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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 Cumbria

Lancaster · Guardian UK #101

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.

8/9

Durham

scored higher in 8 categories

VS

1/9

Cumbria

scored higher in 1 category

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 8 of 9 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). University of Cumbria is ahead on employment.

Durham University vs University of Cumbria at a glance

Durham University and University of Cumbria both teach 16 subject areas, the largest being Childhood & Youth Studies, Law and Psychology (General). Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Cumbria offers 136 courses across 40 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £16,000 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £15,000 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £16,900 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £13,600 a year cheaper.

Of the 8 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 8 and University of Cumbria in 0. The widest gap is in Business Studies: £41,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £21,000 from University of Cumbria. Of the 8 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 5 and University of Cumbria in 3.

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
#101
1832
Established
2007
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 Cumbria

90.7%
80.5%

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%
89.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
2.6%

International

International student share

278
136

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
1

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

Cumbria

14 countries · 2.6% international

  • 🇨🇦Canada14.9%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan14.9%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria10.6%
  • 🇩🇪Germany8.5%
  • 🇮🇪Ireland8.5%

Subjects

16 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 Cumbria

Also taught at both: Biomedical Engineering.

Only at Durham University

Only at University of Cumbria

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 Cumbria
£16,000

University of Cumbria is about £15,000 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Cumbria
£16,900

University of Cumbria is about £13,600 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 Cumbria

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£18,500
    90%Satisfaction95%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    91%Satisfaction87%

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    83%Satisfaction89%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    92%Satisfaction84%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£19,500
    89%Satisfaction70%

  • Human Geography & Environment

    £32,500Salary (3 years)£19,000
    96%Satisfaction77%

  • Teacher Training

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    78%Satisfaction82%

  • Physical Geography & Climate

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£19,000
    97%Satisfaction85%

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 Cumbria

Future Talent Award

£8,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Cumbria: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £16,000 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £15,000 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £16,900 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £13,600 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 Cumbria?

Both universities teach 16 subject areas: Childhood & Youth Studies, Law, Psychology (General), Business Studies, Computer Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Sociology & Criminology, Human Geography & Environment, Business & Management (General), Education Studies, Management, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science and 4 more.

Is Durham University or University of Cumbria better for Law?

Law graduates earn a median £36,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £18,500 from University of Cumbria. Student satisfaction with teaching is 90% at Durham University and 95% at University of Cumbria. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Cumbria offer more courses?

Durham University lists 278 courses on CourseOptions and University of Cumbria lists 136 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 38 subject areas that University of Cumbria does not, including Economics, Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, General Engineering, Politics & International Relations, Anthropology, Accounting, Finance & Actuarial Science and 30 more.

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

University of Cumbria teaches 24 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Film Production & Cinematography, Design & Fashion, Forestry & Arboriculture, Ecology & Conservation, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Nursing (General), Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Zoology & Animal Biology and 16 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 Cumbria136 courses · 1 scholarshipBrowse Courses