The best nursing schools in the UK for 2027 are King’s College London, the University of Manchester and the University of Southampton, followed by the University of Edinburgh and Queen’s University Belfast. They combine strong research, well-run clinical placements and degrees that lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most prestigious nursing schools, and students have plenty of options. Education quality is high, teaching staff are experienced, and UK nursing schools also offer clinical experience and student activities.
For overall university quality, see the UM World University Rankings methodology and our rankings. For nursing specifically, we cite the QS World University Rankings by Subject and the Complete University Guide nursing table.
The Best Nursing Schools in the UK 2027
1. King’s College London
King’s College London is the strongest nursing name in the UK on global tables. It ranks 2nd in the world for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings, first in the UK. Nursing and midwifery sit in the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care.
The faculty’s roots go back to Florence Nightingale’s training school at St Thomas’ Hospital in 1860, which gives it a rare link to the history of modern nursing. Students train in busy central London hospitals and community settings, and research is a big part of the culture. It suits applicants who want a leading name and a clinical setting in one of the world’s major cities.
2. The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester ranks tied 10th in the world for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and 2nd in the UK. Nursing is taught within the School of Health Sciences, part of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
Students train across Greater Manchester’s large NHS hospitals, mental health services, and community teams, giving them a broad mix of placements. The university was formed in 2004 from the merger of UMIST and the Victoria University of Manchester, and it is a big research university. Manchester suits applicants who want city life, strong research links and varied clinical experience.
3. University of Southampton
The University of Southampton ranks 13th in the world for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and 3rd in the UK. It is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, and it ranks near the top of the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table.
Nursing is taught in the Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, with placements in hospitals and community services across the south coast. Students learn alongside other health professionals, which is useful because modern care is delivered by teams. Southampton is a good choice for applicants who want a research-led course and a lively port city close to the coast.
4. The University of Edinburgh.
Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s ancient universities. It ranks 44th in the world for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and 8th in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table.
Nursing Studies is part of the university’s health and social science teaching, with a strong focus on research and evidence-based practice. Placements take place across NHS Scotland, including hospitals and community services in and around the capital. Edinburgh suits students who want a historic university, a compact city, and a research-heavy approach to nursing. Applicants should check which nursing programs are open and what entry grades are needed.
5. Queen’s University Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast was chartered in 1845 and opened in 1849 as Queen’s College, Belfast. It ranks tied 48th in the world for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and 6th in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table.
The School of Nursing and Midwifery trains students for the health service in Northern Ireland, with placements in hospitals and community teams. A smaller city and a close university community help students get to know staff and each other. It is a strong choice for applicants who want a respected research university with a lower cost of living than London.
6. Cardiff University
Cardiff University offers nursing through the School of Healthcare Sciences. It lands in the 51 to 100 band for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and ranks 9th in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table.
Students learn in a Welsh capital city with major hospitals, and placements run across NHS Wales services. Cardiff suits applicants who want a research university in a compact, student-friendly city. Prospective students should check the school’s current nursing fields and entry requirements, since each field has its own requirements. Applicants should also review placement locations across Wales before applying.
7. University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is one of the UK’s leading research universities. It lands in the 51 to 100 band for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings, 7th in the UK, and 10th in the UK in the Times Higher Education nursing list.
Nursing students train across hospitals in the West Midlands, including large teaching hospitals and community services. Birmingham is a large, diverse city, so students see a wide range of patients. It is a solid choice for applicants who want a research-active university with strong NHS links in the middle of England. Applicants should check the current course list and entry requirements on the university site.
8. University of Glasgow
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is one of Scotland’s four ancient universities. It tops the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table and lands in the 51 to 100 band in the 2026 QS subject rankings.
Nursing is taught within the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, so students learn alongside other health professionals. Placements cover hospitals and community services across Greater Glasgow and the surrounding health boards. Glasgow suits applicants who want a historic university in a big, friendly city and a clinical education tied to a large teaching hospital network. Applicants should check entry requirements and the degree length, which is usually four years in Scotland.
9. University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is a redbrick university established in 1831. It ranks 2nd in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table and lands in the 51 to 100 band in the 2026 QS subject rankings.
Nursing sits in the School of Healthcare, and students train in Leeds teaching hospitals and community services across West Yorkshire. Leeds is a large student city with good transport links and a strong student community. It is a strong pick for applicants who want a respected university and a city with plenty to do outside class. Applicants should check which nursing fields are offered for their start year.
10. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham began as University College Nottingham in 1881 and received its Royal Charter in 1948. It ranks in the 51 to 100 band for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings and 17th in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table.
Nursing is taught in the School of Health Sciences, with placements across hospitals and community services in the East Midlands. The university has a large campus and a long record in health research. Nottingham is a good option for applicants who want a research university with a lively city and a wide range of clinical settings.
11. City St George’s, University of London
City St George’s, University of London was formed on 1 August 2024, when City, University of London merged with St George’s, University of London. Nursing and midwifery sit in the School of Health and Medical Sciences.
The merger brings together a university with a long record in health education and a business-focused university in central London. Students train across London hospitals and community settings, and they study with students from other health professions. It suits applicants who want a London nursing course connected to a large health sciences school. Applicants should check which nursing fields are offered and where classes are held.
12. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is a world-leading public health institution, but it does not run a pre-registration nursing degree. It offers postgraduate courses in public health and global health.
We include it because many qualified nurses use LSHTM to move into public health, epidemiology or global health work after they register. It is the right stop for nurses who want to build skills in disease prevention, policy and health systems after getting their first nursing qualification elsewhere. Anyone starting a nursing career should look at the other schools on this list first. Check the school’s current postgraduate course list for details.
13. Ulster University
Ulster University is a multi-campus public university in Northern Ireland. It ranks 21st in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table and trains nurses for the region’s health service.
Its campuses give students a choice of locations, and placements take place in hospitals and community services across Northern Ireland. Ulster is known for its practical, employment-focused teaching. It is a good option for applicants who want hands-on training in a smaller health system and a closer link to local employers. Applicants should check which campus teaches the nursing field they want and review entry requirements before applying to any course.
14. University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university in the south west of England. It ranks 11th in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table, in the top dozen.
Nursing students train in hospitals and community services across Devon and the surrounding area. The setting is quieter than a big city, which can help students focus. Exeter suits applicants who want a research university, strong student satisfaction, and an active outdoor lifestyle nearby. Applicants should check which nursing fields are offered and what entry grades are required before applying.
15. University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool ranks 7th in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table, placing it among the stronger options for nursing students in England.
Students train in Liverpool’s large hospitals and community services, which include specialist children’s and cancer care. The city has a strong health sector and a lively student scene. Liverpool is a smart choice for applicants who want a Russell Group university, a friendly city and placements across a wide range of clinical settings. Applicants should check which nursing fields are offered, the required entry grades, and how placements are arranged before applying.
16. Northumbria University QAHE London campus
Northumbria University teaches nursing at its Newcastle base and also runs a London campus in partnership with QA Higher Education. It ranks 14th in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table.
Northumbria is known for practical, career-focused courses, and nursing includes degree apprenticeship routes for people who work in healthcare. Applicants interested in the London campus should check which courses are offered there, since nursing may be taught only in Newcastle. Northumbria is a good fit for students who want employer links and a hands-on approach. Applicants should also review the entry requirements for each route before they apply.
17. Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University ranks 31st in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table. It is a modern university based in Oxford with a long record of teaching health professions.
Students train in hospitals and community services across Oxfordshire and nearby counties, and they learn in a smaller university setting where staff know students by name. Oxford Brookes is a good option for applicants who want an Oxford address without applying to the older university, plus practical teaching and good local links. Applicants should check which nursing fields are offered and what entry grades are required before applying to the course.
18. The University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield received its royal charter in 1905 and grew from the University College of Sheffield. It ranks 3rd in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table. Nursing sits in the School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery.
Students train in Sheffield’s hospitals and community services, learning alongside other health professionals. Sheffield is a friendly northern city with good access to the Peak District. It is a strong pick for applicants who want a top nursing table position, practical placements and a lower cost of living than the south of England. Applicants should check current entry requirements.
19. University of Dundee
The University of Dundee teaches nursing as part of its health sciences provision in Scotland. Dundee is a medium-sized city with a large teaching hospital and a strong health research profile.
Students train across NHS Tayside and nearby health boards. The university’s smaller size helps students get to know staff, and Dundee has a reputation for friendly teaching. It is a good option for applicants who want a Scottish nursing degree outside Edinburgh and Glasgow and who like a close-knit campus. Applicants should check which nursing programs are open, what entry grades are needed, and how placements are arranged before applying to the course.
20. University of East Anglia (UEA)
The University of East Anglia in Norwich ranks 12th in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table. Nursing and health teaching sit in its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Students train in hospitals and community services across Norfolk and nearby areas, including the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. UEA has a green campus on the edge of the city, which many students like. It is a strong choice for applicants who want a high table position, a lively student community and placements in the east of England. Applicants should check which nursing fields are offered and what entry grades are required before applying.
21. University of Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield ranks 38th in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table. It is a modern university with strong employer links in West Yorkshire.
Nursing students train in hospitals and community services across the region. Huddersfield is known for practical teaching and strong links with local employers, so graduates often stay in the area. It is a sensible option for applicants who want a smaller town, hands-on teaching, and a good chance of finding local work after graduation. Applicants should check which nursing fields are offered and what entry grades are required before applying to the course.
22. University of Hull
The University of Hull ranks 23rd in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table. It is a campus university in the east of England with a focus on teaching in the health professions.
Students complete placements across hospitals and community services in the Humber region. Hull has a lower cost of living than many UK cities, and its campus is compact. It is a good pick for applicants who want a practical nursing course, close contact with staff and a budget-friendly place to live. Applicants should check which nursing fields are offered and what entry grades are required before applying.
23. University of Surrey
The University of Surrey in Guildford ranks 15th in the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table. It is known for professional training and for strong links with employers.
Nursing students train in hospitals and community services across Surrey and the south of England. Surrey places a big emphasis on work experience, so students get used to professional settings early. It suits applicants who want a nursing course close to London, with a compact campus and a strong record of graduate employment. Applicants should check which nursing fields are offered and the required entry grades before applying.
How Nursing Degrees Work in the UK
Nursing degrees in the UK lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Students choose a field of practice: adult, children’s, mental health or learning disability nursing. Courses split time between university classes and supervised placements in hospitals and community settings, and applications go through UCAS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best nursing school in the UK?
King’s College London tops our 2027 list and ranks 2nd in the world for nursing in the 2026 QS subject rankings. The University of Glasgow leads the Complete University Guide 2027 nursing table, so the answer depends on the ranking you use.
How long is a nursing degree in the UK?
A nursing degree usually takes three years full time in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and four years in Scotland. Graduates register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to practise.
What fields of nursing can I study in the UK?
Students can study adult, children’s, mental health, or learning disability nursing. Not every university offers all four fields, so check the course list before applying.
Do I need to register to work as a nurse in the UK?
Yes. Nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and approved programmes include at least 2,300 hours of practice learning.
Is it hard to get into nursing in the UK?
Nursing courses are competitive, and applicants usually need strong grades, an interview and a clear understanding of the role. Entry rules differ by university, so check each course listing on UCAS or the university site.
How were these schools ordered?
The order follows the list supplied for this article. UM World University Rankings uses a published methodology for overall quality, but it does not rank nursing programs by school. QS and Complete University Guide results are cited where available.
Top 23 Best Nursing Schools in the UK 2027: Ranked List
- King’s College London
- The University of Manchester
- University of Southampton
- The University of Edinburgh
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Cardiff University
- University of Birmingham
- University of Glasgow
- University of Leeds
- University of Nottingham
- City St George’s, University of London
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
- Ulster University
- University of Exeter
- University of Liverpool
- Northumbria University QAHE London campus
- Oxford Brookes University
- The University of Sheffield
- University of Dundee
- University of East Anglia (UEA)
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Hull
- University of Surrey
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