle offer more courses?

Northumbria University, Newcastle lists 305 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

What can you study at Durham University but not at Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Durham University teaches 19 subject areas that Northumbria University, Newcastle does not, including Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Studies, Geology & Earth Sciences, Management, Natural Sciences, Ancient Languages and 11 more.

What can you study at Northumbria University, Newcastle but not at Durham University?

Northumbria University, Newcastle teaches 36 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Design & Fashion, Social Work, Building & Construction, Media & Film Studies, Architecture, Adult Nursing, Applied Psychology, Astronomy & Astrophysics and 28 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

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Durham University278 courses · 102 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
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Northumbria University, Newcastle305 courses · 7 scholarshipsBrowse Courses