'Gay friendly' UK universities named

Just two won the same accolade in the 2014 version of the Gay By Degree guide compiled by gay rights charity Stonewall.

The six institutions with top marks in 2015 are Cardiff University, Liverpool John Moores University, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Essex, University of Glasgow and York St John University. Cardiff and Liverpool John Moores both scored top marks in the previous year’s guide.

The survey looks at the gay-friendly policies and practices in place, and universities are compared based on a checklist of 10 criteria. The checklist looks at whether institutions have policies in place to tackle homophobic bullying, the existence of societies and events that cater to lesbian, gay and bisexual staff students and how institutions support staff.

The availability of information on institution and student websites is used to compile the guide, which can be used by prospective students to make informed choices about where to study.

Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall, said: “There are a record number of university places available this year and prospective students who are lesbian, gay or bisexual will want to study where they will be supported and developed.

“It’s particularly concerning that only 35 universities are monitoring students’ sexual orientation leaving them no way of telling if they’re providing a positive experience for gay students. We hope that this year’s guide prompts universities to do more to make campuses a welcoming place for all students.”

holly.else@tesglobal.com