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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 Lancashire

Preston · QS World #1001

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.

8/11

Durham

scored higher in 8 categories

VS

3/11

Lancashire

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 8 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, scholarship). University of Lancashire is ahead on established, employment, courses.

Durham University vs University of Lancashire at a glance

Durham University and University of Lancashire both teach 35 subject areas, the largest being Law, Computer Science and Psychology (General). Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Lancashire offers 363 courses across 82 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £17,330 at University of Lancashire: University of Lancashire is about £13,670 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £19,250 at University of Lancashire: University of Lancashire is about £11,250 a year cheaper.

Of the 18 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 18 and University of Lancashire in 0. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £20,500 from University of Lancashire. Of the 19 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Lancashire is higher in 10 and Durham University in 8, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#1001
#175
THE World
#1001
#6
Guardian UK
#76
1832
Established
1828
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 Lancashire

90.7%
86.8%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£28,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
83.1%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
20.5%

International

International student share

278
363

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
15

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

Lancashire

74 countries · 20.5% international

  • 🇮🇳India34.3%
  • 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates9.3%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria8%
  • 🌐Nepal6.6%
  • 🇨🇦Canada4.4%

Subjects

35 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 Lancashire

Also taught at both: Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Asian Languages & Studies, History, Physics, Social Sciences (General), Biology, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, English Studies, Forensic Science, Civil Engineering, Developmental & Educational Psychology, English Language, English Literature, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Marketing, Teacher Training, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Childhood & Youth Studies.

Only at Durham University

Only at University of Lancashire

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 Lancashire
£17,330

University of Lancashire is about £13,670 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Lancashire
£19,250

University of Lancashire is about £11,250 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 Lancashire

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    90%Satisfaction87%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
    87%Satisfaction71%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    91%Satisfaction90%

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£35,000
    83%Satisfaction87%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£20,500
    92%Satisfaction96%

  • Archaeology

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£18,000
    96%Satisfaction96%

  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£20,500
    89%Satisfaction90%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£20,000
    89%Satisfaction92%

  • Music

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£18,500
    97%Satisfaction98%

  • Education Studies

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£22,000
    86%Satisfaction82%

  • Mathematics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    89%Satisfaction94%

  • Ancient Languages

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    92%Satisfaction90%

Showing the 12 largest of 19 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 Lancashire

Fee Waiver Scholarship for Sanctuary Seekers

100%

Deadline: N/A

Care-experienced and Estranged Student Graduation Bursary

£500

Deadline: N/A

Degree Apprentice Care Leaver Bursary

See details

Deadline: N/A

Estranged Student Support

See details

Deadline: N/A

Journalism Innovation and Leadership PGCert Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Lancashire: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £17,330 at University of Lancashire: University of Lancashire is about £13,670 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £19,250 at University of Lancashire: University of Lancashire is about £11,250 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 Lancashire?

Both universities teach 35 subject areas: Law, Computer Science, Psychology (General), Business Studies, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Archaeology, General Engineering, Accounting, Management, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Sociology & Criminology, Business & Management (General) and 23 more.

Is Durham University or University of Lancashire better for Law?

Law graduates earn a median £36,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £21,000 from University of Lancashire. Student satisfaction with teaching is 90% at Durham University and 87% at University of Lancashire. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Lancashire offer more courses?

University of Lancashire lists 363 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 19 subject areas that University of Lancashire does not, including Economics, Theology & Religious Studies, Politics & International Relations, Finance & Actuarial Science, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Geology & Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences and 11 more.

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

University of Lancashire teaches 47 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Medicine, Design & Fashion, Social Work, Aerospace Engineering, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Adult Nursing, Building & Construction, Games Design & Computer Animation and 39 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 Lancashire363 courses · 15 scholarshipsBrowse Courses