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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

S
Southampton, Solent University

Southampton

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

VS

3/9

Southampton

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 6 of 9 categories where both have data (Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, scholarship). Southampton, Solent University is ahead on TEF, employment, courses.

Durham University vs Southampton, Solent University at a glance

Durham University and Southampton, Solent University both teach 21 subject areas, the largest being Business Studies, Law and Accounting. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; Southampton, Solent University offers 294 courses across 42 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £19,080 at Southampton, Solent University: Southampton, Solent University is about £11,920 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £18,350 at Southampton, Solent University: Southampton, Solent University is about £12,150 a year cheaper.

Of the 10 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 10 and Southampton, Solent University in 0. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £22,500 from Southampton, Solent University. Of the 9 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 5 and Southampton, Solent University in 3, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
—
#175
THE World
—
#6
Guardian UK
—
1832
Established
1855
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

Southampton, Solent University

90.7%
88.2%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£28,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
82.5%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
14.9%

International

International student share

278
294

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
11

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

Southampton

56 countries · 14.9% international

  • 🇮🇳India39%
  • 🇳🇴Norway6.3%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria4.3%
  • 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia4.3%
  • 🌐Morocco2.4%

Subjects

21 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

Southampton, Solent University

Also taught at both: Education Studies, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Childhood & Youth Studies, Marketing.

Only at Durham University

Only at Southampton, Solent 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
Southampton, Solent University
£19,080

Southampton, Solent University is about £11,920 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
Southampton, Solent University
£18,350

Southampton, Solent University is about £12,150 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

Southampton, Solent University

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    83%Satisfaction93%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£21,500
    90%Satisfaction96%

  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    89%SatisfactionNo data

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£25,000
    87%Satisfaction84%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£22,000
    92%Satisfaction95%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    89%Satisfaction88%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    91%Satisfaction89%

  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    86%Satisfaction86%

  • Music

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£18,500
    97%Satisfaction93%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    89%Satisfaction81%

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 →

Southampton, Solent University

Solent Postgraduate Taught International Excellence Scholarship

£1,500

Deadline: N/A

Carers Bursary

£1,200

Deadline: Jun 2026

Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman, Boater community bursary

£500

Deadline: Jun 2026

Undergraduate Apprenticeship Bursary

£200

Deadline: Jun 2026

Parents bursary

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs Southampton, Solent University: common questions

Is Durham University or Southampton, Solent University cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £19,080 at Southampton, Solent University: Southampton, Solent University is about £11,920 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £18,350 at Southampton, Solent University: Southampton, Solent University is about £12,150 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 Southampton, Solent University?

Both universities teach 21 subject areas: Business Studies, Law, Accounting, Computer Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology, Psychology (General), General Engineering, Music, Finance & Actuarial Science, Management and 9 more.

Is Durham University or Southampton, Solent University better for Business Studies?

Business Studies graduates earn a median £41,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £22,500 from Southampton, Solent University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 83% at Durham University and 93% at Southampton, Solent University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or Southampton, Solent University offer more courses?

Southampton, Solent University lists 294 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

What can you study at Durham University but not at Southampton, Solent University?

Durham University teaches 33 subject areas that Southampton, Solent University does not, including Economics, Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Geology & Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences and 25 more.

What can you study at Southampton, Solent University but not at Durham University?

Southampton, Solent University teaches 21 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Design & Fashion, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Film Production & Cinematography, Media & Film Studies, Software Engineering, Building & Construction, Games Design & Computer Animation, Architecture and 13 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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Southampton, Solent University294 courses · 11 scholarshipsBrowse Courses