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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

U
Ulster University

Belfast · QS World #595

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.

9/10

Durham

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

1/10

Ulster

scored higher in 1 category

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 9 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, courses, scholarship). Ulster University is ahead on employment.

Durham University vs Ulster University at a glance

Durham University and Ulster University both teach 29 subject areas, the largest being Law, Computer Science and Business Studies. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; Ulster University offers 170 courses across 66 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £17,490 at Ulster University: Ulster University is about £13,510 a year cheaper.

Of the 14 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 12 and Ulster University in 1, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#595
#175
THE World
#601
#6
Guardian UK
#60
1832
Established
1968
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

Ulster University

90.7%
86.4%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
No data

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
84.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
32.5%

International

International student share

278
170

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

Ulster

45 countries · 32.5% international

  • 🇵🇰Pakistan27.8%
  • 🇮🇪Ireland21.4%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria16.1%
  • 🇮🇳India12.6%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh8.6%

Subjects

29 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

Ulster University

Also taught at both: English Studies, Biology, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Music, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Geography & Climate, Social Policy & Public Policy, Biomedical Engineering, English Literature, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Liberal Arts.

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
Ulster University
£17,490

Ulster University is about £13,510 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
Ulster University
No data

We do not have reliable international fee data for Ulster 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

Ulster University

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)No data
    90%Satisfaction87%
  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)No data
    87%Satisfaction79%
  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)No data
    83%Satisfaction83%
  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)No data
    89%Satisfaction95%
  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)No data
    90%Satisfaction88%
  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)No data
    86%Satisfaction77%
  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)No data
    88%Satisfaction84%
  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)No data
    89%Satisfaction84%
  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £42,000Salary (3 years)No data
    89%Satisfaction84%
  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)No data
    92%Satisfaction82%
  • History

    £33,000Salary (3 years)No data
    94%Satisfaction92%
  • English Studies

    No dataSalary (3 years)No data
    98%Satisfaction88%

Showing the 12 largest of 14 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 →

Ulster University

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs Ulster University: common questions

Is Durham University or Ulster University cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £17,490 at Ulster University: Ulster University is about £13,510 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 Ulster University?

Both universities teach 29 subject areas: Law, Computer Science, Business Studies, Accounting, Economics, General Engineering, Politics & International Relations, Sociology & Criminology, Psychology (General), Finance & Actuarial Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Geology & Earth Sciences and 17 more.

Does Durham University or Ulster University offer more courses?

Durham University lists 278 courses on CourseOptions and Ulster University lists 170 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 25 subject areas that Ulster University does not, including Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Ancient Languages and 17 more.

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

Ulster University teaches 37 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Design & Fashion, Social Work, Irish Studies, Journalism, Biomedical Sciences, Building & Construction, Film Production & Cinematography, Health & Social Care and 29 more.

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