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
Pontypridd · QS World #1201
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
2/11
South Wales
scored higher in 2 categories
Quick Verdict
University of Cambridge leads in 9 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses). University of South Wales is ahead on employment, scholarship.
University of Cambridge vs University of South Wales at a glance
University of Cambridge and University of South Wales both teach 33 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Psychology (General) and Law. University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas; University of South Wales offers 331 courses across 63 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £16,200 at University of South Wales: University of South Wales is about £16,690 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,900 at University of South Wales: University of South Wales is about £23,400 a year cheaper.
Of the 5 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 5 and University of South Wales in 0. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £63,500 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, against £19,500 from University of South Wales. Of the 6 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 3 and University of South Wales in 0, with 3 about level.
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 South Wales
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%
South Wales
71 countries · 22% international
- 🇳🇬Nigeria17.6%
- 🇧🇩Bangladesh16.6%
- 🇮🇳India16.1%
- 🇵🇰Pakistan15.7%
- 🌐Sri Lanka6.6%
Subjects
33 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 South Wales
Business & Management (General)
6 coursesTypical fee £41,300 (PG)
18 coursesTypical fee £16,800 (UG)
Psychology (General)
4 coursesTypical fee £41,300 (PG)
20 coursesTypical fee £16,200 (UG)
Law
7 coursesTypical fee £32,890 (UG)
15 coursesTypical fee £16,200 (UG)
Health Sciences & Paramedic Science
Childhood & Youth Studies
10 coursesTypical fee £43,520 (PG)
6 coursesTypical fee £16,200 (UG)
History
13 coursesTypical fee £32,440 (UG)
2 coursesTypical fee £16,500 (UG)
Aerospace Engineering
1 courseTypical fee £32,890 (PG)
13 coursesTypical fee £16,200 (UG)
Building & Construction
2 coursesTypical fee £41,300 (PG)
11 coursesTypical fee £16,200 (UG)
Sociology & Criminology
Biomedical Sciences
General Engineering
10 coursesTypical fee £41,300 (UG)
1 courseFee not available
Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Biology
Computer Science
Media & Film Studies
Also taught at both: Music, Software Engineering, Management, Politics & International Relations, Civil Engineering, Education Studies, Finance & Actuarial Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Chemistry, Human Geography & Environment, Business Studies, Health & Social Care, Information Systems & Data Science, English Studies, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Social Policy & Public Policy, Animal Science, Statistics.
Only at University of Cambridge
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 South Wales
- £16,200
University of South Wales is about £16,690 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- University of Cambridge
- £41,300
- University of South Wales
- £17,900
University of South Wales is about £23,400 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 South Wales
Psychology (General)
£30,000Salary (3 years)£19,50092%Satisfaction90%Law
£49,000Salary (3 years)£20,00096%Satisfaction96%History
£32,000Salary (3 years)£19,50095%Satisfaction95%Computer Science
£63,500Salary (3 years)£19,50094%Satisfaction90%Music
£27,000Salary (3 years)£18,50097%Satisfaction71%Education Studies
No dataSalary (3 years)£18,50092%Satisfaction92%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveUniversity of Cambridge
View all scholarships →University of South Wales
USW Postgraduate Refugee Sanctuary Scheme
100%
Deadline: N/A
USW Postgraduate Sanctuary Scholarship 2026/2027
100%
Deadline: Jul 2026
USW Postgraduate Sanctuary Scholarship 2027/2028
100%
Deadline: Jul 2027
USW Refugee Sanctuary Scheme
100%
Deadline: N/A
Undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarship 2026/2027
100%
Deadline: Jul 2026
FAQ
University of Cambridge vs University of South Wales: common questions
Is University of Cambridge or University of South Wales cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £16,200 at University of South Wales: University of South Wales is about £16,690 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,900 at University of South Wales: University of South Wales is about £23,400 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 South Wales?
Both universities teach 33 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Psychology (General), Law, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Childhood & Youth Studies, History, Aerospace Engineering, Building & Construction, Sociology & Criminology, Biomedical Sciences, General Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering and 21 more.
Is University of Cambridge or University of South Wales better for Psychology (General)?
Psychology (General) graduates earn a median £30,000 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, and £19,500 from University of South Wales. Student satisfaction with teaching is 92% at University of Cambridge and 90% at University of South Wales. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does University of Cambridge or University of South Wales offer more courses?
University of Cambridge lists 336 courses on CourseOptions and University of South Wales lists 331 courses.
What can you study at University of Cambridge but not at University of South Wales?
University of Cambridge teaches 46 subject areas that University of South Wales does not, including Biological Sciences (General), Asian Languages & Studies, Mathematics, Economics, Archaeology, Architecture, Clinical Specialities, Philosophy and 38 more.
What can you study at University of South Wales but not at University of Cambridge?
University of South Wales teaches 30 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Healthcare Science, Nursing (General), Sport & Exercise Sciences, Design & Fashion, Film Production & Cinematography, Teacher Training, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Forensic Science and 22 more.
Ready to explore courses?
Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.