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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 Derby

Derby · QS World #1201

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 12 datapoints

We looked at 12 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

9/12

Durham

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

3/12

Derby

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 9 of 12 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, scholarship). University of Derby is ahead on TEF, employment, courses.

Durham University vs University of Derby at a glance

Durham University and University of Derby both teach 36 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology and Psychology (General). Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Derby offers 375 courses across 74 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £16,900 at University of Derby: University of Derby is about £14,100 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £17,500 at University of Derby: University of Derby is about £13,000 a year cheaper.

Of the 16 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 15 and University of Derby in 0, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £22,500 from University of Derby. Of the 16 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 8 and University of Derby in 7, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#1201
#175
THE World
#601
#6
Guardian UK
#80
1832
Established
1851
Yes
Russell Group
No
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 Derby

90.7%
88.5%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£27,700

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
85.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
14.3%

International

International student share

278
375

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
6

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

Derby

64 countries · 14.3% international

  • 🇳🇬Nigeria34.5%
  • 🇮🇳India15.3%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan8.1%
  • 🇬🇭Ghana6.5%
  • 🇰🇪Kenya5.5%

Subjects

36 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 Derby

Also taught at both: History, Civil Engineering, Geology & Earth Sciences, Management, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Human Geography & Environment, Mathematics, Biology, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Teacher Training, Forensic Science, Music, Physics, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Childhood & Youth Studies, Mechanical Engineering, Clinical Specialities, Humanities, Combined & General Studies, English Language.

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 Derby
£16,900

University of Derby is about £14,100 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Derby
£17,500

University of Derby is about £13,000 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 Derby

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£20,500
    89%Satisfaction85%
  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    91%Satisfaction90%
  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    90%Satisfaction93%
  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£20,500
    90%Satisfaction87%
  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    83%Satisfaction79%
  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    88%Satisfaction90%
  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£22,000
    92%Satisfaction90%
  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    89%Satisfaction90%
  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£29,000
    87%Satisfaction73%
  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    89%Satisfaction91%
  • Education Studies

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£20,500
    86%Satisfaction98%
  • English Studies

    No dataSalary (3 years)£19,500
    98%Satisfaction98%

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 Derby

Biomedical Science Excellence Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Golding Awards

See details

Deadline: N/A

Sarah Essam Football Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Sitwell Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Derby: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £16,900 at University of Derby: University of Derby is about £14,100 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £17,500 at University of Derby: University of Derby is about £13,000 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 Derby?

Both universities teach 36 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology, Psychology (General), Economics, Law, Business Studies, Politics & International Relations, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Accounting, Computer Science, Marketing, Finance & Actuarial Science and 24 more.

Is Durham University or University of Derby better for Sociology & Criminology?

Sociology & Criminology graduates earn a median £26,500 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £20,500 from University of Derby. Student satisfaction with teaching is 89% at Durham University and 85% at University of Derby. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Derby offer more courses?

University of Derby lists 375 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 18 subject areas that University of Derby does not, including Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Natural Sciences, Ancient Languages, Philosophy and 10 more.

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

University of Derby teaches 38 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Design & Fashion, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Media & Film Studies, Health & Social Care, Adult Nursing, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Creative Writing, Games Design & Computer Animation and 30 more.

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