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.
Cambridge · QS World #6
Lancaster · Guardian UK #101
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
Cambridge
scored higher in 8 categories
2/10
Cumbria
scored higher in 2 categories
Quick Verdict
University of Cambridge leads in 8 of 10 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, TEF, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses). University of Cumbria is ahead on employment, scholarship.
University of Cambridge vs University of Cumbria at a glance
University of Cambridge and University of Cumbria both teach 16 subject areas, the largest being Childhood & Youth Studies, Business & Management (General) and Health Sciences & Paramedic Science. University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas; University of Cumbria offers 136 courses across 40 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £16,000 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £16,890 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £16,900 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £24,400 a year cheaper.
Of the 2 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 2 and University of Cumbria in 0. The widest gap is in Law: £49,000 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, against £18,500 from University of Cumbria. Of the 2 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 2 and University of Cumbria in 0.
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.
University of Cambridge
University of Cumbria
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.
Cambridge
96 countries · 32.2% international
- 🇨🇳China28.2%
- 🇺🇸United States10.3%
- 🇸🇬Singapore6.6%
- 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
- 🇮🇳India4.7%
Cumbria
14 countries · 2.6% international
- 🇨🇦Canada14.9%
- 🇵🇰Pakistan14.9%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria10.6%
- 🇩🇪Germany8.5%
- 🇮🇪Ireland8.5%
Subjects
16 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 Cumbria
Childhood & Youth Studies
10 coursesTypical fee £43,520 (PG)
17 coursesTypical fee £31,000 (PG)
Business & Management (General)
Health Sciences & Paramedic Science
Sociology & Criminology
Biomedical Sciences
Law
Human Geography & Environment
Psychology (General)
Computer Science
Business Studies
Management
Hospitality, Events & Tourism
Education Studies
Zoology & Animal Biology
Health & Social Care
Also taught at both: Welsh Studies.
Only at University of Cambridge
Only at University of Cumbria
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 Cumbria
- £16,000
University of Cumbria is about £16,890 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- University of Cambridge
- £41,300
- University of Cumbria
- £16,900
University of Cumbria is about £24,400 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 Cumbria
Law
£49,000Salary (3 years)£18,50096%Satisfaction95%Psychology (General)
£30,000Salary (3 years)£19,50092%Satisfaction87%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveUniversity of Cambridge
View all scholarships →FAQ
University of Cambridge vs University of Cumbria: common questions
Is University of Cambridge or University of Cumbria cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £16,000 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £16,890 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £16,900 at University of Cumbria: University of Cumbria is about £24,400 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 Cumbria?
Both universities teach 16 subject areas: Childhood & Youth Studies, Business & Management (General), Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Sociology & Criminology, Biomedical Sciences, Law, Human Geography & Environment, Psychology (General), Computer Science, Business Studies, Management, Hospitality, Events & Tourism and 4 more.
Is University of Cambridge or University of Cumbria better for Law?
Law graduates earn a median £49,000 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, and £18,500 from University of Cumbria. Student satisfaction with teaching is 96% at University of Cambridge and 95% at University of Cumbria. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does University of Cambridge or University of Cumbria offer more courses?
University of Cambridge lists 336 courses on CourseOptions and University of Cumbria lists 136 courses.
What can you study at University of Cambridge but not at University of Cumbria?
University of Cambridge teaches 63 subject areas that University of Cumbria does not, including Biological Sciences (General), History, Asian Languages & Studies, General Engineering, Mathematics, Economics, Politics & International Relations, Archaeology and 55 more.
What can you study at University of Cumbria but not at University of Cambridge?
University of Cumbria teaches 24 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Sport & Exercise Sciences, Film Production & Cinematography, Design & Fashion, Forestry & Arboriculture, Ecology & Conservation, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing (General), Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation and 16 more.
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