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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 Chester

Chester · Guardian UK #91

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.

8/10

Durham

scored higher in 8 categories

VS

2/10

Chester

scored higher in 2 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 8 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, scholarship). University of Chester is ahead on employment, courses.

Durham University vs University of Chester at a glance

Durham University and University of Chester both teach 34 subject areas, the largest being Childhood & Youth Studies, Psychology (General) and Sociology & Criminology. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Chester offers 329 courses across 73 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £14,950 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £16,050 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £15,500 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £15,000 a year cheaper.

Of the 20 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 20 and University of Chester in 0. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £23,500 from University of Chester. Of the 20 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 14 and University of Chester in 4, with 2 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
—
#175
THE World
#1501
#6
Guardian UK
#91
1832
Established
1839
Yes
Russell Group
No
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 Chester

90.7%
83.9%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£27,400

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
84.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
28.7%

International

International student share

278
329

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
3

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

Chester

52 countries · 28.7% international

  • 🇮🇳India32.1%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan26.7%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria11.7%
  • 🌐Sri Lanka7.1%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh2.8%

Subjects

34 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 Chester

Also taught at both: Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Education Studies, Marketing, Biology, English Studies, Music, Teacher Training, English Literature, Social Sciences (General), Asian Languages & Studies, Clinical Specialities, English Language, Forensic Science, Humanities, Biotechnology, Manufacturing & Production Engineering.

Only at Durham University

Only at University of Chester

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 Chester
£14,950

University of Chester is about £16,050 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Chester
£15,500

University of Chester is about £15,000 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 Chester

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£20,500
    91%Satisfaction82%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£20,500
    89%Satisfaction86%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    90%Satisfaction89%

  • Archaeology

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£19,500
    96%Satisfaction100%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    87%Satisfaction83%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    88%Satisfaction86%

  • Theology & Religious Studies

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£19,500
    98%Satisfaction90%

  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£23,500
    89%Satisfaction88%

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£21,500
    83%Satisfaction88%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£21,500
    89%Satisfaction77%

  • Chemistry

    £34,000Salary (3 years)No data
    96%Satisfaction75%

  • History

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    94%Satisfaction94%

Showing the 12 largest of 21 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 Chester

NHS Learning Support Fund

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

Visit Us Travel Bursary

£100

Deadline: N/A

Futures Employability Fund

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Chester: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £14,950 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £16,050 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £15,500 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £15,000 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 Chester?

Both universities teach 34 subject areas: Childhood & Youth Studies, Psychology (General), Sociology & Criminology, Law, Archaeology, Computer Science, Politics & International Relations, Theology & Religious Studies, Business & Management (General), Accounting, Business Studies, Finance & Actuarial Science and 22 more.

Is Durham University or University of Chester better for Psychology (General)?

Psychology (General) graduates earn a median £29,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £20,500 from University of Chester. Student satisfaction with teaching is 91% at Durham University and 82% at University of Chester. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Chester offer more courses?

University of Chester lists 329 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 20 subject areas that University of Chester does not, including Economics, Anthropology, Classical Studies, Geology & Earth Sciences, Management, Natural Sciences, Human Geography & Environment, Philosophy and 12 more.

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

University of Chester teaches 39 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Design & Fashion, Software Engineering, Geography (General), Nutrition & Dietetics, Journalism, Adult Nursing, Animal Science and 31 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 Chester329 courses · 3 scholarshipsBrowse Courses