Choosing to become a nurse, It’s a challenging, rewarding, and life-changing career. Now comes the next hurdle, one that can feel just as daunting: choosing where to study. Staring at the endless list of options on UCAS, with the buzz of London calling your name, can be overwhelming.
Which uni has the best reputation? Where will you get the most hands-on experience? And honestly, which one will give you the best shot at landing your dream job after you graduate?
Don’t you worry. I’ve been there. In this guide, we’re going to cut through the noise. We’ll walk you through the 10 best universities in London for nursing, looking at what makes each one special. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer picture of where your nursing journey could begin.
Why Even Choose London for Your Nursing Degree?
Before we dive into the list, let’s be clear: studying nursing in London is an experience like no other.
- Clinical Placement Paradise: You’ll be on the doorstep of some of the world’s most advanced and specialised hospitals. Think Great Ormond Street for children’s nursing, the Royal Marsden for oncology, or the diverse community trusts serving millions.
- A Global Hub of Health: The city is a melting pot of cultures, which means you’ll be learning to care for people from every walk of life, facing a vast range of health challenges. This kind of experience is invaluable.
- Top-Tier Research: London’s universities are at the forefront of healthcare innovation. You’ll be taught by academics who are actively shaping the future of nursing.
Ready to find your match? Let’s get to it.
Our Top 10 Universities in London for Nursing
Here they are, our carefully selected top 10, based on rankings, student satisfaction, and real-world reputation.
1. King’s College London
Best for: The academic high-achiever who wants a world-class, research-led education.
It’s impossible to talk about nursing in London without putting King’s at the top. The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care is legendary. It’s consistently ranked number one in the UK and second in the world for nursing.
- What makes it special? The prestige is backed by substance. You’ll be taught by leading researchers and have placements at three of London’s busiest and most respected teaching hospitals: Guy’s, King’s College, and St Thomas’.
- Heads-up: The entry requirements are steep (typically AAB-ABB at A-Level), and the environment is very academic. If you love theory and research as much as practice, this is your place.
2. City, University of London
Best for: Students wanting state-of-the-art facilities and strong London-wide placements.
City has rocketed up the league tables for a reason. Its School of Health & Psychological Sciences is modern, dynamic, and incredibly well-regarded by employers across the capital.
- What makes it special? Their Clinical Skills Centre is frankly incredible. It features mock hospital wards and community settings that look and feel just like the real thing, allowing you to build confidence before you even step onto a real ward. Their placement circuit is vast, including Barts Health NHS Trust and the Royal Free.
- Heads-up: City is known for producing highly competent, confident, and employable nurses. It’s a brilliant all-rounder.
3. University of West London (UWL)
Best for: An outstanding student experience and a focus on practical, job-ready skills.
Don’t let the name fool you; UWL’s impact is felt across London. It was named the ‘University of the Year for Student Experience’ in the Good University Guide 2023. For nursing, this translates to supportive staff and a curriculum designed to get you ready for the ward from day one.
- What makes it special? UWL boasts some of the best simulation facilities in the country. We’re talking lifelike manikins that can breathe, bleed, and even talk! This focus on simulation helps students master skills in a safe space.
- Heads-up: UWL has strong ties with NHS trusts in North-West London, like London North West University Healthcare and Imperial College Healthcare.
4. London South Bank University (LSBU)
Best for: Aspiring nurses passionate about community health and serving diverse populations.
LSBU has been training London’s nurses for decades and has a fantastic reputation for producing graduates who are grounded, practical, and deeply committed to patient care.
- What makes it special? Its location in Elephant & Castle puts it at the heart of a vibrant, multicultural community. This is reflected in its curriculum, which has a strong emphasis on addressing health inequalities and public health. They have brilliant simulation suites and strong partnerships with trusts like Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
- Heads-up: LSBU often has slightly more accessible entry requirements, making it a superb choice if you’re a passionate candidate whose grades might not meet the King’s threshold.
5. University of Greenwich
Best for: A supportive environment on a stunning campus, with great placement options.
Studying at Greenwich feels a bit like you’re in a movie. The main campus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it’s not just a pretty face; its nursing programme is highly rated for student satisfaction.
- What makes it special? They have campuses in Greenwich and Avery Hill, both equipped with modern clinical labs. They also run a campus in Medway, offering placements across Kent, which gives you a different perspective from the inner-London experience.
- Heads-up: Greenwich is known for its supportive and nurturing atmosphere, making it a great choice if you’re nervous about the transition to university life.
6. Middlesex University London
Best for: A modern approach to nursing with a focus on all four fields (Adult, Child, Mental Health, Learning Disability).
Middlesex has invested heavily in its health and education facilities, and it shows. Their nursing courses are contemporary and forward-thinking, preparing you for the challenges of 21st-century healthcare.
- What makes it special? They are one of the few London unis to offer all four specialisms from the get-go. Their facilities at the Hendon campus are top-notch, and they have excellent links with major London hospitals including the Royal Free and UCLH.
- Heads-up: A great choice if you want to study in North London with a diverse student body and a very practical curriculum.
7. Kingston University
Best for: A joint faculty experience that blends academic theory with hands-on practice.
Kingston’s nursing programme is delivered through a joint faculty with St George’s, University of London – the UK’s specialist health university. This gives you the best of both worlds: the resources of a large university and the specialist focus of a medical school.
- What makes it special? The simulation suite is a major draw, allowing you to practice scenarios in a variety of settings, from a hospital ward to a patient’s home. The partnership with St George’s means you’re learning alongside other future healthcare professionals.
- Heads-up: Based in South-West London, it’s a fantastic option if you want to be close to the capital but prefer a slightly leafier, less hectic environment.
8. Brunel University London
Best for: A campus-based experience with a strong focus on the science behind nursing.
Brunel is well-known for its science and engineering programmes, and it brings that same analytical, evidence-based approach to nursing. If you’re fascinated by the ‘why’ behind clinical procedures, Brunel could be for you.
- What makes it special? Everything is on one campus, which creates a real sense of community. Its West London location provides placements in a wide range of settings, from large acute hospitals to smaller community clinics.
- Heads-up: A newer provider of nursing degrees compared to others on this list, but it has quickly built a strong reputation.
9. University of Roehampton
Best for: Students looking for smaller class sizes and a strong sense of community.
Situated on a beautiful parkland campus in South-West London, Roehampton offers a more intimate learning environment. If the thought of a huge, impersonal lecture hall fills you with dread, this could be the perfect alternative.
- What makes it special? The focus here is on person-centred care. With smaller cohorts, you get more one-on-one time with lecturers, who are known for being incredibly supportive.
- Heads-up: Their adult nursing programme is well-established, and they have recently expanded to include mental health nursing.
10. University of Hertfordshire
Best for: An excellent all-round option just outside the M25 with brilliant facilities.
Okay, a slight cheat, but hear me out! Hertfordshire is just a 25-minute train ride from King’s Cross and is a major provider of nurses to North London hospitals. For many, it offers the perfect balance of London access without the London cost of living.
- What makes it special? Their Health and Social Work building is one of the most advanced of its kind in the UK, with an incredible simulation centre that includes mock pharmacies and intensive care units.
- Heads-up: If you want access to London placements but fancy a campus university experience just outside the hustle and bustle, Hertfordshire is a top contender.
London Nursing Unis: A Quick Comparison
| University | Typical A-Level Offer | Key Highlight |
| King’s College London | AAB-ABB | World-leading reputation & research |
| City, University of London | BBB-BBC | Outstanding clinical skills labs |
| University of West London | BBB-BCC | Top-rated for student experience |
| London South Bank Uni | BBB-CCC | Focus on diverse, urban healthcare |
| University of Greenwich | BBB-BCC | High student satisfaction, beautiful campus |
| Middlesex University | BBB-BCC | Offers all four nursing specialisms |
| Kingston University | BBB-BCC | Partnership with St George’s medical school |
| Brunel University | BBB | Strong scientific, evidence-based approach |
| University of Roehampton | BCC-CCC | Small class sizes and supportive community |
| University of Hertfordshire | BCC-CCC | Superb facilities just outside London |
Note: Entry requirements can change. Always check the university website and UCAS for the latest information.
Making Your Final Choice
Choosing a university is a huge decision. Don’t just rely on league tables. Think about:
- Your Learning Style: Do you thrive on academic research, or do you prefer to learn by doing?
- The Environment: Do you want a busy city-centre campus or something quieter and more self-contained?
- Your Gut Feeling: Go to open days (in-person or virtual). Can you see yourself there? Do the staff and students seem happy?
Ultimately, the best university for you is the one where you’ll be happy, supported, and inspired to become the best nurse you can be. For more tips on the application process, check out the official NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council) website.
Conclusion: Your Future Starts Now
London offers a world of opportunity for aspiring nurses. From the globally-renowned halls of King’s College to the community-focused classrooms of LSBU, there’s a place for you. The best universities in London for nursing are the ones that align with your personal and professional goals.
Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts. Your incredible journey into nursing is just around the corner.
FAQ
What A-Levels do I need to study nursing in London?
Entry requirements vary significantly. Top-tier universities like King’s College London often ask for AAB-ABB, usually including Biology or another science. Many other excellent universities like London South Bank or Greenwich have more flexible requirements, typically around BBB-CCC. Most universities also require GCSEs in English, Maths, and sometimes Science at grade 4 (C) or above. Always check the specific course page on the university’s website.
Is it expensive to study nursing in London?
While London’s living costs are higher than in other UK cities, there is significant financial support available for nursing students. UK students are eligible for the standard tuition fee and maintenance loans. Crucially, nursing students can also apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which provides a non-repayable training grant of at least £5,000 per academic year to help with living costs.
How competitive is it to get into a nursing course in London?
Nursing is a popular and competitive course, especially in London due to the high reputation of its universities and hospitals. However, it’s not just about grades. Universities look for candidates with the right values, a caring disposition, and relevant experience (e.g., volunteering in a care setting). A strong personal statement and a successful interview are just as important as your academic qualifications.
