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 in the UK
The UK is home to some of the world’s leading institutions for hospitality, tourism, and events management. Our 2025 ranking highlights the best universities for Hospitality Management in the UK, based on employability, industry links, teaching quality, and student satisfaction. Whether you’re aiming for a career in hotels, events, or global tourism, these universities combine academic excellence with hands-on experience.
University of Surrey
Surrey is consistently ranked as a top UK university for Hospitality and Tourism. Students benefit from strong industry connections, professional placements, and high graduate employability. The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is internationally recognised for research and practical training.
University of Brighton
Brighton offers a vibrant coastal campus and sustainability-focused courses. Its hospitality degrees emphasise ethical management, tourism innovation, and hands-on learning, making it ideal for students who want to combine creativity with business acumen.
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes has a long-standing reputation for practical learning and international diversity. Students gain real-world experience through internships, field trips, and partnerships with global hospitality brands.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Met combines academic excellence with strong industry partnerships. Its hospitality and events programs are designed around employability, leadership development, and the vibrant Manchester student lifestyle.
University of Strathclyde
Strathclyde focuses on hospitality innovation and management research. Based in Glasgow, it provides affordable living, a supportive learning environment, and access to Scotland’s thriving tourism sector.
University of Huddersfield
Huddersfield offers excellent student support and diverse course options in hospitality and tourism. The university’s emphasis on applied learning helps graduates transition smoothly into management roles across the sector.
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
UCLan’s hospitality courses emphasise practical training and real-world projects. With affordable living costs and a strong community feel, it’s a popular choice for students looking for hands-on experience in service and event management.
Glasgow Caledonian University
GCU is known for career-focused teaching and excellent student satisfaction. Its hospitality management programs prepare students with the business and communication skills needed to succeed in international tourism and hospitality industries.
University of Derby
Derby offers flexible study options and strong links to local and national employers. Its hospitality degrees combine business strategy with operational experience, ensuring students graduate ready for the workplace.
University of West London
UWL delivers career-driven hospitality programs with access to London’s global hospitality industry. Students enjoy modern facilities, strong alumni connections, and opportunities for placements in leading hotels and event companies.
Career Prospects After a Hospitality Degree
Graduates can progress into careers in hotel management, events, tourism, marketing, and customer experience. Many universities offer placement years or internships with top hospitality brands. Related subjects include Business and Management and Tourism.
Entry Requirements for Hospitality Courses
Hospitality degrees typically require A-levels or BTECs in Business, Hospitality, or related fields. UCAS points range between 100 and 140 depending on the university. Practical or customer service experience can strengthen applications.
Most Affordable Cities to Study Hospitality in the UK
Glasgow, Huddersfield, and Derby offer affordable living costs alongside high-quality hospitality programs and active student communities.
Best Universities for Nightlife and Social Life
Manchester, Brighton, and Glasgow stand out for lively nightlife, strong hospitality cultures, and opportunities to gain work experience in restaurants, events, and tourism venues.
Student Wellbeing and Study Support
Universities such as Surrey, Strathclyde, and Brighton provide strong wellbeing services, mentorship programs, and career support for students balancing academic and practical training.
Considering Alternatives to Hospitality?
If you’re exploring related degrees, consider Event Management, Tourism, or Business and Management.
Summary: Which Hospitality University Is Right for You?
When choosing where to study hospitality, think about placement opportunities, industry partnerships, city lifestyle, and course focus. Surrey leads for employability, Brighton excels in sustainability, and Manchester Met is ideal for those seeking a dynamic student experience. Compare your options to find your perfect match.
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