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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

O
Open University

None · THE World #801

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.

8/10

Durham

scored higher in 8 categories

VS

2/10

Open

scored higher in 2 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 8 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, employment, international, graduate salary, scholarship). Open University is ahead on TEF, courses.

Durham University vs Open University at a glance

Durham University and Open University both teach 38 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Law and Business & Management (General). Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; Open University offers 337 courses across 68 subject areas.

Of the 26 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 22 and Open University in 4. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £26,000 from Open University. Of the 24 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Open University is higher in 11 and Durham University in 9, with 4 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
—
#175
THE World
#801
#6
Guardian UK
—
1832
Established
1969
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

Open University

90.7%
89.8%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£29,900

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
72.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
0.2%

International

International student share

278
337

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

Open

25 countries · 0.2% international

  • 🇩🇪Germany8.9%
  • 🌐Cyprus (European Union)6.7%
  • 🇫🇷France6.7%
  • 🇨🇳China4.4%
  • 🇮🇳India4.4%

Subjects

38 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

Open University

Also taught at both: Classical Studies, Human Geography & Environment, Philosophy, Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Physics, Ancient Languages, Childhood & Youth Studies, Management, Biology, English Language, Geology & Earth Sciences, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Combined & General Studies, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, English Literature, English Studies, Music, Physical Geography & Climate, Social Sciences (General), Teacher Training, Social Policy & Public Policy.

Only at Durham University

Only at Open 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
Open University
No data

We do not have reliable international fee data for Open University yet.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
Open University
No data

We do not have reliable international fee data for Open University yet.

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

Open University

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£33,500
    87%Satisfaction91%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
    90%Satisfaction96%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£17,000
    89%Satisfaction89%

  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)£43,500
    86%Satisfaction88%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    91%Satisfaction88%

  • History

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    94%Satisfaction93%

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£33,500
    90%Satisfaction89%

  • Mathematics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£30,000
    89%Satisfaction93%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£29,000
    88%Satisfaction92%

  • Education Studies

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£20,000
    86%Satisfaction89%

  • Theology & Religious Studies

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£23,500
    98%SatisfactionNo data

  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£26,000
    89%SatisfactionNo data

Showing the 12 largest of 27 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 →

Open University

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs Open University: common questions

What subjects can you study at both Durham University and Open University?

Both universities teach 38 subject areas: Computer Science, Law, Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology, General Engineering, Psychology (General), History, Economics, Humanities, Mathematics, Politics & International Relations, Education Studies and 26 more.

Is Durham University or Open University better for Computer Science?

Computer Science graduates earn a median £40,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £33,500 from Open University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 87% at Durham University and 91% at Open University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or Open University offer more courses?

Open University lists 337 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 16 subject areas that Open University does not, including Archaeology, Business Studies, Anthropology, Asian Languages & Studies, Civil Engineering, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biochemistry and 8 more.

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

Open University teaches 30 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Social Work, Computing & IT, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Environmental Sciences, Health & Social Care, Software Engineering, Design & Fashion, History of Art & Design and 22 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

D
Durham University278 courses · 102 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
O
Open University337 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses