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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

R
Robert Gordon University

Aberdeen · QS World #1001

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

Robert Gordon

scored higher in 2 categories

Quick Verdict

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

Durham University vs Robert Gordon University at a glance

Durham University and Robert Gordon University both teach 20 subject areas, the largest being Law, Business Studies and General Engineering. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; Robert Gordon University offers 151 courses across 51 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £18,300 at Robert Gordon University: Robert Gordon University is about £12,700 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £19,060 at Robert Gordon University: Robert Gordon University is about £11,440 a year cheaper.

Of the 7 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 6 and Robert Gordon University in 0, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £27,000 from Robert Gordon University. Of the 7 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 4 and Robert Gordon 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
#1001
#175
THE World
#801
#6
Guardian UK
#81
1832
Established
1729
Yes
Russell Group
No
Silver
TEF Rating
—

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Durham University

Robert Gordon University

90.7%
87.9%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£33,900

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
88.5%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
14.4%

International

International student share

278
151

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
43

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

Robert Gordon

48 countries · 14.4% international

  • 🇳🇬Nigeria36.2%
  • 🇮🇳India16.2%
  • 🇬🇭Ghana9.9%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan8.5%
  • 🇮🇪Ireland5.9%

Subjects

20 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

Robert Gordon University

Also taught at both: Biomedical Engineering, Forensic Science, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Marketing, Social Sciences (General).

Only at Durham University

Only at Robert Gordon 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
Robert Gordon University
£18,300

Robert Gordon University is about £12,700 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
Robert Gordon University
£19,060

Robert Gordon University is about £11,440 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

Robert Gordon University

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£23,500
    90%Satisfaction86%

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    83%Satisfaction86%

  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)£33,500
    86%Satisfaction84%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£27,500
    87%Satisfaction85%

  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£27,000
    89%Satisfaction93%

  • Sociology & Criminology

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

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    92%Satisfaction92%

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 →

Robert Gordon University

Bolashak Scholarship Programme

100%

Deadline: N/A

CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia)

100%

Deadline: N/A

Chevening Scholarship

100%

Deadline: N/A

Commonwealth Postgraduate/PhD Scholarship

100%

Deadline: N/A

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

100%

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs Robert Gordon University: common questions

Is Durham University or Robert Gordon University cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £18,300 at Robert Gordon University: Robert Gordon University is about £12,700 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £19,060 at Robert Gordon University: Robert Gordon University is about £11,440 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 Robert Gordon University?

Both universities teach 20 subject areas: Law, Business Studies, General Engineering, Computer Science, Accounting, Management, Chemistry, Finance & Actuarial Science, Sociology & Criminology, Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Sport & Exercise Sciences and 8 more.

Is Durham University or Robert Gordon University better for Law?

Law graduates earn a median £36,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £23,500 from Robert Gordon University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 90% at Durham University and 86% at Robert Gordon University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or Robert Gordon University offer more courses?

Durham University lists 278 courses on CourseOptions and Robert Gordon University lists 151 courses.

What can you study at Durham University but not at Robert Gordon University?

Durham University teaches 34 subject areas that Robert Gordon University does not, including Economics, Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Politics & International Relations, Psychology (General), Anthropology, Classical Studies, Geology & Earth Sciences and 26 more.

What can you study at Robert Gordon University but not at Durham University?

Robert Gordon University teaches 31 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Design & Fashion, Information & Library Studies, Pharmacy, Adult Nursing, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Media & Film Studies, Architecture, Building & Construction and 23 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

D
Durham University278 courses · 102 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
R
Robert Gordon University151 courses · 43 scholarshipsBrowse Courses