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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 Portsmouth

Portsmouth · QS World #662

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

Portsmouth

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 Portsmouth is ahead on TEF, employment, courses.

Durham University vs University of Portsmouth at a glance

Durham University and University of Portsmouth both teach 39 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Politics & International Relations and Sociology & Criminology. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Portsmouth offers 446 courses across 84 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £17,900 at University of Portsmouth: University of Portsmouth is about £13,100 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £18,600 at University of Portsmouth: University of Portsmouth is about £11,900 a year cheaper.

Of the 24 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Durham University is higher in 23 and University of Portsmouth in 1. The widest gap is in Accounting: £44,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £27,500 from University of Portsmouth. Of the 24 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 17 and University of Portsmouth in 7.

World & National Rankings

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

#85
QS World
#662
#175
THE World
#401
#6
Guardian UK
#55
1832
Established
1869
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 Portsmouth

90.7%
86.9%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£32,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
84.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
24.5%

International

International student share

278
446

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

102
5

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

Portsmouth

96 countries · 24.5% international

  • 🇮🇳India22.1%
  • 🇨🇳China11.6%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria7.8%
  • 🌐Kuwait7.1%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan5.6%

Subjects

39 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 Portsmouth

Also taught at both: Sport & Exercise Sciences, Mathematics, Teacher Training, History, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering, Social Policy & Public Policy, Childhood & Youth Studies, Civil Engineering, Geology & Earth Sciences, English Literature, Human Geography & Environment, Biology, English Language, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Music, Physics, Social Sciences (General), Biomedical Engineering, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Physical Geography & Climate, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Combined & General Studies.

Only at Durham University

Only at University of Portsmouth

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 Portsmouth
£17,900

University of Portsmouth is about £13,100 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Portsmouth
£18,600

University of Portsmouth is about £11,900 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 Portsmouth

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    87%Satisfaction82%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    88%Satisfaction87%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£24,000
    89%Satisfaction87%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    90%Satisfaction88%

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£27,000
    83%Satisfaction85%

  • General Engineering

    £35,500Salary (3 years)£30,000
    86%Satisfaction84%

  • Economics

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    90%Satisfaction85%

  • Accounting

    £44,000Salary (3 years)£27,500
    89%Satisfaction93%

  • Education Studies

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    86%Satisfaction89%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£23,500
    91%Satisfaction86%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    89%Satisfaction93%

  • Ancient Languages

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£25,000
    92%Satisfaction82%

Showing the 12 largest of 24 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 Portsmouth

Portsmouth Football Club Partnership Scholarship

£3,000

Deadline: N/A

Estée Lauder Companies - Whitman Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Portsmouth Football Club Partnership Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Sanctuary Language Bursary

See details

Deadline: N/A

Sanctuary Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Portsmouth: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £17,900 at University of Portsmouth: University of Portsmouth is about £13,100 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £18,600 at University of Portsmouth: University of Portsmouth is about £11,900 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 Portsmouth?

Both universities teach 39 subject areas: Computer Science, Politics & International Relations, Sociology & Criminology, Law, Business Studies, General Engineering, Management, Economics, Accounting, Education Studies, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Psychology (General) and 27 more.

Is Durham University or University of Portsmouth better for Computer Science?

Computer Science graduates earn a median £40,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £25,500 from University of Portsmouth. Student satisfaction with teaching is 87% at Durham University and 82% at University of Portsmouth. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Portsmouth offer more courses?

University of Portsmouth lists 446 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 15 subject areas that University of Portsmouth does not, including Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, English Studies and 7 more.

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

University of Portsmouth teaches 45 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Building & Construction, Design & Fashion, Games Design & Computer Animation, Film Production & Cinematography, Human Resource Management, Architecture, Media & Film Studies, Counselling & Psychotherapy 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 Portsmouth446 courses · 5 scholarshipsBrowse Courses