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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 Sunderland

Sunderland · Guardian UK #86

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 7 datapoints

We looked at 7 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

4/7

Open

scored higher in 4 categories

VS

3/7

Sunderland

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

Open University leads in 4 of 7 categories where both have data (ranking, TEF, graduate salary, courses). University of Sunderland is ahead on established, employment, international.

Open University vs University of Sunderland at a glance

Open University and University of Sunderland both teach 35 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Law and Business & Management (General). Open University offers 337 courses across 68 subject areas; University of Sunderland offers 193 courses across 56 subject areas.

Of the 24 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Open University is higher in 19 and University of Sunderland in 5. The widest gap is in Economics: £33,500 three years after graduating from Open University, against £18,500 from University of Sunderland. Of the 22 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Open University is higher in 10 and University of Sunderland in 9, with 3 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

—
QS World
—
#801
THE World
#1501
—
Guardian UK
#86
1969
Established
1901
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 Sunderland

89.8%
89.8%

Satisfaction

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

£29,900
£24,500

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

72.6%
81.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

0.2%
36.5%

International

International student share

337
193

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

Sunderland

56 countries · 36.5% international

  • 🌐Nepal29.5%
  • 🇮🇳India17.7%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria16.6%
  • 🇨🇳China7.3%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan6.9%

Subjects

35 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 Sunderland

Also taught at both: Software Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Chemistry, Human Resource Management, Nursing (General), Teacher Training, Accounting, Economics, Geology & Earth Sciences, Music, Social Sciences (General), Applied Psychology, Counselling & Psychotherapy, English Studies, Management, Applied & General Science, Biomedical Sciences, Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing.

Only at Open University

Only at University of Sunderland

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 Sunderland
£17,500

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

Postgraduate

Open University
No data
University of Sunderland
£17,000

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 Sunderland

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    91%Satisfaction78%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£19,000
    96%Satisfaction95%

  • Business & Management (General)

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    95%Satisfaction92%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £17,000Salary (3 years)£18,500
    89%Satisfaction87%

  • Psychology (General)

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£19,000
    88%Satisfaction88%

  • Childhood & Youth Studies

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£18,500
    90%Satisfaction100%

  • Education Studies

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£25,000
    89%Satisfaction84%

  • Sport & Exercise Sciences

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    92%Satisfaction86%

  • Social Work

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
    93%Satisfaction90%

  • Design & Fashion

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£17,000
    84%Satisfaction90%

  • Health & Social Care

    £24,000Salary (3 years)£18,500
    89%Satisfaction96%

  • Health Sciences & Paramedic Science

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£29,000
    91%Satisfaction84%

Showing the 12 largest of 26 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Open University

View all scholarships →

University of Sunderland

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Open University vs University of Sunderland: common questions

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

Both universities teach 35 subject areas: Computer Science, Law, Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology, Psychology (General), Childhood & Youth Studies, Education Studies, Sport & Exercise Sciences, General Engineering, Mathematics, Social Work, Design & Fashion and 23 more.

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

Computer Science graduates earn a median £33,500 three years after graduating from Open University, and £25,500 from University of Sunderland. Student satisfaction with teaching is 91% at Open University and 78% at University of Sunderland. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Open University or University of Sunderland offer more courses?

Open University lists 337 courses on CourseOptions and University of Sunderland lists 193 courses.

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

Open University teaches 33 subject areas that University of Sunderland does not, including History, Humanities, English Language, Computing & IT, Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Combined & General Studies, Environmental Sciences and 25 more.

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

University of Sunderland teaches 21 subject areas that Open University does not, including Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Business Studies, Film Production & Cinematography, Media & Film Studies, Journalism, Marketing, Biochemistry, Fine Art and 13 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 Sunderland193 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses