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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 Kent

Canterbury · QS World #415

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.

3/8

Open

scored higher in 3 categories

VS

5/8

Kent

scored higher in 5 categories

Quick Verdict

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

Open University vs University of Kent at a glance

Open University and University of Kent both teach 39 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Business & Management (General) and Law. Open University offers 337 courses across 68 subject areas; University of Kent offers 335 courses across 63 subject areas.

Of the 22 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Open University is higher in 11 and University of Kent in 11. The widest gap is in Astronomy & Astrophysics: £38,500 three years after graduating from Open University, against £27,500 from University of Kent. Of the 20 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Open University is higher in 17 and University of Kent in 2, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

—
QS World
#415
#801
THE World
#401
—
Guardian UK
#47
1969
Established
1965
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 Kent

89.8%
84%

Satisfaction

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

£29,900
£33,600

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

72.6%
80%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

0.2%
16%

International

International student share

337
335

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

Kent

85 countries · 16% international

  • 🇮🇳India9.9%
  • 🇨🇳China6.8%
  • 🇹🇭Thailand6.6%
  • 🇫🇷France5.7%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria5.3%

Subjects

39 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 Kent

Also taught at both: General Engineering, Accounting, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Social Work, Chemistry, Management, Social Sciences (General), Software Engineering, English Literature, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Ancient Languages, Creative Writing, Environmental Sciences, Design & Fashion, Health & Social Care, Statistics, Classical Studies, Human Resource Management, Linguistics, Social Policy & Public Policy, English Studies, French, German & Scandinavian Studies, Personal & Professional Development.

Only at Open University

Only at University of Kent

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 Kent
£23,500

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

Postgraduate

Open University
No data
University of Kent
£20,700

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 Kent

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£37,000
    91%Satisfaction79%

  • Business & Management (General)

    £32,000Salary (3 years)No data
    95%Satisfaction77%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£26,000
    96%Satisfaction86%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £17,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    89%Satisfaction83%

  • History

    £23,000Salary (3 years)£25,000
    93%Satisfaction93%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    92%Satisfaction87%

  • Psychology (General)

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£23,500
    88%Satisfaction77%

  • Economics

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£32,500
    89%Satisfaction85%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£41,500
    No dataSatisfaction81%

  • Mathematics

    £30,000Salary (3 years)£32,000
    93%Satisfaction87%

  • Physics

    £38,500Salary (3 years)£28,000
    98%Satisfaction82%

  • Biology

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    93%Satisfaction92%

Showing the 12 largest of 23 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Open University

View all scholarships →

University of Kent

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Open University vs University of Kent: common questions

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

Both universities teach 39 subject areas: Computer Science, Business & Management (General), Law, Sociology & Criminology, History, Politics & International Relations, Psychology (General), Economics, Finance & Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Physics, Biology and 27 more.

Is Open University or University of Kent better for Computer Science?

Computer Science graduates earn a median £33,500 three years after graduating from Open University, and £37,000 from University of Kent. Student satisfaction with teaching is 91% at Open University and 79% at University of Kent. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Open University or University of Kent offer more courses?

Open University lists 337 courses on CourseOptions and University of Kent lists 335 courses.

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

Open University teaches 29 subject areas that University of Kent does not, including Humanities, Education Studies, Childhood & Youth Studies, English Language, Computing & IT, Combined & General Studies, Human Geography & Environment, Philosophy and 21 more.

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

University of Kent teaches 24 subject areas that Open University does not, including Architecture, Business Studies, Ecology & Conservation, Marketing, Biochemistry, Cognitive & Experimental Psychology, Forensic Science, Film Production & Cinematography and 16 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 Kent335 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses