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.
Hartlepool
Birmingham · QS World #68
Head-to-Head Summary
Based on 8 datapoints
We looked at 8 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.
2/8
Northern School of Art
scored higher in 2 categories
6/8
Birmingham
scored higher in 6 categories
Quick Verdict
University of Birmingham leads in 6 of 8 categories where both have data (Russell Group, satisfaction, employment, graduate salary, courses, scholarship). The Northern School of Art is ahead on TEF, established.
The Northern School of Art vs University of Birmingham at a glance
The Northern School of Art and University of Birmingham both teach 3 subject areas, the largest being Drama & Theatre, History of Art & Design and Film Production & Cinematography. The Northern School of Art offers 18 courses across 6 subject areas; University of Birmingham offers 663 courses across 101 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £13,500 a year at The Northern School of Art and £27,090 at University of Birmingham: The Northern School of Art is about £13,590 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £13,500 a year at The Northern School of Art and £23,390 at University of Birmingham: The Northern School of Art is about £9,890 a year cheaper.
In Drama & Theatre, the one shared subject where both publish a graduate salary, University of Birmingham is higher. In Drama & Theatre, the one shared subject where both publish a student satisfaction score, The Northern School of Art 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.
The Northern School of Art
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.
Northern School of Art
No published data on international students
Birmingham
104 countries · 31.2% international
- 🇨🇳China55.7%
- 🇮🇳India9.4%
- 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia3.2%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong2.8%
- 🇲🇾Malaysia2%
Subjects
3 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.
The Northern School of Art
University of Birmingham
Drama & Theatre
History of Art & Design
Film Production & Cinematography
Only at The Northern School of Art
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
- The Northern School of Art
- £13,500
- University of Birmingham
- £27,090
The Northern School of Art is about £13,590 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- The Northern School of Art
- £13,500
- University of Birmingham
- £23,390
The Northern School of Art is about £9,890 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.
The Northern School of Art
University of Birmingham
Drama & Theatre
£15,500Salary (3 years)£22,50095%Satisfaction91%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveThe Northern School of Art
View all scholarships →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
The Northern School of Art vs University of Birmingham: common questions
Is The Northern School of Art or University of Birmingham cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £13,500 a year at The Northern School of Art and £27,090 at University of Birmingham: The Northern School of Art is about £13,590 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £13,500 a year at The Northern School of Art and £23,390 at University of Birmingham: The Northern School of Art is about £9,890 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 The Northern School of Art and University of Birmingham?
Both universities teach 3 subject areas: Drama & Theatre, History of Art & Design and Film Production & Cinematography.
Is The Northern School of Art or University of Birmingham better for Drama & Theatre?
Drama & Theatre graduates earn a median £15,500 three years after graduating from The Northern School of Art, and £22,500 from University of Birmingham. Student satisfaction with teaching is 95% at The Northern School of Art and 91% at University of Birmingham. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does The Northern School of Art or University of Birmingham offer more courses?
University of Birmingham lists 663 courses on CourseOptions and The Northern School of Art lists 18 courses.
What can you study at The Northern School of Art but not at University of Birmingham?
The Northern School of Art teaches 3 subject areas that University of Birmingham does not, including Design & Fashion, Creative Arts (General) and Fine Art.
What can you study at University of Birmingham but not at The Northern School of Art?
University of Birmingham teaches 98 subject areas that The Northern School of Art does not, including Politics & International Relations, Law, History, Health & Social Care, Philosophy, Teacher Training, Business & Management (General), Civil Engineering and 90 more.
Ready to explore courses?
Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.