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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 Lancashire

Preston · QS World #1001

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 12 datapoints

We looked at 12 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

9/12

Cambridge

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

3/12

Lancashire

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Cambridge leads in 9 of 12 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, TEF, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary). University of Lancashire is ahead on employment, courses, scholarship.

University of Cambridge vs University of Lancashire at a glance

University of Cambridge and University of Lancashire both teach 42 subject areas, the largest being Law, Asian Languages & Studies and Business & Management (General). University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas; University of Lancashire offers 363 courses across 82 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,330 at University of Lancashire: University of Lancashire is about £15,560 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £19,250 at University of Lancashire: University of Lancashire is about £22,050 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 Lancashire in 0. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £63,500 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, against £24,500 from University of Lancashire. Of the 14 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 9 and University of Lancashire in 4, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#6
QS World
#1001
#3
THE World
#1001
#2
Guardian UK
#76
1209
Established
1828
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 Lancashire

92.1%
86.8%

Satisfaction

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

£49,800
£28,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

76.6%
83.1%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.2%
20.5%

International

International student share

336
363

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
15

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

Lancashire

74 countries · 20.5% international

  • 🇮🇳India34.3%
  • 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates9.3%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria8%
  • 🌐Nepal6.6%
  • 🇨🇦Canada4.4%

Subjects

42 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 Lancashire

Also taught at both: Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Archaeology, Architecture, Building & Construction, Business Studies, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Education Studies, Veterinary Medicine, Creative Writing, Dentistry, Media & Film Studies, Software Engineering, English Studies, Health & Social Care, Ancient Languages, Animal Science, Anthropology, Civil Engineering, Clinical & Health Psychology, Pharmacology, Technology & Logistics.

Only at University of Cambridge

Only at University of Lancashire

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 Lancashire
£17,330

University of Lancashire is about £15,560 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Cambridge
£41,300
University of Lancashire
£19,250

University of Lancashire is about £22,050 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 Lancashire

  • Law

    £49,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    96%Satisfaction87%

  • Asian Languages & Studies

    £30,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    94%Satisfaction78%

  • History

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    95%Satisfaction100%

  • Computer Science

    £63,500Salary (3 years)£24,500
    94%Satisfaction71%

  • Medicine

    £47,500Salary (3 years)No data
    85%Satisfaction71%

  • Music

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£18,500
    97%Satisfaction98%

  • Psychology (General)

    £30,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    92%Satisfaction90%

  • Mathematics

    £44,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    94%Satisfaction94%

  • Archaeology

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£18,000
    95%Satisfaction96%

  • Architecture

    £38,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
    88%Satisfaction90%

  • Chemical Engineering

    £43,000Salary (3 years)£29,500
    94%Satisfaction82%

  • Education Studies

    No dataSalary (3 years)£22,000
    92%Satisfaction82%

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

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

University of Cambridge

View all scholarships →

University of Lancashire

Fee Waiver Scholarship for Sanctuary Seekers

100%

Deadline: N/A

Care-experienced and Estranged Student Graduation Bursary

£500

Deadline: N/A

Degree Apprentice Care Leaver Bursary

See details

Deadline: N/A

Estranged Student Support

See details

Deadline: N/A

Journalism Innovation and Leadership PGCert Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Cambridge vs University of Lancashire: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,330 at University of Lancashire: University of Lancashire is about £15,560 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £19,250 at University of Lancashire: University of Lancashire is about £22,050 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 Lancashire?

Both universities teach 42 subject areas: Law, Asian Languages & Studies, Business & Management (General), History, Computer Science, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Sociology & Criminology, Music, Psychology (General), General Engineering, Management and 30 more.

Is University of Cambridge or University of Lancashire better for Law?

Law graduates earn a median £49,000 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, and £21,000 from University of Lancashire. Student satisfaction with teaching is 96% at University of Cambridge and 87% at University of Lancashire. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

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

University of Lancashire lists 363 courses on CourseOptions and University of Cambridge lists 336 courses.

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

University of Cambridge teaches 37 subject areas that University of Lancashire does not, including Biological Sciences (General), Economics, Politics & International Relations, Clinical Specialities, Philosophy, Genetics & Genomics, Human Geography & Environment, Theology & Religious Studies and 29 more.

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

University of Lancashire teaches 40 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Sport & Exercise Sciences, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Design & Fashion, Social Work, Adult Nursing, Games Design & Computer Animation, Social Sciences (General), Film Production & Cinematography and 32 more.

Ready to explore courses?

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

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University of Cambridge336 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
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University of Lancashire363 courses · 15 scholarshipsBrowse Courses