You’ll find here profiles of every university in the UK. Each profile includes the university’s contact details, fees and average entry requirements and if there’s a specific student society for lesbian, gay and bisexual students, their web address. There's also info about the university and the local area, including the local gay scene, and anything else you might find useful when making your choice. We've scored each university against a checklist of ten things we think universities should have in place.
If you’re applying for university, register now to build up a shortlist of universities and compare what each can provide for you. If you’re a current student or staff member you can also register and log in to add your own comments in the ‘Tell us more’ section of each profile. The people who really know what it’s like at a university are the students themselves and future students will be really keen to hear about your experiences.
Explanation of the checklist
The university guide checklist has been compiled solely on the basis of information available in the public domain. Where no information can be found we’ve assumed that this provision doesn’t exist. This is because our guide is designed to reflect what could be easily accessible to a prospective student in the process of applying to university. If you’re a current student or staff member and you think our information is incorrect, please update your website to include this information and we will amend your details. You can contact us at university@stonewall.org.uk
Using the information available we’ve scored each university on how well they comply with our suggestions:
• A policy that protects lesbian, gay and bisexual students from bullying: Does the university have a harassment policy which makes explicit reference to homophobia? Does itindicate that there are appropriate sanctions for those who are homophobic? Is there protection for those who are victims of such bullying? Is this available on the university website so prospective students will know about it?
• Compulsory staff training on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues: Does the university train its teaching and support staff on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues and homophobia as part of their diversity training? Is this training mandatory? Is this publicised on the university website so that prospective students know that all staff receive this training?
• Lesbian, gay and bisexual staff network: Is there a network group for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff which is supported by the university? Is this promoted on the university website? This sends out a clear sign to prospective students that the university is supportive of its lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.
• Student society for lesbian, gay and bisexual students: Is there a specific student society for lesbian, gay and bisexual students which is active and provides a meeting point for lesbian, gay and bisexual students? Is this publicised on the student union’s website or the university’s website or the so that prospective students will know about it?
• Information for students on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues: Does the university or the student union provide specific information for gay students, for instance, in the form of a handbook or a DVD? For example – this might cover coming out, reporting hate crime, homophobia, specific sexual health information, where to access support. Is this communicated on the university website or the student union website so that prospective students will know this will be available?
• Events for lesbian, gay and bisexual students: Does the university run specific events for lesbian, gay and bisexual students, for instance, events during LGBT history month or social events for students, such as a gay night at the student union or social events through the LGBT society? Are these publicised on the university website or student union website so that prospective students know there will be specific events for them?
• Explicit welfare provision for lesbian, gay and bisexual students: Does the university or the student union offer specific welfare support for lesbian, gay and bisexual students? This may be in the form of counsellors who are specifically trained in lesbian, gay and bisexual issues or in the form of welfare reps. Is this communicated to prospective students on the university or student union website so they know this will be available?
• Stonewall Diversity Champion: Is the university a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme? This is a good practice network of organisations that work together and with Stonewall to ensure that they create a working environment where everyone is able to be themselves. This is an indication to prospective students that the university or college is actively working towards creating such an environment.
• Consultation with lesbian, gay and bisexual students: Does the university ensure that it talks to lesbian, gay and bisexual students about their needs and include them in the decision making process within the university? For example – are lesbian, gay and bisexual students represented on the Equality and Diversity Committee, is there a reserved place for an LGBT rep on the student council, or any other formal or informal ways they consult with gay students. Is this communicated through the university website or student union website so prospective students know that their views will be taken into account?
• Specific career advice for lesbian, gay and bisexual students: Does the university actively promote lesbian, gay and bisexual recruitment guides such as Stonewall's Starting Out guide? Or does it offer specific career advice for lesbian, gay and bisexual students either on their websites or through promotional events? Is this communicated through the university website or student union website so that prospective students know this will be available?
The guide also contains useful information and advice about choosing a university, picking the right course, the application process, accommodation and finance. Our ‘career spotlight’ area also features advice on how to get into a range of careers with profiles of recent lesbian, gay or bisexual graduates from each field.
