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 Explained
King’s College London
Renowned for its clinical training, strong NHS partnerships, and graduate employability.University of Manchester
Offers diverse nursing specialisms with excellent student satisfaction and support.University of Glasgow
Known for affordable city living, great teaching quality, and community focus.University of Leeds
Strong in both academic research and practical nursing skills development.University of Southampton
Focuses on innovation in nursing education and excellent student support services.University of Birmingham
Balanced mix of academic rigor and clinical experience, with high graduate prospects.University of Edinburgh
Offers a well-rounded nursing program with vibrant student life.University of Nottingham
Known for strong teaching standards and clinical placement opportunities.University of Sheffield
High student satisfaction with a focus on community and healthcare innovation.University of York
Combines quality teaching with supportive campus environment.Career Prospects After a Nursing Degree
Graduates can pursue roles as registered nurses, nurse specialists, or move into healthcare management. Related fields include Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.
Nursing Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical entry requires A-levels or equivalent with science subjects preferred. UCAS points generally range between 120 and 160 depending on the course and university.
Cheapest Cities to Study Nursing in the UK
Glasgow, Newcastle, and Sheffield offer good value for money for nursing students.
Best Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle provide lively social scenes alongside quality nursing programs.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, and York are noted for excellent student wellbeing services.
Not Sure About Nursing? Consider These Alternatives
Look at Physiotherapy, Public Health, or Occupational Therapy.
Summary: Which Nursing Uni is Right for You?
Consider clinical placement quality, city affordability, support services, and social opportunities when choosing your nursing degree.
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
