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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
University of Bradford

Bradford · QS World #497

U
University of Reading

Reading · QS World #196

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.

2/10

Bradford

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

8/10

Reading

scored higher in 8 categories

Quick Verdict

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

University of Bradford vs University of Reading at a glance

University of Bradford and University of Reading both teach 29 subject areas, the largest being Economics, Business & Management (General) and Law. University of Bradford offers 211 courses across 49 subject areas; University of Reading offers 448 courses across 70 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £16,890 a year at University of Bradford and £25,850 at University of Reading: University of Bradford is about £8,960 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £15,700 a year at University of Bradford and £26,450 at University of Reading: University of Bradford is about £10,750 a year cheaper.

Of the 14 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Reading is higher in 12 and University of Bradford in 1, with 1 about level. The widest gap is in Business Studies: £20,500 three years after graduating from University of Bradford, against £39,500 from University of Reading. Of the 13 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Reading is higher in 7 and University of Bradford in 5, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#497
QS World
#196
#501
THE World
#201
#64
Guardian UK
#33
1966
Established
1892
No
Russell Group
No
Silver
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

University of Bradford

University of Reading

82.9%
85.1%

Satisfaction

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

£28,100
£35,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

78.7%
84.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

25.1%
18%

International

International student share

211
448

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

23
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.

Bradford

45 countries · 25.1% international

  • 🇵🇰Pakistan26.5%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria21.1%
  • 🇮🇳India16.1%
  • 🌐Kuwait5%
  • 🇬🇭Ghana4.4%
VS

Reading

96 countries · 18% international

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

Subjects

29 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 Bradford

University of Reading

Also taught at both: Civil Engineering, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Sociology & Criminology, Archaeology, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biological Sciences (General), Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, International Development, Pharmacology, Human Resource Management, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Clinical & Health Psychology, Social Sciences (General).

Only at University of Bradford

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

University of Bradford
£16,890
University of Reading
£25,850

University of Bradford is about £8,960 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Bradford
£15,700
University of Reading
£26,450

University of Bradford is about £10,750 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 Bradford

University of Reading

  • Economics

    £28,000Salary (3 years)£32,500
    83%Satisfaction82%

  • Business & Management (General)

    £20,500Salary (3 years)£35,500
    87%Satisfaction77%

  • Law

    £19,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    87%Satisfaction86%

  • Marketing

    £20,500Salary (3 years)£29,000
    67%Satisfaction76%

  • Psychology (General)

    £17,500Salary (3 years)£24,000
    80%Satisfaction83%

  • Business Studies

    £20,500Salary (3 years)£39,500
    80%Satisfaction79%

  • Biomedical Engineering

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£33,000
    77%Satisfaction82%

  • Accounting

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£39,000
    75%Satisfaction86%

  • Civil Engineering

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£33,000
    98%Satisfaction98%

  • Health Sciences & Paramedic Science

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£27,500
    91%Satisfaction94%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £18,500Salary (3 years)£31,000
    77%Satisfaction96%

  • Biological Sciences (General)

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    No dataSatisfaction88%

Showing the 12 largest of 14 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

University of Bradford

Bestway Foundation Scholarships for Students from Pakistan

£35,000

Deadline: N/A

Disabled Students' Allowance

£26,291

Deadline: N/A

MSc Artificial Intelligence & Space Technology Scholarship (2026/27)

£10,000

Deadline: Jun 2026

Chinese Articulation Agreement (2025/26)

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

NHS Learning Support Fund

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

University of Reading

The Sporting Excellence Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Bradford vs University of Reading: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £16,890 a year at University of Bradford and £25,850 at University of Reading: University of Bradford is about £8,960 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £15,700 a year at University of Bradford and £26,450 at University of Reading: University of Bradford is about £10,750 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 Bradford and University of Reading?

Both universities teach 29 subject areas: Economics, Business & Management (General), Law, Finance & Actuarial Science, Marketing, Psychology (General), Building & Construction, Business Studies, Politics & International Relations, Management, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry and 17 more.

Is University of Bradford or University of Reading better for Economics?

Economics graduates earn a median £28,000 three years after graduating from University of Bradford, and £32,500 from University of Reading. Student satisfaction with teaching is 83% at University of Bradford and 82% at University of Reading. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does University of Bradford or University of Reading offer more courses?

University of Reading lists 448 courses on CourseOptions and University of Bradford lists 211 courses.

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

University of Bradford teaches 20 subject areas that University of Reading does not, including Chemical Engineering, Software Engineering, Forensic Science, Mechanical Engineering, Adult Nursing, Anatomy & Pathology, General Engineering, Social Work and 12 more.

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

University of Reading teaches 41 subject areas that University of Bradford does not, including History, Mathematics, Agriculture & Land Management, English Literature, Philosophy, Design & Fashion, Food Science, Information & Library Studies and 33 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

U
University of Bradford211 courses · 23 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Reading448 courses · 1 scholarshipBrowse Courses