**Wrexham University Top of the UK for Nursing in Prestigious National Rankings**
Wrexham University in north Wales has achieved notable acclaim after its nursing degree programmes secured top positions in a leading UK university guide. According to the Complete University Guide 2026, the institution is now ranked first in the United Kingdom for student satisfaction in nursing, a significant achievement that places both the university and Welsh higher education more broadly in the national spotlight.
Alongside topping the national chart for nursing student satisfaction, Wrexham University also stands joint first in the UK – as well as first in Wales – for its graduate employment prospects in the subject. This double success comes as part of the guide’s annual review, which assesses higher education institutions on a range of quality indicators, from student experience to the likelihood of finding work after graduation. In the broader category of student satisfaction, Wrexham is also the leading Welsh university and claims the third spot across 130 UK universities.
The array of nursing courses on offer at Wrexham University includes BN (Hons) degree options in adult, children’s, and mental health nursing, taught at both its Wrexham base and the St Asaph campus. This broad provision reflects a growing demand for highly-qualified nursing professionals, while also underlining the university’s commitment to health and social care education across Wales.
Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, expressed his pride in the institution’s latest recognition. “We are enormously proud of our strong reputation for student satisfaction,” he stated. Professor Yates emphasised that the rankings are a testament to the dedication and efforts of university staff, who “go above and beyond to support and empower our students in all that they do.” He linked these accolades to the university’s long-term vision, which, he said, centres on creating an exceptional and inclusive student experience and ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers.
Wrexham University’s performance in the Complete University Guide is also testament to its outreach efforts and commitment to diversity. The university prides itself on widening participation, particularly in marginalised communities. This is reflected in its student body, which includes a significant number of students from Welsh communities who are the first in their family to attend university, as well as those with recognised disabilities.
Professor Yates highlighted this ethos while speaking to MPs on the Commons Welsh Affairs Committee earlier in the week. There, he detailed the additional costs associated with supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Nineteen per cent of our home-recruited students have some form of identifiable disability,” he noted. He explained that this focus on inclusion requires extra investment but is core to the university’s mission to have a “transformational” impact on people’s lives.
As the higher education sector grapples with financial pressures, Wrexham University’s positive standing is even more significant. Currently, only Wrexham and the University of Wales Trinity St David among the eight Welsh universities have avoided recording deficits in recent financial results. This financial resilience has allowed Wrexham to continue its important outreach whilst maintaining high standards in teaching and graduate outcomes.
The dedication of Wrexham University’s staff, particularly within the nursing faculty, has also not gone unnoticed. Professor Yates extended his congratulations to colleagues in the nursing department, praising their tireless work to provide an outstanding educational experience. “In professions such as nursing, where compassionate, skilled professionals are in ever-increasing demand, we are proud to be leading the way nationally,” he said.
Wrexham University’s latest accolades signal a positive trajectory not only for the institution itself, but for Welsh higher education as a whole. With student satisfaction and employability at the heart of its ethos, the university’s focus on meaningful access and support for all students remains a model for others. As the demands for skilled health care professionals continue to rise, Wrexham’s achievements suggest it will play an important role in shaping the future of nursing across the UK.