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.
Newcastle upon Tyne · QS World #528
Birmingham · THE World #801
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.
6/8
Northumbria
scored higher in 6 categories
2/8
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
scored higher in 2 categories
Quick Verdict
Northumbria University, Newcastle leads in 6 of 8 categories where both have data (ranking, employment, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is ahead on established, satisfaction.
Northumbria University, Newcastle vs Royal Birmingham Conservatoire at a glance
Northumbria University, Newcastle and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire both teach 2 subject areas, the largest being Music and Drama & Theatre. Northumbria University, Newcastle offers 305 courses across 71 subject areas; Royal Birmingham Conservatoire offers 54 courses across 2 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £28,460 at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £8,610 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £12,880 at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is about £6,970 a year cheaper.
In Drama & Theatre, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, the two are about level. In Drama & Theatre, the one shared subject where both publish a student satisfaction score, Northumbria University, Newcastle 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.
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
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.
Northumbria
85 countries · 24.5% international
- 🇮🇳India35.3%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria16.3%
- 🌐Kuwait4%
- 🇨🇳China3.8%
- 🌐Sri Lanka3.8%
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
69 countries · 15.9% international
- 🇮🇳India40.6%
- 🇵🇰Pakistan17.5%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria9.2%
- 🇨🇳China8.6%
- 🇧🇩Bangladesh2.8%
Subjects
2 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.
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Music
1 courseTypical fee £19,850 (PG)
51 coursesTypical fee £28,460 (UG)
Drama & Theatre
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
- Northumbria University, Newcastle
- £19,850
- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
- £28,460
Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £8,610 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Northumbria University, Newcastle
- £19,850
- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
- £12,880
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is about £6,970 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.
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Drama & Theatre
£18,500Salary (3 years)£18,50096%Satisfaction93%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveNorthumbria University, Newcastle
2025/26 PGT Sanctuary Scholarships
£3,000
Deadline: N/A
2025/26 UG Sanctuary Scholarships
£3,000
Deadline: N/A
Castle Peak Postgraduate Scholarships
See details
Deadline: N/A
GEMS Scholarship
See details
Deadline: N/A
Horiba Foundation UK Scholarship
See details
Deadline: N/A
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
View all scholarships →FAQ
Northumbria University, Newcastle vs Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: common questions
Is Northumbria University, Newcastle or Royal Birmingham Conservatoire cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £28,460 at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £8,610 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £12,880 at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is about £6,970 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 Northumbria University, Newcastle and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire?
Both universities teach 2 subject areas: Music and Drama & Theatre.
Is Northumbria University, Newcastle or Royal Birmingham Conservatoire better for Drama & Theatre?
Drama & Theatre graduates earn a median £18,500 three years after graduating from Northumbria University, Newcastle, and £18,500 from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Student satisfaction with teaching is 96% at Northumbria University, Newcastle and 93% at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Northumbria University, Newcastle or Royal Birmingham Conservatoire offer more courses?
Northumbria University, Newcastle lists 305 courses on CourseOptions and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire lists 54 courses.
What can you study at Northumbria University, Newcastle but not at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire?
Northumbria University, Newcastle teaches 69 subject areas that Royal Birmingham Conservatoire does not, including Business Studies, Computer Science, Design & Fashion, Law, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, English Literature, Social Work and 61 more.
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