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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.

H
Heriot-Watt University

Edinburgh · QS World #325

U
University of Cumbria

Lancaster · Guardian UK #101

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 8 datapoints

We looked at 8 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

7/8

Heriot-Watt

scored higher in 7 categories

VS

1/8

Cumbria

scored higher in 1 category

Quick Verdict

Heriot-Watt University leads in 7 of 8 categories where both have data (ranking, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). University of Cumbria is ahead on employment.

Heriot-Watt University vs University of Cumbria at a glance

Heriot-Watt University and University of Cumbria both teach 15 subject areas, the largest being Design & Fashion, Business & Management (General) and Computer Science. Heriot-Watt University offers 214 courses across 48 subject areas; University of Cumbria offers 136 courses across 40 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £16,000 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £4,080 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £16,900 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £7,280 a year cheaper.

Of the 6 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Heriot-Watt University is higher in 6 and University of Cumbria in 0. The widest gap is in Management: £27,500 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, against £21,000 from University of Cumbria. Of the 5 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cumbria is higher in 3 and Heriot-Watt University in 2.

World & National Rankings

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

#325
QS World
—
#401
THE World
—
#41
Guardian UK
#101
1821
Established
2007
No
Russell Group
No
—
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.

Heriot-Watt University

University of Cumbria

82%
80.5%

Satisfaction

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

£35,400
£27,400

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

81.8%
89.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

31.2%
2.6%

International

International student share

214
136

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

42
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.

Heriot-Watt

72 countries · 31.2% international

  • 🇮🇳India29.8%
  • 🇨🇳China17.1%
  • 🇫🇷France6.8%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria6%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia5.2%
VS

Cumbria

14 countries · 2.6% international

  • 🇨🇦Canada14.9%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan14.9%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria10.6%
  • 🇩🇪Germany8.5%
  • 🇮🇪Ireland8.5%

Subjects

15 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.

Heriot-Watt University

University of Cumbria

  • Design & Fashion

    11 courses

    Typical fee £20,080 (UG)

    6 courses

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Business & Management (General)

    7 courses

    Typical fee £20,080 (UG)

    7 courses

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Computer Science

    12 courses

    Typical fee £25,810 (UG)

    2 courses

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    2 courses

    Typical fee £21,190 (UG)

    10 courses

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Mechanical Engineering

    6 courses

    Typical fee £25,810 (UG)

    4 courses

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Psychology (General)

    5 courses

    Typical fee £21,190 (UG)

    5 courses

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Business Studies

    4 courses

    Typical fee £23,020 (PG)

    5 courses

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Ecology & Conservation

    3 courses

    Typical fee £25,810 (UG)

    4 courses

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Health Sciences & Paramedic Science

    1 course

    Typical fee £28,950 (PG)

    5 courses

    Typical fee £16,900 (UG)

  • Management

    5 courses

    Typical fee £20,640 (UG)

    1 course

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Zoology & Animal Biology

    1 course

    Typical fee £25,480 (PG)

    3 courses

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Applied Psychology

    2 courses

    Typical fee £22,680 (PG)

    1 course

    Typical fee £14,900 (PG)

  • Education Studies

    1 course

    Typical fee £29,990 (PG)

    2 courses

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

  • Biomedical Engineering

    1 course

    Typical fee £39,200 (PG)

    1 course

    Fee not available

  • Games Design & Computer Animation

    1 course

    Typical fee £25,480 (PG)

    1 course

    Typical fee £16,000 (UG)

Only at Heriot-Watt University

Only at University of Cumbria

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

Heriot-Watt University
£20,080
University of Cumbria
£16,000

University of Cumbria is about £4,080 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Heriot-Watt University
£24,180
University of Cumbria
£16,900

University of Cumbria is about £7,280 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.

Heriot-Watt University

University of Cumbria

  • Design & Fashion

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£17,000
    78%Satisfaction74%

  • Business & Management (General)

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    No dataSatisfaction85%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    89%Satisfaction84%

  • Psychology (General)

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£19,500
    81%Satisfaction87%

  • Ecology & Conservation

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    88%Satisfaction92%

  • Management

    £27,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    74%Satisfaction76%

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Heriot-Watt University

International Merit Scholarship

£500,000

Deadline: N/A

MBA 20th Anniversary Scholarship

£64,000

Deadline: Jun 2026

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

£21,800

Deadline: N/A

Future Planner Scholarship

100%

Deadline: Jun 2026

The Dunsmore Scholarship for MScR Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

100%

Deadline: May 2026

View all scholarships →

University of Cumbria

Future Talent Award

£8,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Heriot-Watt University vs University of Cumbria: common questions

Is Heriot-Watt University or University of Cumbria cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,080 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £16,000 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £4,080 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,180 a year at Heriot-Watt University and £16,900 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £7,280 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 Heriot-Watt University and University of Cumbria?

Both universities teach 15 subject areas: Design & Fashion, Business & Management (General), Computer Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology (General), Business Studies, Ecology & Conservation, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Management, Zoology & Animal Biology, Applied Psychology and 3 more.

Is Heriot-Watt University or University of Cumbria better for Design & Fashion?

Design & Fashion graduates earn a median £20,000 three years after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, and £17,000 from University of Cumbria. Student satisfaction with teaching is 78% at Heriot-Watt University and 74% at University of Cumbria. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Heriot-Watt University or University of Cumbria offer more courses?

Heriot-Watt University lists 214 courses on CourseOptions and University of Cumbria lists 136 courses.

What can you study at Heriot-Watt University but not at University of Cumbria?

Heriot-Watt University teaches 33 subject areas that University of Cumbria does not, including Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Civil Engineering, Building & Construction, Chemical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Accounting, Chemistry and 25 more.

What can you study at University of Cumbria but not at Heriot-Watt University?

University of Cumbria teaches 25 subject areas that Heriot-Watt University does not, including Childhood & Youth Studies, Film Production & Cinematography, Forestry & Arboriculture, Human Geography & Environment, Law, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Nursing (General), Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation and 17 more.

Ready to explore courses?

Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.

H
Heriot-Watt University214 courses · 42 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Cumbria136 courses · 1 scholarshipBrowse Courses