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
Birmingham · QS World #68
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.
5/9
Royal College of Music
scored higher in 5 categories
4/9
Birmingham
scored higher in 4 categories
Quick Verdict
Royal College of Music leads in 5 of 9 categories where both have data (TEF, established, satisfaction, international, scholarship). University of Birmingham is ahead on Russell Group, employment, graduate salary, courses.
Royal College of Music vs University of Birmingham at a glance
Royal College of Music and University of Birmingham have one subject area in common, Music. Royal College of Music offers 39 courses across 2 subject areas; University of Birmingham offers 663 courses across 101 subject areas.
For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,760 a year at Royal College of Music and £23,390 at University of Birmingham: University of Birmingham is about £9,370 a year cheaper.
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 College of Music
University of Birmingham
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 College of Music
37 countries · 48.2% international
- 🇨🇳China35.4%
- 🇺🇸United States10.4%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong8.3%
- 🇦🇺Australia3.1%
- 🇫🇷France3.1%
Birmingham
104 countries · 31.2% international
- 🇨🇳China55.7%
- 🇮🇳India9.4%
- 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia3.2%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong2.8%
- 🇲🇾Malaysia2%
Subjects
1 subject 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 College of Music
University of Birmingham
Music
36 coursesTypical fee £31,300 (UG)
12 coursesTypical fee £23,390 (PG)
Only at Royal College of Music
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 College of Music
- No data
- University of Birmingham
- £27,090
We do not have reliable international fee data for Royal College of Music yet.
Postgraduate
- Royal College of Music
- £32,760
- University of Birmingham
- £23,390
University of Birmingham is about £9,370 a year cheaper.
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveRoyal College of Music
Adami Award for Collaborative Piano Fellows
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Fellowship in Historical Keyboards
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Gilbert & Eileen Edgar and Anthony Saltmarsh CPF
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Lord & Lady Lurgan Collaborative Piano Fellowship
£15,000
Deadline: N/A
Carne Junior Fellowship
See details
Deadline: N/A
University of Birmingham
Enhanced Chamberlain Award
£3,500
Deadline: N/A
University Music Scholarships
£3,000
Deadline: Jun 2026
University Music Scholarships
£1,000
Deadline: Jun 2026
FAQ
Royal College of Music vs University of Birmingham: common questions
Is Royal College of Music or University of Birmingham cheaper for international students?
For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,760 a year at Royal College of Music and £23,390 at University of Birmingham: University of Birmingham is about £9,370 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 College of Music and University of Birmingham?
Both universities teach 1 subject area: Music.
Does Royal College of Music or University of Birmingham offer more courses?
University of Birmingham lists 663 courses on CourseOptions and Royal College of Music lists 39 courses.
What can you study at Royal College of Music but not at University of Birmingham?
Royal College of Music teaches 1 subject area that University of Birmingham does not, including Cognitive & Experimental Psychology.
What can you study at University of Birmingham but not at Royal College of Music?
University of Birmingham teaches 100 subject areas that Royal College of Music does not, including Politics & International Relations, Law, History, Health & Social Care, Philosophy, Teacher Training, Business & Management (General), Civil Engineering and 92 more.
Ready to explore courses?
Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.