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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.

N
Northumbria University, Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne · QS World #528

U
University of Cambridge

Cambridge · QS World #6

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 12 datapoints

We looked at 12 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

2/12

Northumbria

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

10/12

Cambridge

scored higher in 10 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Cambridge leads in 10 of 12 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, TEF, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses). Northumbria University, Newcastle is ahead on employment, scholarship.

Northumbria University, Newcastle vs University of Cambridge at a glance

Northumbria University, Newcastle and University of Cambridge both teach 38 subject areas, the largest being Business Studies, Computer Science and History. Northumbria University, Newcastle offers 305 courses across 71 subject areas; University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £32,890 at University of Cambridge: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £13,040 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £41,300 at University of Cambridge: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £21,450 a year cheaper.

Of the 9 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 9 and Northumbria University, Newcastle in 0. The widest gap is in Economics: £21,000 three years after graduating from Northumbria University, Newcastle, against £59,500 from University of Cambridge. Of the 8 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 6 and Northumbria University, Newcastle in 2.

World & National Rankings

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

#528
QS World
#6
#401
THE World
#3
#53
Guardian UK
#2
1969
Established
1209
No
Russell Group
Yes
Silver
TEF Rating
Gold

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Northumbria University, Newcastle

University of Cambridge

83.5%
92.1%

Satisfaction

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

£31,000
£49,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

86.1%
76.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

24.5%
32.2%

International

International student share

305
336

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

7
0

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%
VS

Cambridge

96 countries · 32.2% international

  • 🇨🇳China28.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States10.3%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore6.6%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇮🇳India4.7%

Subjects

38 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

University of Cambridge

Also taught at both: Psychology (General), Building & Construction, Media & Film Studies, Physics, Finance & Actuarial Science, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Biology, Human Geography & Environment, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, English Studies, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Creative Writing, Education Studies, Music, Biochemistry, Linguistics, Clinical & Health Psychology, Cognitive & Experimental Psychology, Computing & IT, Health & Social Care, Heritage & Conservation.

Only at Northumbria University, Newcastle

Only at University of Cambridge

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
University of Cambridge
£32,890

Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £13,040 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Northumbria University, Newcastle
£19,850
University of Cambridge
£41,300

Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £21,450 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

University of Cambridge

  • Computer Science

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£63,500
    87%Satisfaction94%

  • History

    £23,000Salary (3 years)£32,000
    98%Satisfaction95%

  • Law

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£49,000
    73%Satisfaction96%

  • Mathematics

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£44,500
    85%Satisfaction94%

  • Architecture

    £21,500Salary (3 years)£38,000
    90%Satisfaction88%

  • Economics

    £21,000Salary (3 years)£59,500
    70%Satisfaction86%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£34,000
    92%SatisfactionNo data

  • Psychology (General)

    £21,000Salary (3 years)£30,000
    84%Satisfaction92%

  • English Studies

    £20,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    94%Satisfaction96%

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Northumbria 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

View all scholarships →

University of Cambridge

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Northumbria University, Newcastle vs University of Cambridge: common questions

Is Northumbria University, Newcastle or University of Cambridge cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £32,890 at University of Cambridge: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £13,040 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £19,850 a year at Northumbria University, Newcastle and £41,300 at University of Cambridge: Northumbria University, Newcastle is about £21,450 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 University of Cambridge?

Both universities teach 38 subject areas: Business Studies, Computer Science, History, Law, Sociology & Criminology, Mathematics, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Business & Management (General), Architecture, Biomedical Sciences, Childhood & Youth Studies, Economics and 26 more.

Is Northumbria University, Newcastle or University of Cambridge better for Computer Science?

Computer Science graduates earn a median £25,500 three years after graduating from Northumbria University, Newcastle, and £63,500 from University of Cambridge. Student satisfaction with teaching is 87% at Northumbria University, Newcastle and 94% at University of Cambridge. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Northumbria University, Newcastle or University of Cambridge offer more courses?

University of Cambridge lists 336 courses on CourseOptions and Northumbria University, Newcastle lists 305 courses.

What can you study at Northumbria University, Newcastle but not at University of Cambridge?

Northumbria University, Newcastle teaches 33 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Design & Fashion, Sport & Exercise Sciences, English Literature, Social Work, Marketing, Physical Geography & Climate, Accounting, Mechanical Engineering and 25 more.

What can you study at University of Cambridge but not at Northumbria University, Newcastle?

University of Cambridge teaches 41 subject areas that Northumbria University, Newcastle does not, including Biological Sciences (General), Asian Languages & Studies, Archaeology, Clinical Specialities, Philosophy, Genetics & Genomics, Management, Theology & Religious Studies and 33 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

N
Northumbria University, Newcastle305 courses · 7 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Cambridge336 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses