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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 Sheffield

Sheffield · QS World #82

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.

5/12

Derby

scored higher in 5 categories

VS

7/12

Sheffield

scored higher in 7 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Sheffield leads in 7 of 12 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, satisfaction, international, graduate salary). University of Derby is ahead on TEF, established, employment, courses, scholarship.

University of Derby vs University of Sheffield at a glance

University of Derby and University of Sheffield both teach 41 subject areas, the largest being Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology and Politics & International Relations. University of Derby offers 375 courses across 74 subject areas; University of Sheffield offers 307 courses across 77 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £16,900 a year at University of Derby and £25,830 at University of Sheffield: University of Derby is about £8,930 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £17,500 a year at University of Derby and £31,360 at University of Sheffield: University of Derby is about £13,860 a year cheaper.

Of the 25 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Sheffield is higher in 24 and University of Derby in 1. The widest gap is in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: £24,500 three years after graduating from University of Derby, against £38,500 from University of Sheffield. Of the 25 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Derby is higher in 13 and University of Sheffield in 10, with 2 about level.

World & National Rankings

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

#1201
QS World
#82
#601
THE World
#108
#80
Guardian UK
#19
1851
Established
1905
No
Russell Group
Yes
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 Sheffield

88.5%
89.6%

Satisfaction

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

£27,700
£36,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

85.4%
81.3%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

14.3%
28.1%

International

International student share

375
307

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

6
2

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

Sheffield

100 countries · 28.1% international

  • 🇨🇳China45.6%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia7.3%
  • 🇮🇳India7%
  • 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia3.6%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong3.5%

Subjects

41 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 Sheffield

Also taught at both: Physics, Architecture, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Childhood & Youth Studies, Journalism, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, General Engineering, Mathematics, Accounting, Adult Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Business Studies, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Building & Construction, Software Engineering, Public Health & Epidemiology, Clinical Specialities, Technology & Logistics, Environmental Sciences, Human Geography & Environment, Human Resource Management, Zoology & Animal Biology, English Language, Management, Heritage & Conservation.

Only at University of Derby

Only at University of Sheffield

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 Sheffield
£25,830

University of Derby is about £8,930 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Derby
£17,500
University of Sheffield
£31,360

University of Derby is about £13,860 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 Sheffield

  • Business & Management (General)

    £21,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    93%Satisfaction80%

  • Sociology & Criminology

    £20,500Salary (3 years)£23,000
    85%Satisfaction88%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    90%Satisfaction94%

  • Civil Engineering

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£30,000
    92%Satisfaction89%

  • English Studies

    £19,500Salary (3 years)£23,500
    98%Satisfaction93%

  • Law

    £20,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    87%Satisfaction94%

  • Psychology (General)

    £20,000Salary (3 years)£23,500
    90%Satisfaction88%

  • Economics

    £22,500Salary (3 years)£32,500
    93%Satisfaction89%

  • Computer Science

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£38,500
    73%Satisfaction95%

  • History

    £19,500Salary (3 years)£24,500
    100%Satisfaction93%

  • Electronic & Electrical Engineering

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£33,500
    98%Satisfaction87%

  • Finance & Actuarial Science

    £21,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    91%Satisfaction86%

Showing the 12 largest of 25 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 Sheffield

International Postgraduate Scholarship 2026

£3,000

Deadline: Jul 2026

Access to Sheffield Scholarships

£1,000

Deadline: Jun 2026

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Derby vs University of Sheffield: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £16,900 a year at University of Derby and £25,830 at University of Sheffield: University of Derby is about £8,930 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £17,500 a year at University of Derby and £31,360 at University of Sheffield: University of Derby is about £13,860 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 Sheffield?

Both universities teach 41 subject areas: Business & Management (General), Sociology & Criminology, Politics & International Relations, Civil Engineering, Marketing, English Studies, Law, Psychology (General), Economics, Computer Science, History, Electronic & Electrical Engineering and 29 more.

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

Business & Management (General) graduates earn a median £21,000 three years after graduating from University of Derby, and £30,500 from University of Sheffield. Student satisfaction with teaching is 93% at University of Derby and 80% at University of Sheffield. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

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

University of Derby lists 375 courses on CourseOptions and University of Sheffield lists 307 courses.

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

University of Derby teaches 33 subject areas that University of Sheffield does not, including Design & Fashion, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Hospitality, Events & Tourism, Media & Film Studies, Education Studies, Health & Social Care, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Creative Writing and 25 more.

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

University of Sheffield teaches 36 subject areas that University of Derby does not, including Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Aerospace Engineering, Biochemistry, Information Systems & Data Science, Landscape Architecture & Design, Philosophy, Planning & Housing and 28 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 Sheffield307 courses · 2 scholarshipsBrowse Courses