Skip to main content

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 Cumbria

Lancaster · Guardian UK #101

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

Cumbria

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

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

Open University vs University of Cumbria at a glance

Open University and University of Cumbria both teach 25 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Computer Science and Childhood & Youth Studies. Open University offers 337 courses across 68 subject areas; University of Cumbria offers 136 courses across 40 subject areas.

Of the 20 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Open University is higher in 15 and University of Cumbria in 3, with 2 about level. The widest gap is in Business & Management (General): £32,000 three years after graduating from Open University, against £21,000 from University of Cumbria. Of the 19 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Open University is higher in 16 and University of Cumbria in 3.

World & National Rankings

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

—
QS World
—
#801
THE World
—
—
Guardian UK
#101
1969
Established
2007
No
Russell Group
No
Gold
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Open University

University of Cumbria

89.8%
80.5%

Satisfaction

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

£29,900
£27,400

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

72.6%
89.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

0.2%
2.6%

International

International student share

337
136

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
1

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

Cumbria

14 countries · 2.6% international

  • 🇨🇦Canada14.9%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan14.9%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria10.6%
  • 🇩🇪Germany8.5%
  • 🇮🇪Ireland8.5%

Subjects

25 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 Cumbria

Also taught at both: Teacher Training, Biomedical Sciences, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Physical Geography & Climate, Adult Nursing, Management, Mental Health Nursing, Applied Psychology, Children's Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing.

Only at Open University

Only at University of Cumbria

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 Cumbria
£16,000

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

Postgraduate

Open University
No data
University of Cumbria
£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 Cumbria

  • Business & Management (General)

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    95%Satisfaction85%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£18,500
    96%Satisfaction95%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £17,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    89%Satisfaction70%

  • Psychology (General)

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£19,500
    88%Satisfaction87%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    92%Satisfaction84%

  • Health Sciences & Paramedic Science

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    91%Satisfaction98%

  • Design & Fashion

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£17,000
    84%Satisfaction74%

  • Human Geography & Environment

    £27,500Salary (3 years)£19,000
    93%Satisfaction77%

  • Social Work

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£28,000
    93%Satisfaction70%

  • Environmental Sciences

    £27,500Salary (3 years)£19,000
    85%Satisfaction77%

  • Health & Social Care

    £24,000Salary (3 years)£18,500
    89%Satisfaction73%

  • Nursing (General)

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£29,000
    89%Satisfaction74%

Showing the 12 largest of 20 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Open University

View all scholarships →

University of Cumbria

Future Talent Award

£8,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Open University vs University of Cumbria: common questions

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

Both universities teach 25 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Computer Science, Childhood & Youth Studies, Law, Sociology & Criminology, Psychology (General), Sport & Exercise Sciences, Education Studies, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Design & Fashion, Human Geography & Environment, Social Work and 13 more.

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

Business & Management (General) graduates earn a median £32,000 three years after graduating from Open University, and £21,000 from University of Cumbria. Student satisfaction with teaching is 95% at Open University and 85% at University of Cumbria. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Open University or University of Cumbria offer more courses?

Open University lists 337 courses on CourseOptions and University of Cumbria lists 136 courses.

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

Open University teaches 43 subject areas that University of Cumbria does not, including History, Humanities, General Engineering, Mathematics, English Language, Computing & IT, Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics and 35 more.

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

University of Cumbria teaches 15 subject areas that Open University does not, including Film Production & Cinematography, Forestry & Arboriculture, Business Studies, Ecology & Conservation, Mechanical Engineering, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Zoology & Animal Biology and 7 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 Cumbria136 courses · 1 scholarshipBrowse Courses