Overwhelmed by the options for studying biology? We’ve got a list of some of the best universities for biology in the UK right here.
Updated: 15 Jan 2026
Finding the top universities for biology in the UK can be tricky, because there are so many options when it comes to studying biology. Fortunately, our sister site Complete University Guide breaks down their league tables into different categories that matter to you, and we’ve summarised their findings to give you the best universities for biology in the UK.
University of Greater Manchester
The University of Greater Manchester has a rich history that began in 1825 when it was founded as a Mechanics’ Institute. It continues to offer degrees that focus on practical skills and is proud of its strong emphasis on applied research. Many courses hold professional accreditation.
NEXT: Read what students think of biology at the University of Greater Manchester.
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee officially opened in 1967, though its roots date back to the 1880s. The city is on Scotland’s east coast, surrounded by beautiful countryside and only an hour and a half north of Edinburgh. It has a large student population, and a reputation for being a very safe city. The city itself is compact, so students can benefit from the city’s walkability. The large student population means there’s a lively nightlife scene and lots of small businesses and independent restaurants and cafes to discover.
NEXT: Read what students think of biological sciences at the University of Dundee.
University of Cambridge
Situated in the beautiful city of Cambridge, just an hour’s train ride from London, you’ll find the University of Cambridge. The university has buildings across the city centre, and you won’t be short of green space studying here. In the summer, many students make the most of the boat trips on offer, and throughout the year there’s plenty of cultural things to do. The city has a range of galleries, museums, cinemas and theatres to occupy you, and you also won’t be short of places to eat, drink or party.
University of Cambridge
Coming in top for not only graduate outcomes, but also the top university overall in England for biological sciences. Congratulations to Cambridge!
The University of St Andrews
St Andrews is one of the world’s oldest universities, with a history dating back to 1413, offering plenty of history to explore during your studies. As a seaside town, students of the uni can benefit from the proximity to the coast as well as everything the compact town has to offer. In the town, you’ll find a range of things to do including museums, a botanic garden and an aquarium, as well as golf courses and the typical student offerings: bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The university also boasts several famous graduates including Benjamin Franklin, JM Barrie, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
NEXT: Read what students think of biological sciences at University of St Andrews.
Cardiff University
Cardiff University dates back to 1833 and today has a student body representing over 100 different countries. Situated in the heart of Wales’s capital city, students are well-located and within walking distance of a large variety of different amenities. Across the city, you’ll find lots of bars, pubs and clubs which contribute to the city’s student-friendly and lively nightlife scene. Cardiff is also well-known for its comedy clubs and also has theatres and music venues providing a range of live entertainment.
NEXT: Read what students think of biological sciences at Cardiff University.
Queen's University Belfast
Founded in 1845, QUB is internationally respected and centrally located in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city. While you can easily explore Belfast on foot, there’s public transport available if you prefer buses and trains. If you want a dose of culture, you’ll find museums, art galleries, theatres and music venues around the city. Belfast also has a wide selection of restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs so you won’t be short of places to eat and drink either.
NEXT: Read what students think of biological sciences at Queen's University Belfast.
University of Cambridge
It’s no surprise that the University of Cambridge took the top spot given it’s already made two appearances on this list, but nevertheless, congratulations to the University of Cambridge for coming top in the UK for biological sciences.