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

How to use this table:
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

Academic: 92
Social: 74

2. University of Manchester Silver

Academic: 90
Social: 68

3. University of Strathclyde Bronze

Academic: 89
Social: 70

4. University of Leeds

Academic: 87
Social: 73

5. University of Bath

Academic: 86
Social: 71

6. University of Glasgow

Academic: 85
Social: 75

7. Queen’s University Belfast

Academic: 84
Social: 70

8. University of East Anglia

Academic: 83
Social: 72

9. University of Reading

Academic: 82
Social: 69

10. University of Liverpool

Academic: 81
Social: 68

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.
✅ Verified by Unifresher Editorial Team | Last updated:

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.

Aminah Barnes
Aminah Barnes – Manchester Metropolitan University
Topic expertise: University & Degree choice, Applications, Travel and Student life

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

Unifresher Team

Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.

Student Panel

Student Writers

Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.

Expert Panel

Expert Panel

We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.

How are the Unifresher Awards judged?+

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
By students, for students.
See full methodology →

Author

  • Connor is a seasoned content expert at Unifresher, specialising in publishing engaging and insightful student-focused content. With over four years of experience in data analysis and content strategy, Connor has a proven track record of supporting publishing teams with high-quality resources. A graduate of the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, he combines his academic background with his passion for creating content that resonates with students across the UK. Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active at his local gym and walking his miniature dachshunds.

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