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.
London
Colchester · QS World #438
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.
2/7
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
scored higher in 2 categories
5/7
Essex
scored higher in 5 categories
Quick Verdict
University of Essex leads in 5 of 7 categories where both have data (satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London is ahead on established, employment.
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London vs University of Essex at a glance
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London and University of Essex both teach 5 subject areas, the largest being Drama & Theatre, Creative Writing and Performing Arts (General). Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London offers 26 courses across 6 subject areas; University of Essex offers 748 courses across 74 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £27,250 a year at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London and £21,500 at University of Essex: University of Essex is about £5,750 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £23,850 a year at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London and £23,880 at University of Essex, so the two cost about the same.
In Drama & Theatre, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London is higher. In Drama & Theatre, the one shared subject where both publish a student satisfaction score, University of Essex 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 Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
University of Essex
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 Central School of Speech and Drama
21 countries · 25.6% international
- 🇨🇳China25%
- 🇺🇸United States23.1%
- 🇸🇬Singapore5.8%
- 🇦🇺Australia3.8%
- 🇨🇦Canada3.8%
Essex
97 countries · 33.7% international
- 🇮🇳India21.2%
- 🇨🇳China11.7%
- 🇵🇰Pakistan6.1%
- 🇫🇷France5.7%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria4.4%
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 Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
University of Essex
Drama & Theatre
17 coursesTypical fee £27,250 (UG)
26 coursesTypical fee £21,500 (UG)
Creative Writing
Performing Arts (General)
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Creative Arts (General)
Only at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
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 Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
- £27,250
- University of Essex
- £21,500
University of Essex is about £5,750 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
- £23,850
- University of Essex
- £23,880
About the same.
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 Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
University of Essex
Drama & Theatre
£23,000Salary (3 years)£16,50077%Satisfaction95%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveRoyal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
View all scholarships →University of Essex
Access Essex Scholarship
100%
Deadline: N/A
Sustainable Transitions - Governance, Ecological Management and Society - Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme
100%
Deadline: N/A
Sustainable Transitions - Governance, Ecological Management and Society - Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme 2026-27 (Masters plus PhD)
100%
Deadline: N/A
The Essex MBA Dean's Award
100%
Deadline: N/A
Postgraduate Research EU Scholarship
£8,000
Deadline: N/A
FAQ
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London vs University of Essex: common questions
Is Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London or University of Essex cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £27,250 a year at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London and £21,500 at University of Essex: University of Essex is about £5,750 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £23,850 a year at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London and £23,880 at University of Essex, so the two cost about the same. 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 Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London and University of Essex?
Both universities teach 5 subject areas: Drama & Theatre, Creative Writing, Performing Arts (General), Counselling & Psychotherapy and Creative Arts (General).
Is Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London or University of Essex better for Drama & Theatre?
Drama & Theatre graduates earn a median £23,000 three years after graduating from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London, and £16,500 from University of Essex. Student satisfaction with teaching is 77% at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London and 95% at University of Essex. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London or University of Essex offer more courses?
University of Essex lists 748 courses on CourseOptions and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London lists 26 courses.
What can you study at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London but not at University of Essex?
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London teaches 1 subject area that University of Essex does not, including Dance.
What can you study at University of Essex but not at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London?
University of Essex teaches 69 subject areas that Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London does not, including Politics & International Relations, History, Economics, Philosophy, History of Art & Design, Law, Sociology & Criminology, Computer Science and 61 more.
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