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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.

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University of Cambridge

Cambridge · QS World #6

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University of Sunderland

Sunderland · Guardian UK #86

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

VS

2/10

Sunderland

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, graduate salary, courses). University of Sunderland is ahead on employment, international.

University of Cambridge vs University of Sunderland at a glance

University of Cambridge and University of Sunderland both teach 28 subject areas, the largest being Law, Childhood & Youth Studies and Hospitality, Events & Tourism. University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas; University of Sunderland offers 193 courses across 56 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,500 at University of Sunderland: University of Sunderland is about £15,390 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,000 at University of Sunderland: University of Sunderland is about £24,300 a year cheaper.

Of the 6 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 6 and University of Sunderland in 0. The widest gap is in Economics: £59,500 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, against £18,500 from University of Sunderland. Of the 7 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 4 and University of Sunderland in 2, with 1 about level.

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
#86
1209
Established
1901
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 Sunderland

92.1%
89.8%

Satisfaction

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

£49,800
£24,500

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

76.6%
81.4%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.2%
36.5%

International

International student share

336
193

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
0

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

Sunderland

56 countries · 36.5% international

  • 🌐Nepal29.5%
  • 🇮🇳India17.7%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria16.6%
  • 🇨🇳China7.3%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan6.9%

Subjects

28 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 Sunderland

Also taught at both: Finance & Actuarial Science, Chemistry, Management, English Studies, Software Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Education Studies, Geology & Earth Sciences, Health & Social Care, Music, Clinical & Health Psychology, Medicine.

Only at University of Cambridge

Only at University of Sunderland

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 Sunderland
£17,500

University of Sunderland is about £15,390 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Cambridge
£41,300
University of Sunderland
£17,000

University of Sunderland is about £24,300 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 Sunderland

  • Law

    £49,000Salary (3 years)£19,000
    96%Satisfaction95%

  • Computer Science

    £63,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    94%Satisfaction78%

  • Psychology (General)

    £30,000Salary (3 years)£19,000
    92%Satisfaction88%

  • Economics

    £59,500Salary (3 years)£18,500
    86%Satisfaction89%

  • English Studies

    £27,500Salary (3 years)£19,500
    96%Satisfaction97%

  • Education Studies

    No dataSalary (3 years)£25,000
    92%Satisfaction84%

  • Music

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£17,000
    97%Satisfaction100%

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

University of Cambridge

View all scholarships →

University of Sunderland

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Cambridge vs University of Sunderland: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,500 at University of Sunderland: University of Sunderland is about £15,390 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £17,000 at University of Sunderland: University of Sunderland is about £24,300 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 Sunderland?

Both universities teach 28 subject areas: Law, Childhood & Youth Studies, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Computer Science, General Engineering, Sociology & Criminology, Biomedical Sciences, Business & Management (General), Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Mathematics, Media & Film Studies, Electronic & Electrical Engineering and 16 more.

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

Law graduates earn a median £49,000 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, and £19,000 from University of Sunderland. Student satisfaction with teaching is 96% at University of Cambridge and 95% at University of Sunderland. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

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

University of Cambridge lists 336 courses on CourseOptions and University of Sunderland lists 193 courses.

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

University of Cambridge teaches 51 subject areas that University of Sunderland does not, including Biological Sciences (General), History, Asian Languages & Studies, Politics & International Relations, Archaeology, Architecture, Clinical Specialities, Philosophy and 43 more.

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

University of Sunderland teaches 28 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Design & Fashion, Film Production & Cinematography, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Journalism, Marketing, Fine Art, Nursing (General), Performing Arts (General) and 20 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 Sunderland193 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses