Explore the best UK universities for Pharmacy in 2026. Discover courses with strong clinical training, research excellence, and high graduate employability.
Best Universities for Pharmacy: 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 Nottingham | 92 | 74 |
| 2 Silver | University of Manchester | 90 | 68 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Strathclyde | 89 | 70 |
| 4 | University of Leeds | 87 | 73 |
| 5 | University of Bath | 86 | 71 |
| 6 | University of Glasgow | 85 | 75 |
| 7 | Queen’s University Belfast | 84 | 70 |
| 8 | University of East Anglia | 83 | 72 |
| 9 | University of Reading | 82 | 69 |
| 10 | University of Liverpool | 81 | 68 |
1. University of Nottingham Gold
2. University of Manchester Silver
3. University of Strathclyde Bronze
4. University of Leeds
5. University of Bath
6. University of Glasgow
7. Queen’s University Belfast
8. University of East Anglia
9. University of Reading
10. University of Liverpool
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Pharmacy rankings combine academic rigor with student lifestyle to highlight the best UK universities for pharmacy 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 Pharmacy Universities Explained
University of Nottingham
Known for cutting-edge research and excellent clinical placements.University of Manchester
Offers strong industry links and a broad curriculum.University of Bath
High student satisfaction and strong teaching quality.University of Strathclyde
Praised for practical experience and supportive learning environment.King’s College London
World-renowned for pharmacy research and graduate outcomes.University of Glasgow
Balanced focus on research, teaching, and student wellbeing.University of Leeds
Strong links with healthcare providers and excellent facilities.University of Birmingham
Known for innovative teaching methods and student support.University of East Anglia
Emphasizes sustainability and community health in its courses.University of Reading
Good student satisfaction and strong industry connections.Career Prospects After a Pharmacy Degree
Graduates often work as pharmacists in healthcare, research, pharmaceuticals, or regulatory affairs. Related courses include Biomedical Science and Medicine.
Pharmacy Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical UCAS points range from 128 to 160 depending on the university, with A-level Chemistry often required.
Cheapest Cities to Study Pharmacy in the UK
Glasgow, Nottingham, and Leeds offer affordable living costs combined with quality education.
Best Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Leeds, Manchester, and Birmingham have vibrant student scenes to balance your studies.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities like Bath, Nottingham, and Strathclyde provide excellent support services and mental health resources.
Not Sure About Pharmacy? Consider These Alternatives
Try Biomedical Science, Medicine, or Chemistry.
Summary: Which Pharmacy Uni is Right for You?
Consider clinical placement opportunities, research strengths, course content, and city lifestyle to find your perfect fit.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Pharmacy
Top UK universities for Pharmacy include the University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, and University College London, all known for excellent research and student support.
The University of Manchester frequently tops rankings for Pharmacy thanks to its strong teaching quality, research output, and graduate employability.
A Pharmacy degree offers excellent career prospects in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, with strong demand for qualified pharmacists across the UK.
Most Pharmacy courses require Chemistry and usually Biology or Mathematics at A-level. Check specific university entry requirements for details.
Graduates can work as pharmacists, pharmaceutical researchers, clinical scientists, or in healthcare policy and education roles.
Yes, there is a consistent demand for Pharmacy graduates across hospitals, community pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies.
Starting salaries for pharmacists typically range from £25,000 to £35,000, with higher earnings possible as experience grows.
Pharmacy courses are demanding due to the volume of science content and practical skills required, including clinical placements.
Many work in NHS hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical industry, or research institutions.
Yes, Pharmacy is a highly respected healthcare degree with strong professional accreditation and career prospects.
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
