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.
Cirencester
Paisley · Guardian UK #115
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
Royal Agricultural
scored higher in 4 categories
3/7
West of Scotland
scored higher in 3 categories
Quick Verdict
Royal Agricultural University leads in 4 of 7 categories where both have data (established, employment, graduate salary, scholarship). University of the West of Scotland is ahead on satisfaction, international, courses.
Royal Agricultural University vs University of the West of Scotland at a glance
Royal Agricultural University and University of the West of Scotland both teach 5 subject areas, the largest being Business Studies, Childhood & Youth Studies and Environmental Sciences. Royal Agricultural University offers 70 courses across 13 subject areas; University of the West of Scotland offers 119 courses across 49 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £16,950 a year at Royal Agricultural University and £15,500 at University of the West of Scotland: University of the West of Scotland is about £1,450 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £22,000 a year at Royal Agricultural University and £16,280 at University of the West of Scotland: University of the West of Scotland is about £5,720 a year cheaper.
In Business Studies, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, Royal Agricultural University is higher. In Business Studies, the one shared subject where both publish a student satisfaction score, Royal Agricultural University is higher.
World & National Rankings
Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.
Visual Breakdown
Key metrics at a glance
Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.
Royal Agricultural University
University of the West of Scotland
Satisfaction
Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)
Graduate Salaries (5y)
Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation
Employment
Graduate employment rate
International
International student share
Course Counts
Number of courses offered
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.
Royal Agricultural
15 countries · 12.4% international
- 🇿🇦South Africa13%
- 🌐Zimbabwe13%
- 🇩🇪Germany8.7%
- 🇮🇳India8.7%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria8.7%
West of Scotland
33 countries · 30.3% international
- 🇵🇰Pakistan36.2%
- 🌐Nepal20.4%
- 🇮🇳India19.3%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria7.4%
- 🇧🇩Bangladesh5.3%
Subjects
5 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.
Royal Agricultural University
University of the West of Scotland
Business Studies
17 coursesTypical fee £16,950 (UG)
9 coursesTypical fee £15,500 (UG)
Childhood & Youth Studies
Environmental Sciences
Business & Management (General)
Zoology & Animal Biology
Only at Royal Agricultural University
Only at University of the West of Scotland
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
- Royal Agricultural University
- £16,950
- University of the West of Scotland
- £15,500
University of the West of Scotland is about £1,450 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Royal Agricultural University
- £22,000
- University of the West of Scotland
- £16,280
University of the West of Scotland is about £5,720 a year cheaper.
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.
Royal Agricultural University
University of the West of Scotland
Business Studies
£25,000Salary (3 years)£21,00077%Satisfaction75%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveRoyal Agricultural University
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
100%
Deadline: N/A
Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors/Pathways to Property Bursary
£10,000
Deadline: N/A
RAU Africa Agricultural Leadership Award
£4,500
Deadline: N/A
Sir Emrys Jones Memorial Trust postgraduate award
£4,000
Deadline: N/A
RAU Bursary (Stream 2)
£3,500
Deadline: Aug 2026
University of the West of Scotland
View all scholarships →FAQ
Royal Agricultural University vs University of the West of Scotland: common questions
Is Royal Agricultural University or University of the West of Scotland cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £16,950 a year at Royal Agricultural University and £15,500 at University of the West of Scotland: University of the West of Scotland is about £1,450 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £22,000 a year at Royal Agricultural University and £16,280 at University of the West of Scotland: University of the West of Scotland is about £5,720 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.
What subjects can you study at both Royal Agricultural University and University of the West of Scotland?
Both universities teach 5 subject areas: Business Studies, Childhood & Youth Studies, Environmental Sciences, Business & Management (General) and Zoology & Animal Biology.
Is Royal Agricultural University or University of the West of Scotland better for Business Studies?
Business Studies graduates earn a median £25,000 three years after graduating from Royal Agricultural University, and £21,000 from University of the West of Scotland. Student satisfaction with teaching is 77% at Royal Agricultural University and 75% at University of the West of Scotland. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Royal Agricultural University or University of the West of Scotland offer more courses?
University of the West of Scotland lists 119 courses on CourseOptions and Royal Agricultural University lists 70 courses.
What can you study at Royal Agricultural University but not at University of the West of Scotland?
Royal Agricultural University teaches 8 subject areas that University of the West of Scotland does not, including Agriculture & Land Management, Animal Science, Heritage & Conservation, Agricultural Sciences, Building & Construction, Countryside & Rural Management, Management and Ecology & Conservation.
What can you study at University of the West of Scotland but not at Royal Agricultural University?
University of the West of Scotland teaches 44 subject areas that Royal Agricultural University does not, including Teacher Training, Applied Computing, Business Information Systems, Chemistry, Computing & IT, General Engineering, Applied Psychology, Accounting and 36 more.
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