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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 York

York · QS World #158

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 9 datapoints

We looked at 9 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

1/9

Open

scored higher in 1 category

VS

8/9

York

scored higher in 8 categories

Quick Verdict

University of York leads in 8 of 9 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, employment, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). Open University is ahead on satisfaction.

Open University vs University of York at a glance

Open University and University of York both teach 49 subject areas, the largest being Computer Science, Business & Management (General) and Law. Open University offers 337 courses across 68 subject areas; University of York offers 532 courses across 82 subject areas.

Of the 31 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Open University is higher in 16 and University of York in 14, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in General Engineering: £43,500 three years after graduating from Open University, against £33,000 from University of York. Of the 28 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Open University is higher in 19 and University of York in 4, with 5 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

—
QS World
#158
#801
THE World
#154
—
Guardian UK
#20
1969
Established
1963
No
Russell Group
Yes
Gold
TEF Rating
Gold

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Open University

University of York

89.8%
87.1%

Satisfaction

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

£29,900
£34,700

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

72.6%
80.2%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

0.2%
18.6%

International

International student share

337
532

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
3

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

York

97 countries · 18.6% international

  • 🇨🇳China44.1%
  • 🇮🇳India7.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States5.7%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong4.3%
  • 🌐Korea (South)2.2%

Subjects

49 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 York

Also taught at both: Social Policy & Public Policy, History of Art & Design, Childhood & Youth Studies, General Engineering, Psychology (General), Human Geography & Environment, Linguistics, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Physical Geography & Climate, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Management, Social Work, Finance & Actuarial Science, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, English Language, French, Ancient Languages, German & Scandinavian Studies, Accounting, Design & Fashion, International Development, Mental Health Nursing, Social Sciences (General), English Literature, Nursing (General), Teacher Training, Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Information Systems & Data Science, Applied Psychology, Creative Writing.

Only at Open University

Only at University of York

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 York
£27,500

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

Postgraduate

Open University
No data
University of York
£27,250

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 York

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£40,000
    91%Satisfaction73%

  • Business & Management (General)

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    95%Satisfaction80%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£30,500
    96%Satisfaction89%

  • Mathematics

    £30,000Salary (3 years)£28,500
    93%Satisfaction86%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £17,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    89%Satisfaction90%

  • History

    £23,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    93%Satisfaction93%

  • Philosophy

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    91%Satisfaction89%

  • Chemistry

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£28,500
    93%Satisfaction92%

  • Physics

    £38,500Salary (3 years)£30,000
    98%Satisfaction89%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£27,500
    92%Satisfaction91%

  • Music

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£23,500
    94%Satisfaction87%

  • Education Studies

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£23,500
    89%Satisfaction87%

Showing the 12 largest of 31 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Open University

View all scholarships →

University of York

Care Leavers and Estranged Students Bursary

£3,000

Deadline: N/A

York Bursary

£1,000

Deadline: N/A

York Futures Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Open University vs University of York: common questions

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

Both universities teach 49 subject areas: Computer Science, Business & Management (General), Law, Mathematics, Sociology & Criminology, History, Philosophy, Chemistry, Physics, Politics & International Relations, Humanities, Electronic & Electrical Engineering and 37 more.

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

Computer Science graduates earn a median £33,500 three years after graduating from Open University, and £40,000 from University of York. Student satisfaction with teaching is 91% at Open University and 73% at University of York. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Open University or University of York offer more courses?

University of York lists 532 courses on CourseOptions and Open University lists 337 courses.

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

Open University teaches 19 subject areas that University of York does not, including Computing & IT, Combined & General Studies, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Health & Social Care, Software Engineering, Classical Studies, Human Resource Management, Natural Sciences and 11 more.

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

University of York teaches 33 subject areas that Open University does not, including Archaeology, Film Production & Cinematography, Forensic Science, Media & Film Studies, Liberal Arts, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Building & Construction, Ecology & Conservation and 25 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 York532 courses · 3 scholarshipsBrowse Courses