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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
University of Bedfordshire

Luton · Guardian UK #99

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.

5/8

Open

scored higher in 5 categories

VS

3/8

Bedfordshire

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

Open University leads in 5 of 8 categories where both have data (ranking, TEF, satisfaction, graduate salary, courses). University of Bedfordshire is ahead on established, employment, international.

Open University vs University of Bedfordshire at a glance

Open University and University of Bedfordshire both teach 36 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Computer Science and Law. Open University offers 337 courses across 68 subject areas; University of Bedfordshire offers 306 courses across 59 subject areas.

Of the 24 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Open University is higher in 17 and University of Bedfordshire in 7. The widest gap is in Economics: £33,500 three years after graduating from Open University, against £20,000 from University of Bedfordshire. Of the 23 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Bedfordshire is higher in 13 and Open University in 10.

World & National Rankings

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

—
QS World
—
#801
THE World
#1001
—
Guardian UK
#99
1969
Established
1882
No
Russell Group
No
Gold
TEF Rating
Bronze

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Open University

University of Bedfordshire

89.8%
88.1%

Satisfaction

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

£29,900
£28,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

72.6%
77%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

0.2%
30.1%

International

International student share

337
306

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

Bedfordshire

31 countries · 30.1% international

  • 🇮🇳India56.2%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan10.2%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh8.1%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria7.9%
  • 🇷🇴Romania4.6%

Subjects

36 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

University of Bedfordshire

Also taught at both: Software Engineering, Computing & IT, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Health & Social Care, Teacher Training, Economics, Human Geography & Environment, Philosophy, Social Sciences (General), Biomedical Sciences, Mental Health Nursing, Music, Politics & International Relations, Public Health & Epidemiology, Adult Nursing, Chemistry, Finance & Actuarial Science, Linguistics, Applied Psychology, Children's Nursing, Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Only at Open University

Only at University of Bedfordshire

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
University of Bedfordshire
£16,900

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

University of Bedfordshire

  • Business & Management (General)

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£22,000
    95%Satisfaction86%

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    91%Satisfaction85%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£18,500
    96%Satisfaction86%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £17,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    89%Satisfaction95%

  • Education Studies

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    89%Satisfaction93%

  • Psychology (General)

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£20,000
    88%Satisfaction80%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    92%Satisfaction94%

  • Childhood & Youth Studies

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    90%Satisfaction93%

  • Health Sciences & Paramedic Science

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£19,500
    91%Satisfaction84%

  • Accounting

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£22,000
    No dataSatisfaction95%

  • Social Work

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    93%Satisfaction99%

  • Design & Fashion

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£17,000
    84%Satisfaction73%

Showing the 12 largest of 25 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Open University

View all scholarships →

University of Bedfordshire

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Open University vs University of Bedfordshire: common questions

What subjects can you study at both Open University and University of Bedfordshire?

Both universities teach 36 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Computer Science, Law, Sociology & Criminology, Education Studies, Psychology (General), Sport & Exercise Sciences, Childhood & Youth Studies, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Human Resource Management, Accounting, English Language and 24 more.

Is Open University or University of Bedfordshire better for Business & Management (General)?

Business & Management (General) graduates earn a median £32,000 three years after graduating from Open University, and £22,000 from University of Bedfordshire. Student satisfaction with teaching is 95% at Open University and 86% at University of Bedfordshire. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Open University or University of Bedfordshire offer more courses?

Open University lists 337 courses on CourseOptions and University of Bedfordshire lists 306 courses.

What can you study at Open University but not at University of Bedfordshire?

Open University teaches 32 subject areas that University of Bedfordshire does not, including History, Humanities, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Combined & General Studies, Environmental Sciences, Ancient Languages and 24 more.

What can you study at University of Bedfordshire but not at Open University?

University of Bedfordshire teaches 23 subject areas that Open University does not, including Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Business Studies, Marketing, Building & Construction, Pharmacology, Games Design & Computer Animation, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Media & Film Studies and 15 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
University of Bedfordshire306 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses