Skip to main content

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.

L
Lancaster University

Lancaster · QS World #164

U
University of Chester

Chester · Guardian UK #91

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.

7/10

Lancaster

scored higher in 7 categories

VS

3/10

Chester

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

Lancaster University leads in 7 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, TEF, satisfaction, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). University of Chester is ahead on established, employment, international.

Lancaster University vs University of Chester at a glance

Lancaster University and University of Chester both teach 45 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology and Mathematics. Lancaster University offers 526 courses across 71 subject areas; University of Chester offers 329 courses across 73 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £28,680 a year at Lancaster University and £14,950 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £13,730 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,300 a year at Lancaster University and £15,500 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £8,800 a year cheaper.

Of the 25 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Lancaster University is higher in 23 and University of Chester in 2. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £35,000 three years after graduating from Lancaster University, against £23,000 from University of Chester. Of the 27 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Lancaster University is higher in 20 and University of Chester in 3, with 4 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#164
QS World
—
#184
THE World
#1501
#10
Guardian UK
#91
1964
Established
1839
No
Russell Group
No
Gold
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Lancaster University

University of Chester

88.5%
83.9%

Satisfaction

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

£35,400
£27,400

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

79.1%
84.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

22.4%
28.7%

International

International student share

526
329

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

11
3

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.

Lancaster

83 countries · 22.4% international

  • 🇨🇳China41.1%
  • 🇮🇳India9.8%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.9%
  • 🇪🇸Spain3.8%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia3.1%
VS

Chester

52 countries · 28.7% international

  • 🇮🇳India32.1%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan26.7%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria11.7%
  • 🌐Sri Lanka7.1%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh2.8%

Subjects

45 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.

Lancaster University

University of Chester

Also taught at both: Software Engineering, Chemistry, English Literature, General Engineering, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, History, Finance & Actuarial Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Ecology & Conservation, English Language, Fine Art, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Business Studies, Information Systems & Data Science, Biological Sciences (General), Drama & Theatre, Mental Health Nursing, Ancient Languages, Creative Writing, Health & Social Care, Social Work, Theology & Religious Studies, English Studies, Clinical Specialities, Computing & IT, Humanities, Medicine, Public Health & Epidemiology, Building & Construction, Technology & Logistics.

Only at Lancaster University

Only at University of Chester

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

Lancaster University
£28,680
University of Chester
£14,950

University of Chester is about £13,730 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Lancaster University
£24,300
University of Chester
£15,500

University of Chester is about £8,800 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.

Lancaster University

University of Chester

  • Business & Management (General)

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£21,500
    82%Satisfaction79%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £23,000Salary (3 years)£20,500
    92%Satisfaction86%

  • Mathematics

    £29,500Salary (3 years)£24,000
    89%SatisfactionNo data

  • Politics & International Relations

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    90%Satisfaction86%

  • Biomedical Sciences

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    92%Satisfaction73%

  • Computer Science

    £35,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    80%Satisfaction83%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£20,000
    90%Satisfaction89%

  • Marketing

    £29,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    90%Satisfaction89%

  • Psychology (General)

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£20,500
    87%Satisfaction82%

  • Media & Film Studies

    £19,500Salary (3 years)£20,000
    89%Satisfaction70%

  • Chemical Engineering

    £30,000Salary (3 years)No data
    85%Satisfaction69%

  • Geography (General)

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£23,500
    85%Satisfaction92%

Showing the 12 largest of 28 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Lancaster University

India Scholarship – Postgraduate

£10,000

Deadline: N/A

LPDP Scholarship 2026

100%

Deadline: N/A

Lancaster Sanctuary Fellowship

100%

Deadline: N/A

Master's Scholarship for Black British Students

100%

Deadline: N/A

Fulgoni Scholarship

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

University of Chester

NHS Learning Support Fund

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

Visit Us Travel Bursary

£100

Deadline: N/A

Futures Employability Fund

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Lancaster University vs University of Chester: common questions

Is Lancaster University or University of Chester cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £28,680 a year at Lancaster University and £14,950 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £13,730 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £24,300 a year at Lancaster University and £15,500 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £8,800 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 Lancaster University and University of Chester?

Both universities teach 45 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology, Mathematics, Politics & International Relations, Childhood & Youth Studies, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Law, Marketing, Psychology (General), Media & Film Studies, Chemical Engineering and 33 more.

Is Lancaster University or University of Chester better for Business & Management (General)?

Business & Management (General) graduates earn a median £31,000 three years after graduating from Lancaster University, and £21,500 from University of Chester. Student satisfaction with teaching is 82% at Lancaster University and 79% at University of Chester. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Lancaster University or University of Chester offer more courses?

Lancaster University lists 526 courses on CourseOptions and University of Chester lists 329 courses.

What can you study at Lancaster University but not at University of Chester?

Lancaster University teaches 26 subject areas that University of Chester does not, including Physics, Linguistics, Economics, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Human Geography & Environment, Environmental Sciences, Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering and 18 more.

What can you study at University of Chester but not at Lancaster University?

University of Chester teaches 28 subject areas that Lancaster University does not, including Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Archaeology, Nutrition & Dietetics, Journalism, Adult Nursing, Animal Science, Agriculture & Land Management, Counselling & Psychotherapy and 20 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

L
Lancaster University526 courses · 11 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Chester329 courses · 3 scholarshipsBrowse Courses