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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 Oxford

Oxford · QS World #4

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.

1/11

Durham

scored higher in 1 category

VS

10/11

Oxford

scored higher in 10 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Oxford leads in 10 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, TEF, established, satisfaction, employment, international, graduate salary, courses). Durham University is ahead on scholarship.

Durham University vs University of Oxford at a glance

Durham University and University of Oxford both teach 41 subject areas, the largest being Classical Studies, History and Childhood & Youth Studies. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Oxford offers 642 courses across 79 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £43,600 at University of Oxford: Durham University is about £12,600 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £38,430 at University of Oxford: Durham University is about £7,930 a year cheaper.

Of the 21 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Oxford is higher in 19 and Durham University in 0, with 2 about level. The widest gap is in Law: £36,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £52,500 from University of Oxford. Of the 21 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 10 and University of Oxford in 10, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#4
#175
THE World
#1
#6
Guardian UK
#1
1832
Established
1096
Yes
Russell Group
Yes
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 Oxford

90.7%
92.5%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£50,000

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
76.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
37.2%

International

International student share

278
642

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

Oxford

118 countries · 37.2% international

  • 🇨🇳China18.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States16.8%
  • 🇩🇪Germany5.6%
  • 🇮🇳India5.2%
  • 🇨🇦Canada4.6%

Subjects

41 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 Oxford

Also taught at both: Finance & Actuarial Science, Asian Languages & Studies, Clinical Specialities, Sociology & Criminology, Business Studies, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Philosophy, Biology, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Geology & Earth Sciences, Music, Human Geography & Environment, Management, Biochemistry, Business & Management (General), Education Studies, English Literature, Social Policy & Public Policy, Social Sciences (General), Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Civil Engineering, Physical Geography & Climate, English Language, Humanities.

Only at Durham University

Only at University of Oxford

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 Oxford
£43,600

Durham University is about £12,600 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Oxford
£38,430

Durham University is about £7,930 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 Oxford

  • Classical Studies

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£32,000
    94%Satisfaction95%

  • History

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£33,000
    94%Satisfaction96%

  • English Studies

    No dataSalary (3 years)£29,000
    98%Satisfaction97%

  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)£40,500
    86%Satisfaction84%

  • Theology & Religious Studies

    £30,500Salary (3 years)£32,500
    98%Satisfaction97%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£52,500
    90%SatisfactionNo data

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£38,500
    88%Satisfaction89%

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£46,000
    90%Satisfaction93%

  • Ancient Languages

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£32,000
    92%Satisfaction85%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£51,500
    87%Satisfaction92%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£32,000
    91%Satisfaction94%

  • Physics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£43,000
    90%Satisfaction94%

Showing the 12 largest of 22 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 Oxford

The Rhodes Scholarship

100%

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Oxford: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £43,600 at University of Oxford: Durham University is about £12,600 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £38,430 at University of Oxford: Durham University is about £7,930 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 Oxford?

Both universities teach 41 subject areas: Classical Studies, History, Childhood & Youth Studies, English Studies, General Engineering, Theology & Religious Studies, Law, Politics & International Relations, Economics, Ancient Languages, Computer Science, Archaeology and 29 more.

Is Durham University or University of Oxford better for Classical Studies?

Classical Studies graduates earn a median £29,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £32,000 from University of Oxford. Student satisfaction with teaching is 94% at Durham University and 95% at University of Oxford. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Oxford offer more courses?

University of Oxford lists 642 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 13 subject areas that University of Oxford does not, including Accounting, Natural Sciences, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Teacher Training, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Combined & General Studies and 5 more.

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

University of Oxford teaches 38 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Spanish & Portuguese, Eastern European Languages, German & Scandinavian Studies, French, Italian, Linguistics, African & Middle Eastern Studies, Biomedical Sciences and 30 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 Oxford642 courses · 1 scholarshipBrowse Courses