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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 Salford

Salford · 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.

9/11

Durham

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

2/11

Salford

scored higher in 2 categories

Quick Verdict

Durham University leads in 9 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, scholarship). University of Salford is ahead on employment, courses.

Durham University vs University of Salford at a glance

Durham University and University of Salford both teach 32 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Business Studies and Computer Science. Durham University offers 278 courses across 54 subject areas; University of Salford offers 305 courses across 72 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £17,040 at University of Salford: University of Salford is about £13,960 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £17,710 at University of Salford: University of Salford is about £12,790 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 Salford in 0. The widest gap is in Finance & Actuarial Science: £42,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, against £21,000 from University of Salford. Of the 17 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Durham University is higher in 12 and University of Salford in 3, with 2 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
#801
#6
Guardian UK
#82
1832
Established
1896
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 Salford

90.7%
85.2%

Satisfaction

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

£43,800
£28,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

74.4%
82.5%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.6%
19.1%

International

International student share

278
305

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

Salford

63 countries · 19.1% international

  • 🇮🇳India34.8%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria27.4%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan12.9%
  • 🌐Kuwait3.7%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh2.6%

Subjects

32 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 Salford

Also taught at both: Biology, Civil Engineering, Marketing, Music, Philosophy, Biochemistry, History, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, English Literature, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Geography & Climate, Social Sciences (General), Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Manufacturing & Production Engineering.

Only at Durham University

Only at University of Salford

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 Salford
£17,040

University of Salford is about £13,960 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Durham University
£30,500
University of Salford
£17,710

University of Salford is about £12,790 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 Salford

  • Business Studies

    £41,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    83%Satisfaction99%

  • Computer Science

    £40,000Salary (3 years)£23,500
    87%Satisfaction76%

  • Psychology (General)

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    91%Satisfaction79%

  • Law

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£20,500
    90%Satisfaction81%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    88%Satisfaction87%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£22,000
    89%Satisfaction80%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £42,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    89%Satisfaction87%

  • Chemistry

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£23,500
    96%Satisfaction89%

  • Human Geography & Environment

    £32,500Salary (3 years)£23,000
    96%Satisfaction85%

  • Physics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    90%Satisfaction98%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£21,500
    92%Satisfaction96%

  • Mathematics

    £36,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    89%Satisfaction89%

Showing the 12 largest of 18 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 Salford

Salford/International Nursing College Scholarships

£8,160

Deadline: N/A

Salford/EATL Data Science Scholarships

£7,100

Deadline: N/A

Global Gold Excellence Scholarship

£3,500

Deadline: N/A

Global Silver Excellence Scholarship

£3,000

Deadline: N/A

IFY Excellence Scholarship

£2,500

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Durham University vs University of Salford: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £31,000 a year at Durham University and £17,040 at University of Salford: University of Salford is about £13,960 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,500 a year at Durham University and £17,710 at University of Salford: University of Salford is about £12,790 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 Salford?

Both universities teach 32 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Business Studies, Computer Science, Psychology (General), Law, Politics & International Relations, Sociology & Criminology, Finance & Actuarial Science, Chemistry, Human Geography & Environment, Accounting, Physics and 20 more.

Is Durham University or University of Salford better for Business Studies?

Business Studies graduates earn a median £41,000 three years after graduating from Durham University, and £22,500 from University of Salford. Student satisfaction with teaching is 83% at Durham University and 99% at University of Salford. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Durham University or University of Salford offer more courses?

University of Salford lists 305 courses on CourseOptions and Durham University lists 278 courses.

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

Durham University teaches 22 subject areas that University of Salford does not, including Economics, Theology & Religious Studies, Archaeology, General Engineering, Anthropology, Classical Studies, Geology & Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences and 14 more.

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

University of Salford teaches 40 subject areas that Durham University does not, including Design & Fashion, Building & Construction, Film Production & Cinematography, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Drama & Theatre, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Media & Film Studies and 32 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 Salford305 courses · 5 scholarshipsBrowse Courses