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 Explained
University of Manchester
Leading research output, excellent graduate employability, and vibrant student community.University of Glasgow
Strong focus on health policy, community engagement, and student satisfaction.University of Leeds
Known for interdisciplinary teaching and solid career prospects.University of Edinburgh
World-class research facilities and a supportive learning environment.University of Sheffield
Good balance of academic rigor and social opportunities.Career Prospects After a Public Health Degree
Graduates often work in healthcare management, policy development, research, and health promotion. Related courses include Medicine and Nursing.
Public Health Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Entry requirements typically include strong science and social science qualifications. UCAS points usually range from 120 to 160.
Cheapest Cities to Study Public Health in the UK
Glasgow, Leeds, and Sheffield offer affordable living with vibrant student life.
Best Public Health Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow top the list for social opportunities and student wellbeing.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Manchester provide excellent mental health services and community support.
Not Sure About Public Health? Consider These Alternatives
Try Medicine, Nursing, or Social Work.
Summary: Which Public Health Uni is Right for You?
Consider course content, research strengths, student support, and cost of living when choosing the best fit for your public health studies.
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
