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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
University of Bristol

Bristol · QS World #57

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.

5/10

Durham

scored higher in 5 categories

VS

5/10

Bristol

scored higher in 5 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University and University of Bristol are evenly matched: each leads in 5 of 10 categories where both have data. Durham University is ahead on ranking, established, satisfaction, graduate salary, scholarship; University of Bristol on ranking, employment, international, courses.

Durham University vs University of Bristol at a glance

Durham University and University of Bristol both teach 43 subject areas, the largest being Economics, Mathematics and Law. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Bristol offers 479 courses across 83 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £31,300 at University of Bristol: Durham University is about £300 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £28,460 at University of Bristol: University of Bristol is about £2,040 a year cheaper.

Of the 25 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 18 and University of Bristol in 6, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £33,000 from University of Bristol. Of the 28 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 18 and University of Bristol in 10.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#57
#175
THE World
#80
#6
Guardian UK
#13
1832
Established
1876
Yes
Russell Group
Yes
Silver
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Durham University

University of Bristol

90.7%
88%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£43,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
77.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
33.6%

International

International student share

278
479

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
54

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

Bristol

104 countries · 33.6% international

  • 🇨🇳China53.5%
  • 🇮🇳India7.2%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong3.8%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia3.6%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore2.8%

Subjects

43 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

University of Bristol

Also taught at both: Ancient Languages, History, Philosophy, Sociology & Criminology, Education Studies, Social Policy & Public Policy, Anthropology, Business Studies, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, English Studies, Classical Studies, Biochemistry, Business & Management (General), Human Geography & Environment, Music, Physical Geography & Climate, Biology, Civil Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering, Asian Languages & Studies, Humanities, Liberal Arts, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Childhood & Youth Studies, Social Sciences (General).

Only at Durham University

Only at University of Bristol

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
University of Bristol
£31,300

Durham University is about £300 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Bristol
£28,460

University of Bristol is about £2,040 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

University of Bristol

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£42,000
    90%Satisfaction81%

  • Mathematics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£34,500
    89%Satisfaction87%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£35,000
    90%Satisfaction87%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£31,000
    88%Satisfaction89%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£48,000
    87%Satisfaction93%

  • Physics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£34,500
    90%Satisfaction89%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£26,500
    91%Satisfaction89%

  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)£34,000
    86%Satisfaction91%

  • Chemistry

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£35,000
    96%Satisfaction88%

  • Geology & Earth Sciences

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    96%Satisfaction92%

  • Theology & Religious Studies

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    98%Satisfaction91%

  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£33,000
    89%Satisfaction86%

Showing the 12 largest of 28 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 →

University of Bristol

Black Heritage PhD Scholarships

100%

Deadline: N/A

Black heritage PhD scholarships

100%

Deadline: N/A

Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships

100%

Deadline: N/A

Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships for applicants of Black heritage

100%

Deadline: N/A

British Council scholarships for Women

100%

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Bristol: common questions

Is Durham University or University of Bristol cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £31,300 at University of Bristol: Durham University is about £300 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £28,460 at University of Bristol: University of Bristol is about £2,040 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 University of Bristol?

Both universities teach 43 subject areas: Economics, Mathematics, Law, Management, Politics & International Relations, Computer Science, Physics, Psychology (General), General Engineering, Chemistry, Geology & Earth Sciences, Theology & Religious Studies and 31 more.

Is Durham University or University of Bristol better for Economics?

Economics graduates earn a median £42,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £42,000 from University of Bristol. Student satisfaction with teaching is 90% at Durham University and 81% at University of Bristol. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Bristol offer more courses?

University of Bristol lists 479 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

What can you study at Durham University but not at University of Bristol?

Durham University teaches 11 subject areas that University of Bristol does not, including Natural Sciences, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Developmental & Educational Psychology, English Literature, Teacher Training, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Clinical Specialities and 3 more.

What can you study at University of Bristol but not at Durham University?

University of Bristol teaches 40 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Anatomy & Pathology, Dentistry, Drama & Theatre, Film Production & Cinematography, Microbiology & Cell Biology, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Social Work and 32 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

D
Durham University278 courses · 102 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Bristol479 courses · 54 scholarshipsBrowse Courses