Choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions a student can make — and for girls seeking supportive, enriching, and empowering environments in the UK, there are many excellent options to consider. The “best” university can mean different things depending on your priorities: academic reputation, community and safety, strong courses in female-popular fields, or a high female student population. This guide highlights standout UK universities that are especially welcoming for girls and women, helping you make a confident choice for your future.
1. University College London (UCL)
Why It’s Great for Girls:
University College London is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse universities, with a strong academic reputation and a vibrant student community. UCL consistently attracts a high number of female students across a wide range of subjects, including humanities, social sciences, and health-related fields. In fact, around 60% of the student body at UCL is female, with strong representation in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. (Uhomes)
Standout Features:
- World-class research and teaching
- Excellent support services for female students
- Widely recognised for gender equality and inclusive policies
- Strong international community
2. King’s College London (KCL)
Why It’s Great for Girls:
King’s College London consistently ranks as one of the UK universities with the highest proportion of female students — with around 63–64% female enrolment. (The Tab) This reflects strong participation from girls across disciplines, particularly humanities, social sciences, psychology, and cultural studies.
Standout Features:
- Central London location — rich cultural and professional opportunities
- Diverse student body
- Strong emphasis on research diversity and leadership
- Large female-focused student networks and societies
3. University of the Arts London (UAL)
Why It’s Great for Girls:
If you’re passionate about arts, design, fashion, or creative industries, the University of the Arts London is an appealing choice — especially for female students. With women making up over three-quarters of its student population, UAL is among the most female-represented UK universities — offering a creative, inclusive atmosphere. (Unifresher)
Standout Features:
- Globally recognised creative degrees
- Strong female representation across departments
- Excellent industry connections in fashion and design
4. Queen Margaret University (Edinburgh)
Why It’s Great for Girls:
Leading the UK for female representation, Queen Margaret University has nearly 78% female students. (Unifresher) It’s particularly strong in subjects such as health sciences, nursing, psychology, and social care — fields that empower women to enter meaningful and stable careers.
Standout Features:
- Supportive environment for women returning to education or advancing careers
- Focus on social impact and community service
- Mature student support networks
5. University of Worcester
Why It’s Great for Girls:
The University of Worcester also boasts a high female student proportion (over 70%) and is known for courses in education, nursing, midwifery, and professional health studies — areas traditionally popular with women. (Unifresher)
Standout Features:
- Strong community ties with local employers
- Career-ready programs with real-world placements
- Welcoming campus culture
6. Edge Hill University
Why It’s Great for Girls:
With female representation above 70%, Edge Hill University focuses on teacher training and health-related degrees, making it an excellent choice for girls interested in education, psychology, or community professions. (Unifresher) The campus environment is inclusive and collaborative, helping students thrive academically and socially.
Standout Features:
- Accessible campus with strong support services
- Vocationally focused programs
- Active student societies
7. Goldsmiths, University of London
Why It’s Great for Girls:
Goldsmiths has a predominantly female student body (around 69%) and is renowned for creative and critical thinking areas like cultural studies, media, and design. (Unifresher) The university cultivates a progressive learning environment that supports female leadership and innovation.
Standout Features:
- Strong emphasis on arts, humanities, and social sciences
- Creative and intellectual culture
- Excellent opportunities for self-expression and leadership
What Makes a University “Good for Girls”?
A university may be considered especially supportive or attractive for girls for several reasons:
1. Strong Female Representation
Universities where a high percentage of students are female can offer a more balanced social environment — and often greater peer support. Institutions like Queen Margaret University and University of the Arts London fall into this category. (Unifresher)
2. Inclusive Campus Policies & Support
Beyond numbers, look for universities with robust support services for women, such as mentoring programs, career guidance, mental health support, and active women’s societies or networks.
3. Academic Strengths in Fields Popular with Women
Many girls gravitate toward disciplines like psychology, health sciences, education, and the arts. Universities strong in these areas often see higher female participation, making them attractive choices.
4. Safety & Well-Being Initiatives
Safety on and around campus is essential. Even though some UK universities face challenges with sexual harassment — a sector-wide issue highlighted in recent surveys — many institutions are actively improving policies and reporting mechanisms to protect female students. (The Guardian)
Summary: Choosing Your Best Fit
There’s no one “perfect” university for every girl — but the UK offers a wide range of excellent options that support female academic achievement, community building, and personal growth. Whether you’re drawn to research-intensive institutions like UCL and King’s College London, creative powerhouses like UAL, or supportive environments like Worcester and Queen Margaret University, there’s a place for every interest and ambition.
👉 Tip: Research course strength, campus life, scholarships, and support networks when choosing. Visiting campuses or attending virtual open days can also help you feel confident in your decision.
