Discover the best UK universities for Teacher Training in 2026. Find courses that combine expert teaching, practical experience, and strong graduate outcomes.
Best Universities for Teacher Training: 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 Birmingham | 91 | 80 |
| 2 Silver | University of Manchester | 89 | 77 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Nottingham | 88 | 75 |
| 4 | University of Glasgow | 87 | 72 |
| 5 | University of Leeds | 86 | 73 |
| 6 | University of Exeter | 85 | 74 |
| 7 | University of Southampton | 84 | 70 |
| 8 | University of East Anglia | 83 | 68 |
| 9 | University of Sheffield | 82 | 69 |
| 10 | University of Warwick | 81 | 70 |
1. University of Birmingham Gold
2. University of Manchester Silver
3. University of Nottingham Bronze
4. University of Glasgow
5. University of Leeds
6. University of Exeter
7. University of Southampton
8. University of East Anglia
9. University of Sheffield
10. University of Warwick
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Teacher Training 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 Teacher Training Universities in the UK
Teacher training degrees equip future educators with the knowledge, confidence, and classroom experience needed to inspire the next generation. Our 2025 ranking highlights the best universities for Teacher Training in the UK, chosen for their strong school partnerships, excellent graduate employability, and student support. Whether you’re aiming for a PGCE or QTS qualification, these universities offer high-quality teaching, mentoring, and placement opportunities.
University of Birmingham
Birmingham is widely recognised for its outstanding school partnerships and high graduate employment rates. Its teacher training courses combine evidence-based teaching practice with real-world classroom experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and begin their careers in education.
University of Exeter
Exeter offers a research-informed and inclusive approach to teacher training, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and reflective practice. Students benefit from comprehensive placement opportunities, mentorship, and a supportive learning environment that encourages professional growth and confidence in the classroom.
University of York
York provides a research-led teaching programme designed to help trainees build subject expertise and practical classroom management skills. The university’s education department is known for its commitment to social inclusion, making it a great choice for those passionate about equitable education.
University of Nottingham
Nottingham is renowned for its supportive tutor network and diverse placements across primary and secondary schools. The course combines theory, observation, and teaching practice, helping trainees develop a holistic understanding of pedagogy, assessment, and student wellbeing.
Durham University
Durham blends academic rigour with practical skill development, offering students placements in a range of schools across the North East. The university’s strong reputation in education research ensures trainees receive high-quality instruction rooted in current educational theory and best practice.
Career Prospects After a Teacher Training Degree
Graduates typically qualify as primary or secondary school teachers after completing their PGCE or BA/BEd programmes, with many progressing into leadership roles, special educational needs (SEN) support, or educational research. Related degrees include Primary Education and Education.
Entry Requirements for Teacher Training Degrees
Entry requirements vary by institution, but applicants usually need at least 112 UCAS points and strong A-levels (or equivalent) in English, Maths, or a relevant subject area. Many universities also expect prior school experience or volunteer work with children to demonstrate commitment to teaching.
Most Affordable Cities to Study Teacher Training in the UK
Birmingham, Nottingham, and Exeter offer excellent value for money with affordable living costs, supportive student communities, and close-knit education departments — ideal for those training to teach while managing budgets.
Best Universities for Nightlife and Student Life
Nottingham and Birmingham are top student cities offering vibrant nightlife, active student unions, and thriving education societies that provide both academic and social support networks.
Student Wellbeing and Academic Support
Top universities such as Exeter and Durham prioritise trainee wellbeing, offering mental health services, dedicated tutor support, and peer mentoring to help students manage the demands of teaching placements and academic work.
Considering Alternatives to Teacher Training?
If you’re exploring similar paths in education, consider Primary Education, Early Childhood Studies, or Education — all of which offer excellent routes into teaching, educational leadership, and community learning roles.
Summary: Which Teacher Training University Is Right for You?
When choosing where to study Teacher Training, look for strong school partnerships, personalised support, and high PGCE or QTS success rates. Birmingham and Nottingham lead for employability, Exeter and Durham excel in wellbeing and inclusivity, while York offers an outstanding research-based approach. Whichever path you take, teacher training provides one of the most rewarding and impactful careers in the UK.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Teacher Training
Top UK universities for Teacher Training include University of Cambridge, University College London, and University of Birmingham, all known for excellent practical experience and student satisfaction.
The University of Cambridge often ranks highest due to its rigorous academic standards and outstanding teaching placements.
Absolutely, it leads to a rewarding career with strong job prospects, especially given the UK’s demand for qualified teachers across many subjects.
Requirements vary, but strong GCSEs and A-levels in your chosen teaching subject are essential. Some courses also value experience working with children.
Graduates typically become qualified teachers in primary or secondary schools, and can also pursue roles in education support and leadership.
Yes, especially in STEM subjects and primary education. The UK continually seeks qualified teachers to meet growing educational needs.
Starting salaries usually range from £28,000 to £32,000, increasing with experience and additional responsibilities.
Balancing academic study with practical placements can be challenging, but it provides invaluable hands-on experience.
Most graduates work in UK primary and secondary schools, with some moving into education consultancy or leadership roles.
Yes, it is highly respected and essential for a teaching career, especially from universities with strong training reputations.
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