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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 Salford

Salford · 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.

10/12

Cambridge

scored higher in 10 categories

VS

2/12

Salford

scored higher in 2 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Cambridge leads in 10 of 12 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, TEF, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses). University of Salford is ahead on employment, scholarship.

University of Cambridge vs University of Salford at a glance

University of Cambridge and University of Salford both teach 35 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Biomedical Sciences and Sociology & Criminology. University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas; University of Salford offers 305 courses across 72 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,040 at University of Salford: University of Salford is about £15,850 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,710 at University of Salford: University of Salford is about £23,590 a year cheaper.

Of the 9 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 9 and University of Salford in 0. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £63,500 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, against £23,500 from University of Salford. Of the 8 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 7 and University of Salford in 1.

World & National Rankings

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

#6
QS World
#1001
#3
THE World
#801
#2
Guardian UK
#82
1209
Established
1896
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 Salford

92.1%
85.2%

Satisfaction

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

£49,800
£28,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

76.6%
82.5%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.2%
19.1%

International

International student share

336
305

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
5

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

Salford

63 countries · 19.1% international

  • 🇮🇳India34.8%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria27.4%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan12.9%
  • 🌐Kuwait3.7%
  • 🇧🇩Bangladesh2.6%

Subjects

35 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 Salford

Also taught at both: Media & Film Studies, Aerospace Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Music, Biology, Management, Philosophy, Zoology & Animal Biology, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Creative Writing, Geography (General), Information Systems & Data Science, Software Engineering, Biotechnology, Technology & Logistics, Welsh Studies.

Only at University of Cambridge

Only at University of Salford

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 Salford
£17,040

University of Salford is about £15,850 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Cambridge
£41,300
University of Salford
£17,710

University of Salford is about £23,590 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 Salford

  • History

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£21,000
    95%Satisfaction93%

  • Computer Science

    £63,500Salary (3 years)£23,500
    94%Satisfaction76%

  • Architecture

    £38,000Salary (3 years)£29,000
    88%Satisfaction89%

  • Law

    £49,000Salary (3 years)£20,500
    96%Satisfaction81%

  • Mathematics

    £44,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    94%Satisfaction89%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    No dataSatisfaction87%

  • Psychology (General)

    £30,000Salary (3 years)£19,500
    92%Satisfaction79%

  • Music

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£18,500
    97%Satisfaction85%

  • Geography (General)

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    95%Satisfaction89%

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

University of Cambridge

View all scholarships →

University of Salford

Salford/International Nursing College Scholarships

£8,160

Deadline: N/A

Salford/EATL Data Science Scholarships

£7,100

Deadline: N/A

Global Gold Excellence Scholarship

£3,500

Deadline: N/A

Global Silver Excellence Scholarship

£3,000

Deadline: N/A

IFY Excellence Scholarship

£2,500

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Cambridge vs University of Salford: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,040 at University of Salford: University of Salford is about £15,850 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,710 at University of Salford: University of Salford is about £23,590 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 Salford?

Both universities teach 35 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Biomedical Sciences, Sociology & Criminology, Building & Construction, Business Studies, History, Computer Science, Physics, Architecture, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Law, Mathematics and 23 more.

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

History graduates earn a median £32,000 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, and £21,000 from University of Salford. Student satisfaction with teaching is 95% at University of Cambridge and 93% at University of Salford. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

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

University of Cambridge lists 336 courses on CourseOptions and University of Salford lists 305 courses.

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

University of Cambridge teaches 44 subject areas that University of Salford does not, including Biological Sciences (General), Asian Languages & Studies, Childhood & Youth Studies, General Engineering, Economics, Archaeology, Clinical Specialities, Genetics & Genomics and 36 more.

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

University of Salford teaches 37 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Design & Fashion, Film Production & Cinematography, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Drama & Theatre, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Marketing, Journalism, Midwifery and 29 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 Salford305 courses · 5 scholarshipsBrowse Courses