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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.

U
Ulster University

Belfast · QS World #595

U
University of Reading

Reading · QS World #196

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.

2/9

Ulster

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

7/9

Reading

scored higher in 7 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Reading leads in 7 of 9 categories where both have data (ranking, established, employment, courses, scholarship). Ulster University is ahead on satisfaction, international.

Ulster University vs University of Reading at a glance

Ulster University and University of Reading both teach 39 subject areas, the largest being Finance & Actuarial Science, Economics and Law. Ulster University offers 170 courses across 66 subject areas; University of Reading offers 448 courses across 70 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £17,490 a year at Ulster University and £25,850 at University of Reading: Ulster University is about £8,360 a year cheaper.

Of the 26 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Ulster University is higher in 15 and University of Reading in 11.

World & National Rankings

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

#595
QS World
#196
#601
THE World
#201
#60
Guardian UK
#33
1968
Established
1892
No
Russell Group
No
—
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Ulster University

University of Reading

86.4%
85.1%

Satisfaction

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

No data
£35,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

84.6%
84.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.5%
18%

International

International student share

170
448

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
1

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.

Ulster

45 countries · 32.5% international

  • 🇵🇰Pakistan27.8%
  • 🇮🇪Ireland21.4%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria16.1%
  • 🇮🇳India12.6%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh8.6%
VS

Reading

96 countries · 18% international

  • 🇨🇳China26%
  • 🇮🇳India6.9%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria4.2%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia3.9%

Subjects

39 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.

Ulster University

University of Reading

Also taught at both: Computer Science, Nutrition & Dietetics, Civil Engineering, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Geology & Earth Sciences, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Fine Art, Medical Sciences, Physical Geography & Climate, Planning & Housing, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Media & Film Studies, Architecture, Biomedical Engineering, Drama & Theatre, Film Production & Cinematography, Social Policy & Public Policy, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Human Resource Management, Linguistics, Biology, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation.

Only at Ulster University

Only at University of Reading

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

Ulster University
£17,490
University of Reading
£25,850

Ulster University is about £8,360 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Ulster University
No data
University of Reading
£26,450

We do not have reliable international fee data for Ulster 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.

Ulster University

University of Reading

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    No dataSalary (3 years)£38,500
    84%Satisfaction83%

  • Economics

    No dataSalary (3 years)£32,500
    88%Satisfaction82%

  • Law

    No dataSalary (3 years)£27,500
    87%Satisfaction86%

  • Building & Construction

    No dataSalary (3 years)£36,500
    85%Satisfaction90%

  • History

    No dataSalary (3 years)£25,000
    92%Satisfaction95%

  • Marketing

    No dataSalary (3 years)£29,000
    85%Satisfaction76%

  • Business Studies

    No dataSalary (3 years)£39,500
    83%Satisfaction79%

  • Design & Fashion

    No dataSalary (3 years)£26,000
    88%Satisfaction93%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    No dataSalary (3 years)£31,000
    84%Satisfaction96%

  • Accounting

    No dataSalary (3 years)£39,000
    95%Satisfaction86%

  • Politics & International Relations

    No dataSalary (3 years)£27,500
    84%Satisfaction92%

  • Management

    No dataSalary (3 years)£34,000
    73%Satisfaction81%

Showing the 12 largest of 26 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Ulster University

View all scholarships →

University of Reading

The Sporting Excellence Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Ulster University vs University of Reading: common questions

Is Ulster University or University of Reading cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £17,490 a year at Ulster University and £25,850 at University of Reading: Ulster University is about £8,360 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 Ulster University and University of Reading?

Both universities teach 39 subject areas: Finance & Actuarial Science, Economics, Law, Building & Construction, History, Marketing, Business Studies, Design & Fashion, Sociology & Criminology, Accounting, Politics & International Relations, Psychology (General) and 27 more.

Does Ulster University or University of Reading offer more courses?

University of Reading lists 448 courses on CourseOptions and Ulster University lists 170 courses.

What can you study at Ulster University but not at University of Reading?

Ulster University teaches 27 subject areas that University of Reading does not, including Social Work, Irish Studies, Journalism, Mechanical Engineering, Music, English Studies, General Engineering, Health & Social Care and 19 more.

What can you study at University of Reading but not at Ulster University?

University of Reading teaches 31 subject areas that Ulster University does not, including Business & Management (General), Mathematics, Agriculture & Land Management, Chemistry, Philosophy, Food Science, Information & Library Studies, Ancient Languages and 23 more.

Ready to explore courses?

Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.

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Ulster University170 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
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University of Reading448 courses · 1 scholarshipBrowse Courses