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29 Best Life Sciences Universities in the United Kingdom

Of the 29 Life Sciences universities in the United Kingdom, Imperial College London ranks highest at #2 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. University of Oxford (QS World #4) and University of Manchester (QS World #35) complete the top three. Across the whole list there are 96 courses to choose from.

29 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
3Top pick
MA University of Manchester logo
QS World #35 #8 in United Kingdom Manchester, England, United Kingdom
#35 QS World University Rankings 2026
#8 in United Kingdom
18Ranked
UL University of Liverpool logo
#56 in United Kingdom United Kingdom
#56 in United Kingdom · by research impact
18,412,712 citations · h-index 1,090
19Ranked
KU Keele University logo
#63 in United Kingdom United Kingdom
#63 in United Kingdom · by research impact
2,436,676 citations · h-index 465

Life Sciences at other levels

How these universities are ranked

17 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #2 (Imperial College London) to #662 (University of Portsmouth); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: University of Oxford is cited most (64,607,071 citations). 1 university have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".

Public, private and where they are

29 are public and 0 private (100% public). By location, England (3) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is University of Oxford, founded in 1096. University of Manchester is the largest, with 46,000 students.

Inside the course list

By level: 53 bachelor's, 28 master's, 1 foundation and 1 phd / doctorate. The usual length is 4 years and 3 years. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (95% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (67% of courses with a stated intake). University of Manchester offers the widest choice, with 20 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 3 of these universities. University of Manchester is the least expensive at USD 34,000 a year and Imperial College London the most at USD 47,000; the middle of the range is about USD 44,000. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for Life Sciences in the United Kingdom?

Imperial College London (QS World #2), University of Oxford (QS World #4) and University of Manchester (QS World #35) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Life Sciences in the United Kingdom?

Of those with published fees, University of Manchester is the least expensive at about USD 34,000 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Life Sciences in the United Kingdom?

29 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Life Sciences course take in the United Kingdom?

Most listed courses run 4 years, with 3 years the next most common.

When do Life Sciences courses start in the United Kingdom?

Fall is the main intake — 95% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Which university has the most Life Sciences courses in the United Kingdom?

University of Manchester, with 20, ahead of Keele University (8).

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