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How to choose a university: 10 things worth comparing

A practical checklist for narrowing down courses and universities, from what you will actually study to costs, location and graduate outcomes.

2 min read · Updated November 2026

Start with the course, not the university

You will spend most of your time on your course, so choose that first. Two courses with the same title can be very different. A Psychology degree at one university might focus on neuroscience and statistics; at another it might lean towards social and developmental psychology.

Shortlist a subject, then compare individual courses. Our subject pages list every course in each subject, and you can save the ones you like to your shortlist.

The checklist

  1. Modules. Read the module lists for every year, not just the first. Look at what is compulsory and what is optional.
  2. How you are assessed. Some courses are mostly exams, others mostly coursework or practical work. Pick what suits you.
  3. Entry requirements. Compare the official offer with the points students actually arrived with. Our course pages show both where available.
  4. Student satisfaction. The National Student Survey asks final-year students about teaching, feedback and support. Look at the course score rather than the university average.
  5. Continuation. The share of students who carry on into their second year can reveal problems with support or course design.
  6. Graduate outcomes. Look at the percentage in work or further study after 15 months, and median salaries. Remember these vary by subject far more than by university.
  7. Placement years and study abroad. A year in industry or abroad can make a big difference to your CV. Check whether it is optional, compulsory or not offered.
  8. Professional accreditation. For careers such as psychology, engineering, architecture and nursing, an accredited degree can be essential.
  9. Location and costs. Rent varies enormously across the UK. Think about travel home, part-time work and whether you want a city or a campus.
  10. The feel of the place. Go to open days if you can, or take a virtual tour. Talk to current students.

Balancing your five UCAS choices

You can apply to up to five courses. A common approach is to include:

  • one or two aspirational choices, where entrants usually have slightly more points than you expect to get;
  • two or three realistic choices, where your predicted points match what most entrants had;
  • one safer choice, where you are comfortably above the typical entrant.

Use the UCAS points calculator to work out your total, then search for courses and turn on “Only courses within reach”.

Use the numbers carefully

Data helps you ask better questions, but small courses can have big swings from year to year, and some figures are not published when too few students responded. Use the numbers to narrow your list, then use open days, course pages and conversations with students to make the final call.