Skip to main content

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 Leeds

Leeds · QS World #77

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.

6/10

Durham

scored higher in 6 categories

VS

4/10

Leeds

scored higher in 4 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 6 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, scholarship). University of Leeds is ahead on ranking, employment, courses.

Durham University vs University of Leeds at a glance

Durham University and University of Leeds both teach 47 subject areas, the largest being Civil Engineering, Physics and Computer Science. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Leeds offers 579 courses across 110 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £33,700 at University of Leeds: Durham University is about £2,700 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £31,500 at University of Leeds: Durham University is about £1,000 a year cheaper.

Of the 27 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 25 and University of Leeds in 2. The widest gap is in Law: £36,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £26,000 from University of Leeds. Of the 29 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 22 and University of Leeds in 2, with 5 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#77
#175
THE World
#118
#6
Guardian UK
#15
1832
Established
1904
Yes
Russell Group
Yes
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 Leeds

90.7%
85.7%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£37,200

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
82.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
31.5%

International

International student share

278
579

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
13

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

Leeds

105 countries · 31.5% international

  • 🇨🇳China49.5%
  • 🇮🇳India9.6%
  • 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia3.9%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia3.4%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong2.8%

Subjects

47 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 Leeds

Also taught at both: Electronic & Electrical Engineering, General Engineering, Geology & Earth Sciences, Music, Psychology (General), Ancient Languages, Finance & Actuarial Science, Human Geography & Environment, Natural Sciences, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Asian Languages & Studies, English Studies, Classical Studies, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, English Literature, Marketing, Social Policy & Public Policy, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Business & Management (General), Mechanical Engineering, Teacher Training, Biotechnology, Childhood & Youth Studies, Physical Geography & Climate, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biochemistry, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Social Sciences (General), English Language, Humanities, Liberal Arts.

Only at Durham University

Only at University of Leeds

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 Leeds
£33,700

Durham University is about £2,700 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Leeds
£31,500

Durham University is about £1,000 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 Leeds

  • Physics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£29,000
    90%Satisfaction89%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£42,000
    87%Satisfaction79%

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£36,000
    83%Satisfaction84%

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£36,000
    90%Satisfaction88%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£26,000
    90%Satisfaction87%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£28,500
    88%Satisfaction85%

  • Chemistry

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£28,000
    96%Satisfaction85%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    89%Satisfaction82%

  • Theology & Religious Studies

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    98%Satisfaction83%

  • Mathematics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£31,500
    89%Satisfaction83%

  • Philosophy

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    88%Satisfaction85%

  • History

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£26,000
    94%Satisfaction94%

Showing the 12 largest of 29 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 Leeds

Gazan Humanitarian Scholarship

100%

Deadline: N/A

Gazan Humanitarian Scholarship

100%

Deadline: N/A

Global Community Bursary

£10,000

Deadline: Jun 2026

Sanctuary Scholarship

£10,000

Deadline: N/A

Sanctuary Scholarship

£10,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Leeds: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £33,700 at University of Leeds: Durham University is about £2,700 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £31,500 at University of Leeds: Durham University is about £1,000 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 Leeds?

Both universities teach 47 subject areas: Civil Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Business Studies, Economics, Law, Politics & International Relations, Chemistry, Sociology & Criminology, Theology & Religious Studies, Mathematics, Philosophy and 35 more.

Is Durham University or University of Leeds better for Physics?

Physics graduates earn a median £36,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £29,000 from University of Leeds. Student satisfaction with teaching is 90% at Durham University and 89% at University of Leeds. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Leeds offer more courses?

University of Leeds lists 579 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 7 subject areas that University of Leeds does not, including Archaeology, Anthropology, Accounting, Clinical Specialities, Combined & General Studies, Forensic Science and Health Sciences & Paramedic Science.

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

University of Leeds teaches 63 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Design & Fashion, Media & Film Studies, Personal & Professional Development, Drama & Theatre, Linguistics, Medical Imaging, Nutrition & Dietetics, Zoology & Animal Biology and 55 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 Leeds579 courses · 13 scholarshipsBrowse Courses