Discover the best UK universities for Nursing in 2026. Find courses with excellent clinical placements, supportive teaching, and strong graduate outcomes.
Best Universities for Nursing: 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 Southampton | 91 | 83 |
| 2 Silver | University of Manchester | 90 | 82 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Glasgow | 88 | 79 |
| 4 | King’s College London | 87 | 75 |
| 5 | University of Leeds | 85 | 77 |
| 6 | University of Nottingham | 84 | 76 |
| 7 | University of Birmingham | 83 | 75 |
| 8 | University of Edinburgh | 82 | 74 |
| 9 | University of Liverpool | 81 | 73 |
| 10 | University of Sheffield | 80 | 72 |
1. University of Southampton Gold
2. University of Manchester Silver
3. University of Glasgow Bronze
4. King’s College London
5. University of Leeds
6. University of Nottingham
7. University of Birmingham
8. University of Edinburgh
9. University of Liverpool
10. University of Sheffield
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Nursing rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what matters most to nursing 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 Nursing Universities in the UK
Choosing where to study Nursing is a big decision — the right university will give you both excellent clinical experience and strong support for your wellbeing. Our 2025 ranking highlights the best universities for Nursing in the UK, based on teaching quality, NHS placement opportunities, student satisfaction, and graduate outcomes.
King’s College London
King’s is one of the most prestigious nursing schools in the UK, offering extensive clinical placements through its NHS partnerships. Its London base provides diverse healthcare experience, while graduate employability rates remain among the highest in the country.
University of Manchester
Manchester offers wide-ranging nursing specialisms including adult, child, and mental health nursing. Students benefit from excellent support networks, modern simulation facilities, and a welcoming student community.
University of Glasgow
Glasgow combines affordable city living with outstanding teaching quality. The university’s nursing program has a strong community focus, preparing graduates for compassionate and professional practice across a variety of healthcare settings.
University of Leeds
Leeds provides a balance of academic research and hands-on nursing training. Students gain valuable placement experience through partnerships with local hospitals and community health services.
University of Southampton
Southampton is known for innovative nursing education and research excellence. Its state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites and strong pastoral support help students build both confidence and professional skills.
University of Birmingham
Birmingham offers a blend of academic rigour and practical experience through its hospital partnerships. Graduates enjoy strong employability in healthcare management and specialist nursing roles.
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh combines high-quality nursing education with a vibrant campus life. Its focus on global health and patient-centred care makes it a leading choice for aspiring nurses.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham is well regarded for teaching excellence and placement variety. Students benefit from clinical experience in hospitals, GP surgeries, and community care settings, ensuring a broad understanding of the nursing profession.
University of Sheffield
Sheffield offers strong community engagement and healthcare innovation. Its supportive staff and focus on practical learning make it ideal for students who value a friendly, hands-on environment.
University of York
York provides a caring and supportive learning environment with access to advanced simulation labs and small-group teaching. Students consistently report high satisfaction with both academic and pastoral support.
Career Prospects After a Nursing Degree
Graduates can work as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or healthcare managers. Some move into research, public health, or advanced clinical roles. Related degrees include Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.
Entry Requirements for Nursing Degrees
Most nursing programs require A-levels or equivalent qualifications in science subjects, along with practical experience or strong personal statements. UCAS points typically range from 120 to 160 depending on the university.
Most Affordable Cities to Study Nursing in the UK
Glasgow, Newcastle, and Sheffield combine affordable living with excellent nursing schools and supportive student communities.
Best Universities for Nightlife and Student Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle are top student cities offering lively nightlife and active social opportunities alongside strong academic programs.
Student Wellbeing and Support Services
Universities like Birmingham, Edinburgh, and York are recognised for excellent wellbeing services, personal tutors, and access to mental health support tailored for nursing students.
Considering Alternatives to Nursing?
Explore related healthcare subjects like Physiotherapy, Public Health, or Occupational Therapy for alternative routes into healthcare.
Summary: Which Nursing University Is Right for You?
When choosing where to study Nursing, consider placement quality, teaching style, city affordability, and student support. King’s and Manchester lead for NHS experience, Glasgow and Sheffield for affordability, and Southampton for innovation. Compare your options to find the nursing course that suits your goals and lifestyle.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Nursing
Top UK universities for Nursing include King’s College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, and University of Glasgow, known for excellent clinical placements and student satisfaction.
King’s College London often ranks highest for Nursing, praised for its clinical training, research, and graduate employability.
A Nursing degree leads to rewarding careers in healthcare, with strong demand and good job security across the UK’s NHS and private sectors.
Typical A-levels include Biology and Chemistry, sometimes with Maths or Psychology. Specific requirements vary by university, so check course pages for details.
Graduates can work as registered nurses, specialist nurses, healthcare managers, and in community health roles across hospitals, clinics, and care facilities.
Nursing graduates are highly sought after, especially within the NHS, with ongoing demand driven by an ageing population and healthcare needs.
Starting salaries typically range from £25,000 to £31,000 within the NHS, with opportunities for higher pay in specialised roles and private healthcare.
Courses with intense clinical placements and specialisms like mental health or paediatric nursing can be demanding, requiring resilience and strong practical skills.
Most work in NHS hospitals, community health, care homes, and private healthcare providers, with some pursuing further education or specialisation.
Yes, Nursing is highly respected for its vital role in healthcare and its combination of science, empathy, and practical skills.
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