Discover the top UK universities for Information Technology in 2026. Find courses that combine cutting-edge tech with real-world skills.
Best Universities for Information Technology: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of Manchester | 93 | 84 |
| 2 Silver | University of Leeds | 91 | 80 |
| 3 Bronze | Newcastle University | 89 | 82 |
| 4 | University of Glasgow | 88 | 79 |
| 5 | University of Sheffield | 87 | 77 |
| 6 | University of Nottingham | 86 | 75 |
| 7 | University of Birmingham | 85 | 78 |
| 8 | University of York | 83 | 73 |
| 9 | Durham University | 82 | 74 |
| 10 | University of Exeter | 80 | 76 |
1. University of Manchester Gold
2. University of Leeds Silver
3. Newcastle University Bronze
4. University of Glasgow
5. University of Sheffield
6. University of Nottingham
7. University of Birmingham
8. University of York
9. Durham University
10. University of Exeter
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Information Technology rankings combine key academic indicators with student lifestyle factors to provide a clear view of the best UK unis for IT students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Information Technology Universities Explained
University of Southampton
Known for strong research, industry connections, and graduate employability in IT.University of Manchester
Offers diverse IT courses with excellent teaching quality and social life.University of Leeds
Balances academic rigor with student satisfaction and vibrant campus life.University of Glasgow
Affordable living, solid teaching, and active student community.University of Birmingham
Strong focus on IT innovation and practical applications.University of Nottingham
High entry standards combined with great student support.University of Sheffield
Known for research output and student employability.University of Liverpool
Offers a well-rounded IT experience with good nightlife.University of Edinburgh
Prestigious university with excellent IT facilities and support.Newcastle University
Strong graduate outcomes and vibrant student life.Career Prospects After an Information Technology Degree
Graduates can work in software development, cybersecurity, data management, and IT consulting. Related courses include Computer Science and Cyber Security.
Information Technology Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical entry requirements include A-levels or equivalent in maths, computing, or science subjects with UCAS points ranging from 110 to 140.
Cheapest Cities to Study Information Technology in the UK
Glasgow, Sheffield, and Liverpool offer affordable living alongside strong IT courses.
Best Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle have vibrant student scenes with great social opportunities.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities like Southampton, Edinburgh, and Birmingham provide excellent wellbeing and support services.
Not Sure About Information Technology? Consider These Alternatives
Explore Computer Science, Data Science, or Cyber Security.
Summary: Which Information Technology Uni is Right for You?
Consider course content, career outcomes, social life, and cost when choosing your uni. Bookmark this guide for easy comparison.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Information Technology
Leading UK universities for Information Technology include Imperial College London, University of Manchester, and University of Edinburgh, known for strong tech research and excellent student satisfaction.
Imperial College London consistently ranks highest for Information Technology, recognised for cutting-edge research and graduate employability.
An Information Technology degree offers diverse career opportunities in software development, IT management, cybersecurity, and more, with strong demand in the UK job market.
Typical A-levels include Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics. Requirements vary, so check individual course pages for specific entry criteria.
Graduates pursue roles in software engineering, IT consulting, network administration, cybersecurity, and data analysis among others.
Yes, IT graduates are highly sought after, especially in areas like software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Starting salaries range from £25,000 to £35,000, with growth potential as you specialise or move into senior roles.
Courses focusing on advanced programming, algorithms, or cybersecurity may be more challenging. Checking course content and talking to current students helps set expectations.
Graduates work in tech firms, finance, government, and healthcare sectors, taking roles in software development, IT support, and data management.
Yes, it is widely respected for building essential skills in a digital world and valued across many industries.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked
