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.
Kensington and Chelsea · QS World #2
Lancaster · Guardian UK #101
Head-to-Head Summary
Based on 10 datapoints
We looked at 10 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.
9/10
Imperial College London
scored higher in 9 categories
1/10
Cumbria
scored higher in 1 category
Quick Verdict
Imperial College London leads in 9 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, TEF, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). University of Cumbria is ahead on employment.
Imperial College London vs University of Cumbria at a glance
Imperial College London and University of Cumbria both teach 12 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Business & Management (General) and Design & Fashion. Imperial College London offers 254 courses across 42 subject areas; University of Cumbria offers 136 courses across 40 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,600 a year at Imperial College London and £16,000 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £8,600 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £39,900 a year at Imperial College London and £16,900 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £23,000 a year cheaper.
In Ecology & Conservation, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, Imperial College London is higher. In Ecology & Conservation, the one shared subject where both publish a student satisfaction score, Imperial College London is higher.
World & National Rankings
Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.
Visual Breakdown
Key metrics at a glance
Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.
Imperial College London
University of Cumbria
Satisfaction
Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)
Graduate Salaries (5y)
Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation
Employment
Graduate employment rate
International
International student share
Course Counts
Number of courses offered
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.
Imperial College London
106 countries · 52.9% international
- 🇨🇳China41%
- 🇮🇳India5.8%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.1%
- 🇲🇾Malaysia3.6%
- 🇸🇬Singapore3.6%
Cumbria
14 countries · 2.6% international
- 🇨🇦Canada14.9%
- 🇵🇰Pakistan14.9%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria10.6%
- 🇩🇪Germany8.5%
- 🇮🇪Ireland8.5%
Subjects
12 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.
Imperial College London
University of Cumbria
Computer Science
19 coursesTypical fee £24,600 (UG)
2 coursesTypical fee £16,000 (UG)
Business & Management (General)
Design & Fashion
Ecology & Conservation
Biomedical Sciences
Health Sciences & Paramedic Science
Biomedical Engineering
Business Studies
Mechanical Engineering
Human Geography & Environment
Management
Physical Geography & Climate
Only at Imperial College London
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
- Imperial College London
- £24,600
- University of Cumbria
- £16,000
University of Cumbria is about £8,600 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Imperial College London
- £39,900
- University of Cumbria
- £16,900
University of Cumbria is about £23,000 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.
Imperial College London
University of Cumbria
Ecology & Conservation
£33,500Salary (3 years)£21,00093%Satisfaction92%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveImperial College London
Engineering Sainsbury Management Fellows Scholarship
£50,000
Deadline: N/A
Science Sainsbury Management Fellows Scholarship
£50,000
Deadline: N/A
J.P. Morgan Scholarship in Quantitative Finance
£45,100
Deadline: May 2026
Dean's Impact Scholarship
£30,000
Deadline: N/A
W L "Bill" Byrnes Global Scholarship
£30,000
Deadline: N/A
FAQ
Imperial College London vs University of Cumbria: common questions
Is Imperial College London or University of Cumbria cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,600 a year at Imperial College London and £16,000 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £8,600 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £39,900 a year at Imperial College London and £16,900 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £23,000 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 Imperial College London and University of Cumbria?
Both universities teach 12 subject areas: Computer Science, Business & Management (General), Design & Fashion, Ecology & Conservation, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Biomedical Engineering, Business Studies, Mechanical Engineering, Human Geography & Environment, Management and Physical Geography & Climate.
Is Imperial College London or University of Cumbria better for Ecology & Conservation?
Ecology & Conservation graduates earn a median £33,500 three years after graduating from Imperial College London, and £21,000 from University of Cumbria. Student satisfaction with teaching is 93% at Imperial College London and 92% at University of Cumbria. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Imperial College London or University of Cumbria offer more courses?
Imperial College London lists 254 courses on CourseOptions and University of Cumbria lists 136 courses.
What can you study at Imperial College London but not at University of Cumbria?
Imperial College London teaches 30 subject areas that University of Cumbria does not, including Civil Engineering, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Geology & Earth Sciences and 22 more.
What can you study at University of Cumbria but not at Imperial College London?
University of Cumbria teaches 28 subject areas that Imperial College London does not, including Childhood & Youth Studies, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Film Production & Cinematography, Forestry & Arboriculture, Psychology (General), Law, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Nursing (General) and 20 more.
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