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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 Cambridge

Cambridge · QS World #6

U
University of Chester

Chester · Guardian UK #91

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 11 datapoints

We looked at 11 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

9/11

Cambridge

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

2/11

Chester

scored higher in 2 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Cambridge leads in 9 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, TEF, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses). University of Chester is ahead on employment, scholarship.

University of Cambridge vs University of Chester at a glance

University of Cambridge and University of Chester both teach 41 subject areas, the largest being Childhood & Youth Studies, Sociology & Criminology and Hospitality, Events & Tourism. University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas; University of Chester offers 329 courses across 73 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £14,950 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £17,940 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £15,500 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £25,800 a year cheaper.

Of the 12 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 12 and University of Chester in 0. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £63,500 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, against £23,000 from University of Chester. Of the 13 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 12 and University of Chester in 1.

World & National Rankings

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

#6
QS World
—
#3
THE World
#1501
#2
Guardian UK
#91
1209
Established
1839
Yes
Russell Group
No
Gold
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 Cambridge

University of Chester

92.1%
83.9%

Satisfaction

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

£49,800
£27,400

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

76.6%
84.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.2%
28.7%

International

International student share

336
329

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
3

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.

Cambridge

96 countries · 32.2% international

  • 🇨🇳China28.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States10.3%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore6.6%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇮🇳India4.7%
VS

Chester

52 countries · 28.7% international

  • 🇮🇳India32.1%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan26.7%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria11.7%
  • 🌐Sri Lanka7.1%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh2.8%

Subjects

41 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 Cambridge

University of Chester

Also taught at both: General Engineering, Geography (General), Software Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Theology & Religious Studies, Clinical Specialities, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Media & Film Studies, Music, Animal Science, Creative Writing, Ancient Languages, Chemistry, English Studies, Information Systems & Data Science, Business Studies, Education Studies, Biotechnology, Building & Construction, Humanities, Medicine, Computing & IT, Health & Social Care, Information & Library Studies, Technology & Logistics.

Only at University of Cambridge

Only at University of Chester

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 Cambridge
£32,890
University of Chester
£14,950

University of Chester is about £17,940 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Cambridge
£41,300
University of Chester
£15,500

University of Chester is about £25,800 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 Cambridge

University of Chester

  • History

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    95%Satisfaction94%

  • Psychology (General)

    £30,000Salary (3 years)£20,500
    92%Satisfaction82%

  • Law

    £49,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    96%Satisfaction89%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    No dataSatisfaction86%

  • Archaeology

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    95%Satisfaction100%

  • Asian Languages & Studies

    £30,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    94%Satisfaction88%

  • Computer Science

    £63,500Salary (3 years)£23,000
    94%Satisfaction83%

  • Mathematics

    £44,500Salary (3 years)£24,000
    94%SatisfactionNo data

  • Geography (General)

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£23,500
    95%Satisfaction92%

  • Theology & Religious Studies

    £31,500Salary (3 years)£19,500
    94%Satisfaction90%

  • Chemical Engineering

    £43,000Salary (3 years)No data
    94%Satisfaction69%

  • Music

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£17,500
    97%Satisfaction73%

Showing the 12 largest of 15 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

University of Cambridge

View all scholarships →

University of Chester

NHS Learning Support Fund

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

Visit Us Travel Bursary

£100

Deadline: N/A

Futures Employability Fund

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Cambridge vs University of Chester: common questions

Is University of Cambridge or University of Chester cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £14,950 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £17,940 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £15,500 at University of Chester: University of Chester is about £25,800 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 Cambridge and University of Chester?

Both universities teach 41 subject areas: Childhood & Youth Studies, Sociology & Criminology, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Biological Sciences (General), Business & Management (General), History, Psychology (General), Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Law, Politics & International Relations, Archaeology, Asian Languages & Studies and 29 more.

Is University of Cambridge or University of Chester better for History?

History graduates earn a median £32,000 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, and £19,500 from University of Chester. Student satisfaction with teaching is 95% at University of Cambridge and 94% at University of Chester. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does University of Cambridge or University of Chester offer more courses?

University of Cambridge lists 336 courses on CourseOptions and University of Chester lists 329 courses.

What can you study at University of Cambridge but not at University of Chester?

University of Cambridge teaches 38 subject areas that University of Chester does not, including Economics, Architecture, Philosophy, Physics, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Genetics & Genomics, Human Geography & Environment, Management and 30 more.

What can you study at University of Chester but not at University of Cambridge?

University of Chester teaches 32 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Design & Fashion, Marketing, Nutrition & Dietetics, Journalism, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Accounting, Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and 24 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

U
University of Cambridge336 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Chester329 courses · 3 scholarshipsBrowse Courses