Which University is Best for My Degree in 2026?

---

When choosing your degree subject, it’s important to consider where you’re going to study and which universities will offer you the best opportunities to achieve your goals. The UK has some of the best universities in the world across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It’s why in 2021/22, 24% of UK university students were international students. You can’t argue with the fact that universities in the UK offer exceptional education which attracts people from across the globe as a result. 

So, UniHomes has put together the ultimate guide to help you decide which university is best for your degree. We’ve collated information from the Complete University Guide’s 2025 league tables to decipher which are the best universities for: 

• Medicine

• Engineering

• Law

• Business and management

• Computer science

• Psychology

• Nursing and midwifery

• Sports science

Their rankings are calculated from factors including entry standards, research quality, student satisfaction, and graduate prospects - all crucial elements to consider which uni will be right for you. 

Before we get into it, it’s important to have an idea of what you’re looking for in a university. 

What are your priorities while at university? 

Is it achieving the highest grade you possibly can and excelling academically? Or are you searching for a steady balance between uni and student life? Are you keen to dig deep into research and explore new fields in your area of interest? 

Every university specialises in certain fields. While some will prioritise research (usually in scientific fields), others will focus hard on ensuring undergraduate courses cultivate employable skills (such as the arts and humanities). Knowing what you want to get out of the university experience is key to helping you choose where you will study. 

It’s also important to consider what type of university experience you want. For instance, would you rather live in a busy city, or the quiet outskirts of town? Do you want to attend a large university with more than 200 people on your course, or a small one with a tight-knit community of students? All of these choices are up to you and are worth thinking about. 

Do you want to move far from home? 

Every student differs when it comes to this question. Some do and some don’t, and either is okay! This simply means that you may have to be prepared to not go to the no.1 uni for your course if you’re not fond of a 4-hour train ride home to see family and friends. It’s helpful to know where you stand in this sense so you don’t have to make any rushed decisions when it comes to it. 

Do you want a campus uni or not? 

Campus universities are universities that have all of their university buildings in one place. This could be in the heart of the city or town, or - like many - a slight journey out of the city centre. The good thing about them is that everything is in one place! Sometimes, the university-owned student accommodation is also on campus which makes it even easier to reach. However, other unis have their buildings spread out across the city and you get to immerse yourself in city living slightly more. 

Now you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to dive into which university is the best for your degree… 

Medicine 

University College London 

Ranked 6th in the world for medicine, studying at UCL medical school will ensure that you get the very best tutoring from some of the world’s leading doctors. The university works closely with local hospitals, meaning you will experience a hands-on, immersive approach by studying here. 

Located in London, you are situated in the heart of everything the capital has to offer. From wax museums to incredible art galleries, boat rides, and endless lines of pubs, shops and eateries, you’ll never run out of new things to see and do. 

Swansea University 

Based in Wales, Swansea University ranks 13th in the UK for medicine. Being a campus uni, everything is right where you need it to be, especially for those early mornings of lectures and GP practice. The university offers incredible campus facilities and a city life that’s dynamic and welcoming - what’s not to like? If you’re looking to study medicine in a city that has a slower pace of life than in London, Swansea is a great choice. 

Engineering 

Whether you’re studying general, mechanical, or civil engineering, these universities are in the top 20 universities for engineering in the UK: 

University of Sheffield 

Often referred to as the ‘city of steel’, Sheffield continues its legacy as a leading university for engineering. The University of Sheffield provides more than 10 diverse engineering courses, all featuring world-leading research and engineers. The faculty has a focus on creating a sustainable future and welcomes students who are eager to learn and expand their knowledge. What’s more, is that Sheffield is home to Advanced Manufacturing Park, where some of the world’s biggest manufacturers (such as McLaren Automotive and Rolls Royce) are. It’s the place to be for engineering! 

Sheffield is a short journey away from the Peak District and is well-connected to nearby cities such as Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool. It’s a city that boasts the benefits of a nature-filled city that also has a wide range of activities for students to engage in. Whether you prefer a busy city lifestyle or not, it’s a great blend of the two. 

University of Leeds  

The University of Leeds is recognised for its engineering department’s strong research output and industry connections, which provide students with excellent opportunities for internships and job placements. The university's commitment to sustainability and innovation makes it a top choice for aspiring engineers. 

With a lively cultural scene, diverse dining options, and a bustling student population, Leeds is an ideal location for those who enjoy a dynamic city lifestyle. Experience the music scene at Leeds Festival in the summertime and wander around the Christmas markets from November to December. This city has so much to offer! 

Law  

London School of Economics and Politics 

LSE has an international reputation for its legal research, ranking 3rd in the UK for law degrees. Whether it’s banking law, taxation law, civil litigation, company law, labour law or family law that you’re most interested in, LSE has them all. The university promotes an ethos of inclusivity and challenging existing ways of thinking, which sets it apart from other universities. 

As mentioned previously, studying in London is an enriching experience. With so much on your doorstep, every day has the opportunity to be different from the last. If you’re hooked on studying in London but are not used to living in a big city, the capital is full of cosy cafes, hidden away parks, and expansive gardens that help to make it feel like home. 

University of Nottingham 

Continually providing global leadership on legal knowledge, the University of Nottingham hosts high-quality degree-level teaching in law. If you choose to study here, you can expect to enjoy the diversity of city life in Nottingham, as well as the inclusivity and welcoming environment that the uni strives to create. The University of Nottingham takes pride in offering a broad selection of law to study and prioritises student welfare throughout their degree journey. It’s also ranked 10th best in the UK for law! 

Business and Management 

University of Leeds 

Leeds University Business School outlines their purpose as being ‘research-led, solution-focused, and community-centric’. At the centre of the university’s ethos is ensuring that business can be used to better the world in which we live. Ranking 14th in the UK, the University of Leeds ultimately offers a business degree focused on genuinely making a difference to society. 

Located in the heart of the city, studying business at Leeds provides positive prospects for students. Close to where many national business headquarters are, there are ample opportunities for internships and placements. And when you haven’t got your head down working, Leeds is a vibrant city full of museums, buzzing nightlife, and a short journey away from York and the Yorkshire Dales. 

University of Birmingham 

The University of Birmingham ranks 17th in the UK for business-related courses. Its work and research have been globally recognised, especially because it has international campuses in Malaysia and China. The school specialises in finance, management, and international business, and appropriately prepares students to enter the working world - with an ethical mindset - after graduation. 

It's a campus university, meaning every uni building is close by. It only takes a short journey to reach Birmingham city centre, where you can shop for hours around the Bullring, or treat yourself to a post lecture treat from Cadbury’s World. 

Computer Science 

University of Birmingham 

Well-regarded across the globe for its research into artificial intelligence, robotics, and the theory of computation, the University of Birmingham is a first-class place to study computer science. It ranks 6th in the UK for this subject and does so because of its high-tech research labs and facilities and well-connected industry links. 

Birmingham itself is a bustling student hub as a result of two universities settling in the city. Students can enjoy the lively nightlife, range of dining options, and plenty of green spaces like Cannon Hill Park. It's a campus uni but with so much to do all around it. 

University of Sheffield 

While the University of Sheffield is 13th in the UK for its overall rating of computer science degrees, it is the number one Russell Group university for student satisfaction, according to the National Student Survey. The university is an enriching and inspiring place to study, especially when their research into computer science is so highly valued by other universities and scholars. 

Psychology 

London School of Economics and Politics 

If you want to study psychology at the No.1 UK university for the subject, you need to apply to LSE. London School of Economics and Politics employs some of the best leading researchers in psychology. Their professors are motivated to discover research that changes lives and what better way to be involved in this than to study here and be taught by them?  

University of Sheffield 

The University of Sheffield’s psychology school has an extensive range of incredible facilities, including eye-tracking technology, a state-of-the-art EEG suite for measuring brain activity, and biometric robots. Studying psychology at Sheffield would mean you’re exposed to world-class research, great teaching, and living in a beautiful city. 

Known for its friendly, welcoming residents, Sheffield is also home to a lively music scene and diverse student culture. Whether you want to enjoy a night of jazz, indie, or 2000’s pop hits, Sheffield venues are sure to deliver. Student living in Sheffield is one of the best. 

Nursing and midwifery 

University of Sheffield 

It might seem like Sheffield has been mentioned quite a few times, but that’s not without good reason! For Adult Nursing and Midwifery, the University of Sheffield is ranked 1st in the Complete University’s Guide. The uni also was a finalist in the Nurse Education Provider of the Year 2024 Award, clearly showing its great teaching capacity. That’s what you would be exposed to if you chose to go here! 

Great teaching is not the only thing you’d find in Sheffield. How about a hike through the Peak District? Or, a pub crawl in the old industrial space of Sheffield that is Kelham Island? Considering studying in What Uni’s? number one student union in the UK (the University of Sheffield’s!)? 

University of Leeds 

The University of Leeds’ nursing and midwifery course holds 6th place in the UK compared to other universities. It’s also top 40 in the world for nursing! Holding these titles is indicative of what sort of academic experience the University of Leeds can offer you. You won’t even have to worry about getting the hang of something because Leeds nursing prioritises extensive practice experience so you feel confident in your actions. 

Home to multiple universities, including the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and Leeds Arts University, the city has a large student population, creating a vibrant and diverse community. If you study in Leeds, it’s easy to explore the region and beyond because it’s well-connected with strong transport links. The combination of academic opportunities, affordability, and a thriving social scene makes Leeds a top choice for students.  

Northumbria University, Newcastle 

Northumbria University is located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, a notoriously good area for degree-level education. For nursing and midwifery, Northumbria is ranked 9th in the UK. They are also proud to have 88% of their research as being ‘world-leading or internationally excellent’. 

Newcastle’s nightlife is famous, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues, especially around areas like Bigg Market and Ouseburn. For daytime activities, students enjoy spending time by the Quayside, which has trendy cafes and art galleries. The city also has a range of landmarks that make a great day out to visit them. 

Sports Science 

Loughborough University 

Ranked 1st in the UK for sports science, Loughborough University is the place to be if this is your chosen course. Whether you’re keen to study sports exercise science, sports management, or sports psychology, Loughborough offers courses for each. Going to university here will help you access extensive links to the sports industry. From Tottenham Hotspur Football Club to Adidas, you can make some great career advances by attending Loughborough University for sports science. 

Studying in Loughborough means studying in a friendly and welcoming environment. With a variety of shops, cafes, and green spaces, it’s an ideal place to study and enjoy student life. The nightlife has a good rep too! Plus, its central location provides easy access to major cities like Nottingham, Leicester, and Birmingham. 

Newcastle University 

Loved for its breadth of assessment options and research-led teaching, sports science at Newcastle University ranks 13th in the UK for undergraduate degrees in sports science. You can expect a balanced learning approach blending scientific theory with practical applications in sport, exercise, and physical activity. 

If you’re searching for a lively university experience, Newcastle is where you want to be. Explore the vibrant nightlife and make the most out of what’s close to you: the coast, Northumberland, historic castles, and some iconic music venues. 

How UniHomes Can Help 

Once you’ve decided where you’re going to study, you’re going to need to find somewhere to live! UniHomes advertises student properties all across the UK to help people like you find their ideal student home. You can explore student accommodation in specific cities here, or you can find properties close to your chosen university here. 

Every home on our website comes with all bills included, so with UniHomes, you make one monthly payment for both rent and utilities and we take care of the rest! You’ll always know exactly how much you’ll pay each month with no unwanted surprises. Plus, your energy bills are uncapped so you can responsibly use the gas and electric that you need. We believe that it’s important to focus on your studies and make the most out of your university experience - that’s why we’re here to make student living easy when you choose UniHomes.