It's almost certainly too late to apply for this year, but if you're looking to study in higher education over the coming years, are an educator looking for a job, or know someone with such ambitions, then you can do a lot worse than recommend London's UCL.
Historically the first British university to admit students regardless of class, race or gender, notable alumni include Jonathan Ross, Ricky Gervais, Chris Martin, Alexander Graham Bell (without whom you would have no iPhone or BlackBerry), Anthony Gormley, Christine Ohuruogu and a throng of international political leaders.
True to these traditions, not only is it the world's fourth-best university (according to the authoritative Times Higher Education QS survey), it is also one of the best for LGBT students, according to Stonewall.
Indeed, the charity has awarded UCL ten out of ten in its influential university guide, compiled from information in the public domain and answers from students to satisfaction questionnaires. It was found to be an outstanding performer across a range of criteria, including:
- a harassment policy which makes explicit reference to homophobia, appropriate sanctions for those who are homophobic and protection for those who are victims of such bullying
- mandatory teaching and support staff training on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues as part of its diversity training
- a publicised network group for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff which is supported by the university
- a specific student society for lesbian, gay and bisexual students which is active and provides a meeting point for lesbian, gay and bisexual students.
With a massive programme and superb reputation for student satisfaction - not least on the basis of being able to say that one's university is higher-ranked than Oxford - UCL looks set to be one of the jewels in the capital's crown for generations to come.
by Paul Mendez
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