Find the best UK universities for Hospitality in 2026. Discover programs that combine practical skills with great industry connections.
Best Universities for Hospitality: 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 Surrey | 90 | 84 |
| 2 Silver | University of Strathclyde | 88 | 81 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Glasgow | 87 | 79 |
| 4 | University of Birmingham | 85 | 77 |
| 5 | University of Leeds | 84 | 80 |
| 6 | Manchester Metropolitan University | 83 | 82 |
| 7 | University of Nottingham | 82 | 75 |
| 8 | University of Exeter | 81 | 78 |
| 9 | University of Plymouth | 80 | 74 |
| 10 | University of Brighton | 79 | 76 |
1. University of Surrey Gold
2. University of Strathclyde Silver
3. University of Glasgow Bronze
4. University of Birmingham
5. University of Leeds
6. Manchester Metropolitan University
7. University of Nottingham
8. University of Exeter
9. University of Plymouth
10. University of Brighton
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Hospitality rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, student satisfaction, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Hospitality Universities Explained
University of Surrey
Known for strong industry links, practical training, and excellent graduate employability.
University of Brighton
Offers a vibrant campus experience with a focus on sustainable hospitality management.
Oxford Brookes University
Reputation for hands-on learning and international student diversity.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Balances academic rigor with industry partnerships and active student life.
University of Strathclyde
Strong research output and focus on hospitality innovation.
University of Huddersfield
Well-regarded for course variety and supportive learning environment.
University of Central Lancashire
Affordable city with good social life and practical course delivery.
Glasgow Caledonian University
Focus on employability skills and student satisfaction.
University of Derby
Known for flexible study options and strong local industry links.
University of West London
Offers modern facilities and career-focused courses.
Career Prospects After a Hospitality Degree
Graduates can pursue roles in hotel management, event planning, tourism, and customer service. Related courses include Business and Management and Tourism.
Hospitality Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical entry requirements include A-levels or equivalents in business, hospitality, or related subjects. UCAS points generally range from 100 to 140.
Cheapest Cities to Study Hospitality in the UK
Glasgow, Huddersfield, and Derby offer affordable living costs and strong hospitality programs.
Best Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Brighton, and Glasgow provide lively student scenes and great hospitality culture.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities like Surrey, Strathclyde, and Brighton offer excellent wellbeing services and active student communities.
Not Sure About Hospitality? Consider These Alternatives
Check out Event Management, Tourism, or Business and Management.
Summary: Which Hospitality Uni is Right for You?
Consider practical training, industry connections, city lifestyle, and career support when choosing your course. Bookmark this guide to compare your options.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Hospitality
Leading UK universities for Hospitality include University of Surrey, Bournemouth University, and Leeds Beckett University, all known for excellent industry links and practical training.
The University of Surrey often ranks highly for Hospitality, praised for its strong industry connections and student satisfaction.
A Hospitality degree offers practical skills and industry experience, opening doors to roles in hotels, events, tourism, and management.
Entry requirements vary, but subjects like Business Studies, Geography, or English are commonly accepted. Always check specific course pages for details.
Graduates can pursue careers in hotel management, event planning, tourism, customer service, and hospitality consulting.
Yes, the UK hospitality sector is growing, creating demand for skilled graduates in management, events, and customer experience roles.
Starting salaries typically range from £18,000 to £26,000, with potential for growth in managerial positions.
Some courses with intense practical placements and business management modules can be challenging. Research course details to find the right fit.
Most graduates work in hotels, event management companies, travel agencies, and customer service sectors.
Yes, Hospitality degrees are valued for combining practical skills with business knowledge, making graduates versatile and employable.
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
