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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.

O
Open University

None · THE World #801

U
Ulster University

Belfast · QS World #595

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 6 datapoints

We looked at 6 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

2/6

Open

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

4/6

Ulster

scored higher in 4 categories

Quick Verdict

Ulster University leads in 4 of 6 categories where both have data (ranking, established, employment, international). Open University is ahead on satisfaction, courses.

Open University vs Ulster University at a glance

Open University and Ulster University both teach 34 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Law and Sociology & Criminology. Open University offers 337 courses across 68 subject areas; Ulster University offers 170 courses across 66 subject areas.

Of the 21 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Open University is higher in 15 and Ulster University in 6.

World & National Rankings

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

—
QS World
#595
#801
THE World
#601
—
Guardian UK
#60
1969
Established
1968
No
Russell Group
No
Gold
TEF Rating
—

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Open University

Ulster University

89.8%
86.4%

Satisfaction

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

£29,900
No data

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

72.6%
84.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

0.2%
32.5%

International

International student share

337
170

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
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.

Open

25 countries · 0.2% international

  • 🇩🇪Germany8.9%
  • 🌐Cyprus (European Union)6.7%
  • 🇫🇷France6.7%
  • 🇨🇳China4.4%
  • 🇮🇳India4.4%
VS

Ulster

45 countries · 32.5% international

  • 🇵🇰Pakistan27.8%
  • 🇮🇪Ireland21.4%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria16.1%
  • 🇮🇳India12.6%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh8.6%

Subjects

34 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.

Open University

Ulster University

Also taught at both: Music, Economics, Politics & International Relations, Software Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Linguistics, Physical Geography & Climate, Biology, English Literature, English Studies, Finance & Actuarial Science, Human Resource Management, Information Systems & Data Science, Social Policy & Public Policy, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Management, Public Health & Epidemiology, Geology & Earth Sciences, Learning Disabilities Nursing.

Only at Open University

Only at Ulster 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

Open University
No data
Ulster University
£17,490

We do not have reliable international fee data for Open University yet.

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.

Open University

Ulster University

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)No data
    91%Satisfaction79%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)No data
    96%Satisfaction87%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £17,000Salary (3 years)No data
    89%Satisfaction84%

  • History

    £23,000Salary (3 years)No data
    93%Satisfaction92%

  • General Engineering

    £43,500Salary (3 years)No data
    88%Satisfaction77%

  • Social Work

    £33,000Salary (3 years)No data
    93%Satisfaction96%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £26,000Salary (3 years)No data
    92%Satisfaction82%

  • Design & Fashion

    £27,000Salary (3 years)No data
    84%Satisfaction88%

  • Health Sciences & Paramedic Science

    £26,500Salary (3 years)No data
    91%Satisfaction88%

  • Computing & IT

    £38,000Salary (3 years)No data
    91%Satisfaction79%

  • Environmental Sciences

    £27,500Salary (3 years)No data
    85%Satisfaction79%

  • Health & Social Care

    £24,000Salary (3 years)No data
    89%Satisfaction91%

Showing the 12 largest of 21 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Open University

View all scholarships →

Ulster University

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Open University vs Ulster University: common questions

What subjects can you study at both Open University and Ulster University?

Both universities teach 34 subject areas: Computer Science, Law, Sociology & Criminology, History, General Engineering, Social Work, Psychology (General), Sport & Exercise Sciences, Accounting, Design & Fashion, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Computing & IT and 22 more.

Does Open University or Ulster University offer more courses?

Open University lists 337 courses on CourseOptions and Ulster University lists 170 courses.

What can you study at Open University but not at Ulster University?

Open University teaches 34 subject areas that Ulster University does not, including Business & Management (General), Humanities, Mathematics, Education Studies, Childhood & Youth Studies, English Language, Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics and 26 more.

What can you study at Ulster University but not at Open University?

Ulster University teaches 32 subject areas that Open University does not, including Business Studies, Civil Engineering, Irish Studies, Journalism, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering, Building & Construction, Film Production & Cinematography and 24 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

O
Open University337 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
Ulster University170 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses