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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 Plymouth

Plymouth · QS World #691

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

Plymouth

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 Plymouth is ahead on TEF, employment, courses.

Durham University vs University of Plymouth at a glance

Durham University and University of Plymouth both teach 33 subject areas, the largest being Psychology (General), Geology & Earth Sciences and Law. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Plymouth offers 310 courses across 78 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £19,200 at University of Plymouth: University of Plymouth is about £11,800 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £19,500 at University of Plymouth: University of Plymouth is about £11,000 a year cheaper.

Of the 19 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 19 and University of Plymouth in 0. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £24,000 from University of Plymouth. Of the 19 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 11 and University of Plymouth 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
#691
#175
THE World
#501
#6
Guardian UK
#56
1832
Established
1862
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 Plymouth

90.7%
86.6%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£30,300

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
84.2%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
11.9%

International

International student share

278
310

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
10

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

Plymouth

71 countries · 11.9% international

  • 🇳🇬Nigeria14.6%
  • 🇨🇳China12.2%
  • 🇮🇳India11%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong4.7%
  • 🌐Sri Lanka3.3%

Subjects

33 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 Plymouth

Also taught at both: Accounting, Civil Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Human Geography & Environment, Education Studies, English Studies, History, Physical Geography & Climate, Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Marketing, Childhood & Youth Studies, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Music, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biomedical Engineering, Social Sciences (General).

Only at Durham University

Only at University of Plymouth

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 Plymouth
£19,200

University of Plymouth is about £11,800 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Plymouth
£19,500

University of Plymouth is about £11,000 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 Plymouth

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£21,500
    91%Satisfaction84%

  • Geology & Earth Sciences

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£24,500
    96%Satisfaction91%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£21,500
    90%Satisfaction84%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£28,000
    87%Satisfaction72%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    88%Satisfaction86%

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    83%Satisfaction74%

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
    90%Satisfaction91%

  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)£30,500
    86%Satisfaction90%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    89%Satisfaction83%

  • Anthropology

    £27,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    96%Satisfaction100%

  • Chemistry

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
    96%Satisfaction97%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    89%Satisfaction90%

Showing the 12 largest of 20 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 Plymouth

GREAT Scholarships

£10,000

Deadline: N/A

Sanctuary Scholarships

100%

Deadline: N/A

International Undergraduate Welcome to Plymouth Scholarship

£6,000

Deadline: N/A

Tamar Engineering Project

£4,500

Deadline: Jun 2026

International Postgraduate Welcome to Plymouth Scholarship

£4,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Plymouth: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £19,200 at University of Plymouth: University of Plymouth is about £11,800 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £19,500 at University of Plymouth: University of Plymouth is about £11,000 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 Plymouth?

Both universities teach 33 subject areas: Psychology (General), Geology & Earth Sciences, Law, Computer Science, Politics & International Relations, Business Studies, Economics, General Engineering, Sociology & Criminology, Business & Management (General), Anthropology, Chemistry and 21 more.

Is Durham University or University of Plymouth better for Psychology (General)?

Psychology (General) graduates earn a median £29,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £21,500 from University of Plymouth. Student satisfaction with teaching is 91% at Durham University and 84% at University of Plymouth. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Plymouth offer more courses?

University of Plymouth lists 310 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 21 subject areas that University of Plymouth does not, including Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Classical Studies, Natural Sciences, Ancient Languages, Philosophy, Physics, Sport & Exercise Sciences and 13 more.

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

University of Plymouth teaches 45 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Design & Fashion, Biomedical Sciences, Ecology & Conservation, Adult Nursing, Nutrition & Dietetics, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Dentistry, Hospitality, Events & Tourism and 37 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 Plymouth310 courses · 10 scholarshipsBrowse Courses