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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 Derby

Derby · QS World #1201

U
University of Reading

Reading · QS World #196

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.

5/11

Derby

scored higher in 5 categories

VS

6/11

Reading

scored higher in 6 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Reading leads in 6 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, international, graduate salary, courses). University of Derby is ahead on TEF, established, satisfaction, employment, scholarship.

University of Derby vs University of Reading at a glance

University of Derby and University of Reading both teach 42 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Economics and Finance & Actuarial Science. University of Derby offers 375 courses across 74 subject areas; University of Reading offers 448 courses across 70 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £16,900 a year at University of Derby and £25,850 at University of Reading: University of Derby is about £8,950 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £17,500 a year at University of Derby and £26,450 at University of Reading: University of Derby is about £8,950 a year cheaper.

Of the 27 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Reading is higher in 26 and University of Derby in 1. The widest gap is in Business Studies: £21,000 three years after graduating from University of Derby, against £39,500 from University of Reading. Of the 27 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Derby is higher in 18 and University of Reading in 8, with 1 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#1201
QS World
#196
#601
THE World
#201
#80
Guardian UK
#33
1851
Established
1892
No
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 Derby

University of Reading

88.5%
85.1%

Satisfaction

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

£27,700
£35,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

85.4%
84.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

14.3%
18%

International

International student share

375
448

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

6
1

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.

Derby

64 countries · 14.3% international

  • 🇳🇬Nigeria34.5%
  • 🇮🇳India15.3%
  • 🇵🇰Pakistan8.1%
  • 🇬🇭Ghana6.5%
  • 🇰🇪Kenya5.5%
VS

Reading

96 countries · 18% international

  • 🇨🇳China26%
  • 🇮🇳India6.9%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria4.2%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia3.9%

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 Derby

University of Reading

Also taught at both: Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Teacher Training, Civil Engineering, Education Studies, Management, Childhood & Youth Studies, Media & Film Studies, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Biomedical Sciences, Creative Writing, Geology & Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Environment, Architecture, Environmental Sciences, Fine Art, Zoology & Animal Biology, Computer Science, Ecology & Conservation, English Language, Film Production & Cinematography, Human Resource Management, Drama & Theatre, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Biology, Combined & General Studies, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Clinical & Health Psychology.

Only at University of Derby

Only at University of Reading

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 Derby
£16,900
University of Reading
£25,850

University of Derby is about £8,950 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Derby
£17,500
University of Reading
£26,450

University of Derby is about £8,950 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 Derby

University of Reading

  • Business & Management (General)

    £21,000Salary (3 years)£35,500
    93%Satisfaction77%

  • Economics

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£32,500
    93%Satisfaction82%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £21,000Salary (3 years)£38,500
    91%Satisfaction83%

  • Marketing

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£29,000
    88%Satisfaction76%

  • Design & Fashion

    £19,000Salary (3 years)£26,000
    85%Satisfaction93%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £20,500Salary (3 years)£31,000
    85%Satisfaction96%

  • Psychology (General)

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    90%Satisfaction83%

  • History

    £19,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    100%Satisfaction95%

  • Law

    £20,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    87%Satisfaction86%

  • Building & Construction

    £26,500Salary (3 years)£36,500
    91%Satisfaction90%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    90%Satisfaction92%

  • Business Studies

    £21,000Salary (3 years)£39,500
    79%Satisfaction79%

Showing the 12 largest of 28 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

University of Derby

Biomedical Science Excellence Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Golding Awards

See details

Deadline: N/A

Sarah Essam Football Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Sitwell Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

University of Reading

The Sporting Excellence Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Derby vs University of Reading: common questions

Is University of Derby or University of Reading cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £16,900 a year at University of Derby and £25,850 at University of Reading: University of Derby is about £8,950 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £17,500 a year at University of Derby and £26,450 at University of Reading: University of Derby is about £8,950 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 Derby and University of Reading?

Both universities teach 42 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Economics, Finance & Actuarial Science, Marketing, Design & Fashion, Sociology & Criminology, Psychology (General), History, Law, Building & Construction, Politics & International Relations, Business Studies and 30 more.

Is University of Derby or University of Reading better for Business & Management (General)?

Business & Management (General) graduates earn a median £21,000 three years after graduating from University of Derby, and £35,500 from University of Reading. Student satisfaction with teaching is 93% at University of Derby and 77% at University of Reading. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does University of Derby or University of Reading offer more courses?

University of Reading lists 448 courses on CourseOptions and University of Derby lists 375 courses.

What can you study at University of Derby but not at University of Reading?

University of Derby teaches 32 subject areas that University of Reading does not, including Hospitality, Events & Tourism, English Studies, Health & Social Care, Adult Nursing, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Games Design & Computer Animation, Journalism, Mental Health Nursing and 24 more.

What can you study at University of Reading but not at University of Derby?

University of Reading teaches 28 subject areas that University of Derby does not, including Agriculture & Land Management, Chemistry, English Literature, Philosophy, Food Science, Information & Library Studies, Ancient Languages, Archaeology 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 Derby375 courses · 6 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
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University of Reading448 courses · 1 scholarshipBrowse Courses