Explore the best UK universities for Bioinformatics in 2026. Our rankings focus on cutting-edge research, teaching quality, and student support to guide your future in this fast-growing field.
Best Universities for Bioinformatics: 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 Edinburgh | 91 | 75 |
| 2 Silver | University of Oxford | 95 | 70 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Cambridge | 94 | 68 |
| 4 | University of Manchester | 89 | 74 |
| 5 | University of Glasgow | 88 | 81 |
| 6 | University of Leeds | 87 | 72 |
| 7 | University of Nottingham | 86 | 74 |
| 8 | University of Southampton | 85 | 70 |
| 9 | University of Sheffield | 84 | 81 |
| 10 | Durham University | 83 | 68 |
1. University of Edinburgh Gold
2. University of Oxford Silver
3. University of Cambridge Bronze
4. University of Manchester
5. University of Glasgow
6. University of Leeds
7. University of Nottingham
8. University of Southampton
9. University of Sheffield
10. Durham University
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Bioinformatics 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, 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 Bioinformatics Universities Explained
University of Cambridge
World-class research, strong computational biology focus, and excellent graduate prospects.
University of Oxford
Leading in interdisciplinary study with top-notch facilities and academic support.
University of Edinburgh
Combines data science with biology, with strong industry links and vibrant student life.
University of Manchester
Innovative courses blending computing and biosciences, plus great student satisfaction.
University College London (UCL)
Robust research output and access to London’s biotech and tech hubs.
University of Glasgow
Affordable city with a well-rounded program and supportive campus community.
University of Bristol
Strong teaching quality, research, and focus on practical skills.
University of Leeds
Excellent academic reputation with growing bioinformatics research.
University of Sheffield
Good balance of academic rigor and student wellbeing.
University of Nottingham
Modern facilities and strong employability outcomes.
Career Prospects After a Bioinformatics Degree
Graduates typically work in biotech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and data analysis roles. For related courses, see our Data Science and Computer Science rankings.
Bioinformatics Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Entry requirements usually include strong A-levels in biology, maths, and computing. UCAS points typically range from 120 to 160. Check our entry guide for advice.
Cheapest Cities to Study Bioinformatics in the UK
Glasgow, Sheffield, and Leeds offer affordable living with excellent university options.
Best Bioinformatics Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Bristol top the charts for student nightlife and social scenes.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Nottingham rank highly for wellbeing support and student satisfaction.
Not Sure About Bioinformatics? Consider These Alternatives
Explore related subjects like Biology, Biotechnology, or Computer Science.
Summary: Which Bioinformatics Uni is Right for You?
Consider course content, research opportunities, social life, and living costs. Use our rankings to compare your options and find your ideal fit.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Bioinformatics
Leading UK universities for Bioinformatics include University of Edinburgh, University of Cambridge, and University College London. Our 2026 rankings highlight student satisfaction and research excellence.
University of Edinburgh frequently tops Bioinformatics rankings due to its cutting-edge research, teaching quality, and strong graduate prospects.
Bioinformatics degrees are highly valuable, opening doors to careers in data science, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and research. The demand for skilled graduates is growing fast.
The UK offers top Bioinformatics programs, but the USA, Canada, and Germany also provide excellent options depending on your career goals and preferred research areas.
Common A-level requirements include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and sometimes Computing. Specific requirements vary by university, so always check course details.
Bioinformatics graduates work in roles like data scientist, computational biologist, research analyst, and biotech consultant, with many opportunities in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Demand is strong due to the rise of big data and genomics. Employers value graduates with skills in biology, computing, and data analysis.
Starting salaries generally range from £25,000 to £32,000, with higher pay for roles in biotech firms, pharmaceuticals, and data science.
Bioinformatics courses can be demanding due to the blend of biology, computer science, and statistics. Courses with a strong focus on programming and data analysis tend to be most challenging.
Graduates often find roles in biotech companies, research institutions, healthcare, and government agencies focused on genomics and data science.
Yes, Bioinformatics is highly respected for its interdisciplinary approach and relevance to cutting-edge science and technology fields.
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
