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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 Cambridge

Cambridge · QS World #6

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.

2/11

Durham

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

9/11

Cambridge

scored higher in 9 categories

Quick Verdict

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

Durham University vs University of Cambridge at a glance

Durham University and University of Cambridge both teach 38 subject areas, the largest being General Engineering, Economics and Law. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £32,890 at University of Cambridge: Durham University is about £1,890 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £41,300 at University of Cambridge: Durham University is about £10,800 a year cheaper.

Of the 15 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 11 and Durham University in 3, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £40,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £63,500 from University of Cambridge. Of the 16 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 11 and Durham University in 4, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#6
#175
THE World
#3
#6
Guardian UK
#2
1832
Established
1209
Yes
Russell Group
Yes
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

University of Cambridge

90.7%
92.1%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£49,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
76.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
32.2%

International

International student share

278
336

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

Cambridge

96 countries · 32.2% international

  • 🇨🇳China28.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States10.3%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore6.6%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇮🇳India4.7%

Subjects

38 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 Cambridge

Also taught at both: Management, Philosophy, Chemistry, Childhood & Youth Studies, Classical Studies, Human Geography & Environment, Biology, Physics, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Ancient Languages, Business & Management (General), Education Studies, Geology & Earth Sciences, Clinical Specialities, English Studies, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Music, Biotechnology, Civil Engineering, Social Policy & Public Policy, Biochemistry, Humanities.

Only at Durham University

Only at University of Cambridge

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 Cambridge
£32,890

Durham University is about £1,890 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Cambridge
£41,300

Durham University is about £10,800 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 Cambridge

  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)£39,500
    86%Satisfaction87%

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£59,500
    90%Satisfaction86%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£49,000
    90%Satisfaction96%

  • Archaeology

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£31,000
    96%Satisfaction95%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£34,000
    88%SatisfactionNo data

  • Theology & Religious Studies

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£31,500
    98%Satisfaction94%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£63,500
    87%Satisfaction94%

  • History

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£32,000
    94%Satisfaction95%

  • Mathematics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£44,500
    89%Satisfaction94%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£30,000
    91%Satisfaction92%

  • Asian Languages & Studies

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£30,000
    73%Satisfaction94%

  • Philosophy

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£31,000
    88%Satisfaction93%

Showing the 12 largest of 17 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 Cambridge

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Cambridge: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £32,890 at University of Cambridge: Durham University is about £1,890 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £41,300 at University of Cambridge: Durham University is about £10,800 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 Cambridge?

Both universities teach 38 subject areas: General Engineering, Economics, Law, Archaeology, Politics & International Relations, Theology & Religious Studies, Computer Science, History, Sociology & Criminology, Mathematics, Psychology (General), Asian Languages & Studies and 26 more.

Is Durham University or University of Cambridge better for General Engineering?

General Engineering graduates earn a median £35,500 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £39,500 from University of Cambridge. Student satisfaction with teaching is 86% at Durham University and 87% at University of Cambridge. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Cambridge offer more courses?

University of Cambridge lists 336 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 16 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Accounting, Natural Sciences, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Developmental & Educational Psychology, English Literature, Physical Geography & Climate, Teacher Training, Biomedical Engineering and 8 more.

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

University of Cambridge teaches 41 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Biological Sciences (General), Biomedical Sciences, Architecture, Genetics & Genomics, Anatomy & Pathology, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Chemical Engineering, Veterinary Medicine and 33 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 Cambridge336 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses