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.
Durham · QS World #85
London
Head-to-Head Summary
Based on 9 datapoints
We looked at 9 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.
6/9
Durham
scored higher in 6 categories
3/9
Royal College of Music
scored higher in 3 categories
Quick Verdict
Durham University leads in 6 of 9 categories where both have data (Russell Group, established, satisfaction, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). Royal College of Music is ahead on TEF, employment, international.
Durham University vs Royal College of Music at a glance
Durham University and Royal College of Music have one subject area in common, Music. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; Royal College of Music offers 39 courses across 2 subject areas.
For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £32,760 at Royal College of Music: Durham University is about £2,260 a year cheaper.
World & National Rankings
Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.
Visual Breakdown
Key metrics at a glance
Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.
Durham University
Royal College of Music
Satisfaction
Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)
Graduate Salaries (5y)
Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation
Employment
Graduate employment rate
International
International student share
Course Counts
Number of courses offered
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%
Royal College of Music
37 countries · 48.2% international
- 🇨🇳China35.4%
- 🇺🇸United States10.4%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong8.3%
- 🇦🇺Australia3.1%
- 🇫🇷France3.1%
Subjects
1 subject 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
Royal College of Music
Music
2 coursesTypical fee £28,500 (UG)
36 coursesTypical fee £31,300 (UG)
Only at Durham University
Only at Royal College of Music
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
- Royal College of Music
- No data
We do not have reliable international fee data for Royal College of Music yet.
Postgraduate
- Durham University
- £30,500
- Royal College of Music
- £32,760
Durham University is about £2,260 a year cheaper.
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveDurham 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
Royal College of Music
Adami Award for Collaborative Piano Fellows
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Fellowship in Historical Keyboards
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Gilbert & Eileen Edgar and Anthony Saltmarsh CPF
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Lord & Lady Lurgan Collaborative Piano Fellowship
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Carne Junior Fellowship
See details
Deadline: N/A
FAQ
Durham University vs Royal College of Music: common questions
Is Durham University or Royal College of Music cheaper for international students?
For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £32,760 at Royal College of Music: Durham University is about £2,260 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 Royal College of Music?
Both universities teach 1 subject area: Music.
Does Durham University or Royal College of Music offer more courses?
Durham University lists 278 courses on CourseOptions and Royal College of Music lists 39 courses.
What can you study at Durham University but not at Royal College of Music?
Durham University teaches 53 subject areas that Royal College of Music does not, including Economics, Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Computer Science, General Engineering, Law, Politics & International Relations, Psychology (General) and 45 more.
What can you study at Royal College of Music but not at Durham University?
Royal College of Music teaches 1 subject area that Durham University does not, including Cognitive & Experimental Psychology.
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