Discover the best UK universities for Public Health in 2026. Find courses with strong research, teaching, and community impact.
Best Universities for Public Health: 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 | 84 |
| 2 Silver | University of Glasgow | 89 | 81 |
| 3 Bronze | King’s College London | 88 | 79 |
| 4 | University of Manchester | 87 | 75 |
| 5 | University of Nottingham | 85 | 74 |
| 6 | University of Leeds | 83 | 73 |
| 7 | University of Birmingham | 82 | 70 |
| 8 | University of Sheffield | 81 | 68 |
| 9 | University of York | 80 | 69 |
| 10 | University of Southampton | 79 | 70 |
1. University of Edinburgh Gold
2. University of Glasgow Silver
3. King’s College London Bronze
4. University of Manchester
5. University of Nottingham
6. University of Leeds
7. University of Birmingham
8. University of Sheffield
9. University of York
10. University of Southampton
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Public Health 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 Public Health Universities in the UK
Public Health is an increasingly important field focused on improving population wellbeing, reducing inequalities, and shaping health policy. Our 2025 ranking highlights the best universities for Public Health in the UK, based on research strength, graduate outcomes, and student satisfaction. These universities offer high-quality degrees that prepare students for impactful careers in health policy, epidemiology, and community wellbeing.
University of Manchester
Manchester leads with research excellence, strong graduate employability, and a vibrant student community. Its School of Health Sciences collaborates closely with the NHS and global health organisations, offering real-world learning experiences and practical policy engagement.
University of Glasgow
Glasgow focuses on health policy, community engagement, and public health innovation. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, affordable living costs, and hands-on experience through research and placement opportunities.
University of Leeds
Leeds is known for interdisciplinary teaching, career-focused learning, and strong research links. Its Public Health courses emphasise sustainability, health promotion, and data-driven decision-making for modern healthcare systems.
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers world-class research facilities and global academic partnerships. The university’s focus on epidemiology, policy analysis, and international health makes it ideal for students aiming to work on global health challenges.
University of Sheffield
Sheffield provides a well-balanced mix of academic rigor, social opportunities, and real-world application. Students can explore modules in health management, behavioural science, and community development within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Career Prospects After a Public Health Degree
Graduates go on to careers in healthcare management, policy development, epidemiology, health research, and health promotion. Many work for the NHS, government departments, or NGOs addressing global health issues. Related degrees include Medicine and Nursing.
Entry Requirements for Public Health Degrees
Typical entry requirements include 120 to 160 UCAS points and strong academic backgrounds in Biology, Health Science, or Social Science. Many universities also value prior volunteering or professional experience in community or healthcare settings.
Most Affordable Cities to Study Public Health in the UK
Glasgow, Leeds, and Sheffield are among the most affordable cities for Public Health students, offering a balance of low living costs and rich student life with access to major health institutions and community initiatives.
Best Universities for Nightlife and Student Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow stand out for their lively student scenes, diverse social communities, and active public health societies that connect students with volunteering and research opportunities.
Student Wellbeing and Support
Universities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Manchester provide excellent wellbeing services, mental health support, and mentoring for students studying health-related degrees — helping future professionals understand the importance of wellbeing in practice.
Considering Alternatives to Public Health?
If you’re exploring related fields, try Medicine, Nursing, or Social Work — each offering unique routes into healthcare, policy, and community development.
Summary: Which Public Health University Is Right for You?
When choosing where to study Public Health, consider course focus, research strength, city affordability, and global opportunities. Manchester and Glasgow lead for employability and policy innovation, Edinburgh for international research, and Leeds and Sheffield for affordability and student experience. Compare each to find your ideal balance between academic excellence and real-world impact.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Public Health
Top universities for Public Health include University of Edinburgh, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and University of Glasgow, known for excellent research and student satisfaction.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine often ranks highest for Public Health, praised for its world-leading research and teaching quality.
A Public Health degree opens doors to careers in healthcare policy, epidemiology, community health, and research, offering strong job prospects and impact opportunities.
Relevant A-levels include Biology, Chemistry, and Maths, but requirements vary by university. Always check individual course pages for the latest details.
Graduates work in roles such as health promotion officer, epidemiologist, policy advisor, environmental health practitioner, and public health researcher.
Yes, demand is strong due to the ongoing need for public health expertise in government, NHS, NGOs, and research institutions.
Starting salaries typically range from £22,000 to £30,000, with experienced professionals in policy or research roles earning higher.
Managing complex data analysis and understanding epidemiological research methods can be challenging but essential for real-world impact.
Many work in public sector health departments, the NHS, charities, research organisations, and international health agencies.
Yes, Public Health is highly respected for its role in improving community wellbeing and shaping health policy, especially from top UK universities.
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