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.
Leeds
Colchester · QS World #438
Head-to-Head Summary
Based on 7 datapoints
We looked at 7 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.
1/7
Leeds Arts
scored higher in 1 category
6/7
Essex
scored higher in 6 categories
Quick Verdict
University of Essex leads in 6 of 7 categories where both have data (satisfaction, employment, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). Leeds Arts University is ahead on established.
Leeds Arts University vs University of Essex at a glance
Leeds Arts University and University of Essex both teach 7 subject areas, the largest being Drama & Theatre, Design & Fashion and Film Production & Cinematography. Leeds Arts University offers 56 courses across 11 subject areas; University of Essex offers 748 courses across 74 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £18,000 a year at Leeds Arts University and £21,500 at University of Essex: Leeds Arts University is about £3,500 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £18,300 a year at Leeds Arts University and £23,880 at University of Essex: Leeds Arts University is about £5,580 a year cheaper.
Of the 3 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Leeds Arts University is higher in 3 and University of Essex in 0. The widest gap is in Drama & Theatre: £19,500 three years after graduating from Leeds Arts University, against £16,500 from University of Essex. Of the 3 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Essex is higher in 2 and Leeds Arts University in 1.
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.
Leeds Arts University
University of Essex
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.
Leeds Arts
17 countries · 7.4% international
- 🇮🇳India12.5%
- 🇺🇸United States12.5%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong9.4%
- 🇨🇳China6.2%
- 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates6.2%
Essex
97 countries · 33.7% international
- 🇮🇳India21.2%
- 🇨🇳China11.7%
- 🇵🇰Pakistan6.1%
- 🇫🇷France5.7%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria4.4%
Subjects
7 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.
Leeds Arts University
University of Essex
Drama & Theatre
2 coursesTypical fee £18,000 (UG)
26 coursesTypical fee £21,500 (UG)
Design & Fashion
22 coursesTypical fee £18,000 (UG)
1 courseTypical fee £23,880 (PG)
Film Production & Cinematography
10 coursesTypical fee £18,000 (UG)
4 coursesTypical fee £21,500 (UG)
Marketing
2 coursesTypical fee £18,000 (UG)
12 coursesTypical fee £22,600 (UG)
Business & Management (General)
2 coursesTypical fee £18,000 (UG)
11 coursesTypical fee £22,600 (UG)
Creative Writing
Creative Arts (General)
Only at Leeds Arts University
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
- Leeds Arts University
- £18,000
- University of Essex
- £21,500
Leeds Arts University is about £3,500 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Leeds Arts University
- £18,300
- University of Essex
- £23,880
Leeds Arts University is about £5,580 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.
Leeds Arts University
University of Essex
Drama & Theatre
£19,500Salary (3 years)£16,50065%Satisfaction95%Film Production & Cinematography
£19,000Salary (3 years)£17,00084%Satisfaction86%Creative Writing
No dataSalary (3 years)£24,000100%Satisfaction75%Creative Arts (General)
£19,500Salary (3 years)£17,00098%SatisfactionNo data
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveLeeds Arts University
View all scholarships →University of Essex
Access Essex Scholarship
100%
Deadline: N/A
Sustainable Transitions - Governance, Ecological Management and Society - Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme
100%
Deadline: N/A
Sustainable Transitions - Governance, Ecological Management and Society - Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme 2026-27 (Masters plus PhD)
100%
Deadline: N/A
The Essex MBA Dean's Award
100%
Deadline: N/A
Postgraduate Research EU Scholarship
£8,000
Deadline: N/A
FAQ
Leeds Arts University vs University of Essex: common questions
Is Leeds Arts University or University of Essex cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £18,000 a year at Leeds Arts University and £21,500 at University of Essex: Leeds Arts University is about £3,500 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £18,300 a year at Leeds Arts University and £23,880 at University of Essex: Leeds Arts University is about £5,580 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 Leeds Arts University and University of Essex?
Both universities teach 7 subject areas: Drama & Theatre, Design & Fashion, Film Production & Cinematography, Marketing, Business & Management (General), Creative Writing and Creative Arts (General).
Is Leeds Arts University or University of Essex better for Drama & Theatre?
Drama & Theatre graduates earn a median £19,500 three years after graduating from Leeds Arts University, and £16,500 from University of Essex. Student satisfaction with teaching is 65% at Leeds Arts University and 95% at University of Essex. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Leeds Arts University or University of Essex offer more courses?
University of Essex lists 748 courses on CourseOptions and Leeds Arts University lists 56 courses.
What can you study at Leeds Arts University but not at University of Essex?
Leeds Arts University teaches 4 subject areas that University of Essex does not, including Music, Fine Art, Applied Computing and Crafts & Applied Arts.
What can you study at University of Essex but not at Leeds Arts University?
University of Essex teaches 67 subject areas that Leeds Arts University does not, including Politics & International Relations, History, Economics, Philosophy, History of Art & Design, Law, Sociology & Criminology, Computer Science and 59 more.
Ready to explore courses?
Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.