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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.

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University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen · QS World #288

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University of Derby

Derby · QS World #1201

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 10 datapoints

We looked at 10 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

8/10

Aberdeen

scored higher in 8 categories

VS

2/10

Derby

scored higher in 2 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Aberdeen leads in 8 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses). University of Derby is ahead on employment, scholarship.

University of Aberdeen vs University of Derby at a glance

University of Aberdeen and University of Derby both teach 44 subject areas, the largest being Law, English Studies and Economics. University of Aberdeen offers 597 courses across 80 subject areas; University of Derby offers 375 courses across 74 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,800 a year at University of Aberdeen and £16,900 at University of Derby: University of Derby is about £3,900 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £23,000 a year at University of Aberdeen and £17,500 at University of Derby: University of Derby is about £5,500 a year cheaper.

Of the 24 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Aberdeen is higher in 24 and University of Derby in 0. The widest gap is in Finance & Actuarial Science: £31,500 three years after graduating from University of Aberdeen, against £21,000 from University of Derby. Of the 25 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Derby is higher in 12 and University of Aberdeen in 10, with 3 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#288
QS World
#1201
#201
THE World
#601
#22
Guardian UK
#80
1495
Established
1851
No
Russell Group
No
—
TEF Rating
Gold

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

University of Aberdeen

University of Derby

89.2%
88.5%

Satisfaction

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

£37,600
£27,700

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

78.3%
85.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

18.8%
14.3%

International

International student share

597
375

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

3
6

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.

Aberdeen

81 countries · 18.8% international

  • 🇨🇳China20.2%
  • 🇮🇳India14.1%
  • 🇺🇸United States8.8%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria7.3%
  • 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia3.1%
VS

Derby

64 countries · 14.3% international

  • 🇳🇬Nigeria34.5%
  • 🇮🇳India15.3%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan8.1%
  • 🇬🇭Ghana6.5%
  • 🇰🇪Kenya5.5%

Subjects

44 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.

University of Aberdeen

University of Derby

Also taught at both: Accounting, Computer Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Forensic Science, Health & Social Care, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Media & Film Studies, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Geology & Earth Sciences, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Human Geography & Environment, Music, Creative Writing, Biomedical Sciences, Building & Construction, Ecology & Conservation, Environmental Sciences, General Engineering, Zoology & Animal Biology, Biology, Computing & IT, Human Resource Management, Applied Biology & Human Biology, Combined & General Studies, Heritage & Conservation.

Only at University of Aberdeen

Only at University of Derby

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

University of Aberdeen
£20,800
University of Derby
£16,900

University of Derby is about £3,900 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Aberdeen
£23,000
University of Derby
£17,500

University of Derby is about £5,500 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.

University of Aberdeen

University of Derby

  • Law

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£20,500
    92%Satisfaction87%

  • English Studies

    £20,500Salary (3 years)£19,500
    98%Satisfaction98%

  • Economics

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    90%Satisfaction93%

  • Psychology (General)

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£20,000
    88%Satisfaction90%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £23,000Salary (3 years)£20,500
    90%Satisfaction85%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    84%Satisfaction91%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £24,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    88%Satisfaction90%

  • Business Studies

    £28,500Salary (3 years)£21,000
    100%Satisfaction79%

  • Education Studies

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£20,500
    95%Satisfaction98%

  • History

    £24,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    92%Satisfaction100%

  • Civil Engineering

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£29,000
    92%Satisfaction92%

  • Teacher Training

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£26,500
    95%SatisfactionNo data

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

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen Global Scholarship - Postgraduate

£8,000

Deadline: N/A

Aberdeen Global Scholarship - Postgraduate

£8,000

Deadline: N/A

Aberdeen Global Scholarship - Undergraduate and PGDE

£6,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

University of Derby

Biomedical Science Excellence Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Golding Awards

See details

Deadline: N/A

Sarah Essam Football Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Sitwell Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Aberdeen vs University of Derby: common questions

Is University of Aberdeen or University of Derby cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,800 a year at University of Aberdeen and £16,900 at University of Derby: University of Derby is about £3,900 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £23,000 a year at University of Aberdeen and £17,500 at University of Derby: University of Derby is about £5,500 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 University of Aberdeen and University of Derby?

Both universities teach 44 subject areas: Law, English Studies, Economics, Psychology (General), Management, Sociology & Criminology, Finance & Actuarial Science, Politics & International Relations, Business Studies, Education Studies, History, Civil Engineering and 32 more.

Is University of Aberdeen or University of Derby better for Law?

Law graduates earn a median £26,500 three years after graduating from University of Aberdeen, and £20,500 from University of Derby. Student satisfaction with teaching is 92% at University of Aberdeen and 87% at University of Derby. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does University of Aberdeen or University of Derby offer more courses?

University of Aberdeen lists 597 courses on CourseOptions and University of Derby lists 375 courses.

What can you study at University of Aberdeen but not at University of Derby?

University of Aberdeen teaches 36 subject areas that University of Derby does not, including French, Anthropology, German & Scandinavian Studies, Chemical Engineering, Celtic Studies, Ancient Languages, Linguistics, Philosophy and 28 more.

What can you study at University of Derby but not at University of Aberdeen?

University of Derby teaches 30 subject areas that University of Aberdeen does not, including Business & Management (General), Design & Fashion, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Adult Nursing, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Games Design & Computer Animation, Journalism, Mental Health Nursing and 22 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

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University of Aberdeen597 courses · 3 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
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University of Derby375 courses · 6 scholarshipsBrowse Courses