Top IT Colleges in the UK for Girls: Best Universities for Women in Tech
Pursuing a degree in Information Technology (IT) in the UK can open doors to high-paying careers, global opportunities, and leadership roles in tech. For young women aspiring to break into the IT field, choosing the best IT colleges in the UK for girls is key—not only for education but also for mentorship, scholarships, and a gender-inclusive learning environment. This guide covers top UK universities for women in computer science and IT, including support programs and expert tips for aspiring tech professionals.
Why Study IT in the UK as a Female Student?
- Globally Ranked Universities: UK institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College consistently rank in the top 10 globally for Computer Science.
- Women-Focused STEM Support: From scholarships to dedicated societies, the UK is actively bridging the gender gap in tech.
- Career-Focused Programs: Many universities offer real-world tech training, coding bootcamps, and placement programs.
- Vibrant Female Tech Networks: You’ll find mentorship, networking, and leadership opportunities through women-in-tech communities.
Top IT Colleges in the UK for Girls
UniversityWhy It’s Great for Girls in ITUniversity of OxfordOffers globally renowned Computer Science degrees and strong female representation through the Oxford Women in Computer Science Society.University of CambridgeFeatures inclusive STEM programs and active outreach through Cambridge Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE).Imperial College LondonLeads in cutting-edge tech education.
Offers the Women in Computing Bursary and supports women through its Women in STEM group.University College London (UCL)Provides innovative Computer Science degrees and hosts events via UCL Women in Tech. Strong mentoring and networking options.University of EdinburghRecognized for excellence in Computer Science and committed to gender equality via the Women in STEM Society and mentoring schemes.University of SouthamptonFeatures top-ranked Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) programs and a dedicated ECSWomen initiative to encourage female participation.
University of ManchesterOffers BSc and MSc in Computer Science with initiatives like the STEM Sisters Project to support and empower women in tech.University of BristolActively promotes inclusion in STEM through Women in Engineering and Women in STEM societies. Strong track record in gender support.University of GlasgowProvides a safe and inclusive learning space. Supports gender balance through the Athena SWAN Charter and other women-in-tech programs.Queen Mary University of LondonEncourages female students with its Tech Queens network and offers Women in Tech Scholarships for underrepresented groups.
Scholarships and Support Programs for Women in IT in the UK
Looking to reduce the financial burden? These scholarships for women in tech in the UK are designed to encourage more girls to pursue Computer Science and IT:
- Women in Engineering and Technology Scholarships – Available at top institutions like Imperial College and Southampton for female students in STEM.
- Google Women Techmakers Scholarship – Offers financial support and networking opportunities for women studying tech-related fields.
- British Council Women in STEM Scholarships – For international female students applying to UK universities for master’s degrees in STEM subjects.
- GREAT Scholarships for Women in STEM – Sponsored by the UK government and universities for female students from eligible countries.
Expert Tips for Girls Pursuing IT Degrees in the UK
Here’s how to make the most of your educational journey:
- Join Women in Tech Communities Many UK universities have vibrant groups like Girls Who Code, Women in STEM, or Tech Queens that offer career development, mentorship, and networking.
- Attend Industry Events Participate in conferences like Women of Silicon Roundabout or enroll in workshops by Code First: Girls for practical skill-building.
- Apply Early for Scholarships Competition can be intense. Apply as early as possible to scholarships and financial aid programs to increase your chances.
- Seek Mentorship Get guidance from experienced women in tech—either through university programs or platforms like LinkedIn, SheCanCode, or STEM Ambassadors.
- Build Your Tech Portfolio Stand out by working on coding projects, mobile apps, or machine learning models. Showcase your work on platforms like GitHub or Devpost.
Best IT Specializations for Girls in the UK
Here are some in-demand specializations you can pursue at these top IT universities:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science & Analytics
- Software Engineering
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Information Systems Management
These specializations are not only high-paying but also play a critical role in shaping the future of tech—ideal for women aiming to lead innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best IT university in the UK for female students? The University of Oxford and Imperial College London consistently rank highest, both academically and in terms of women-in-tech support.
2. Are there fully funded scholarships for girls in IT? Yes, scholarships like the Google Women Techmakers and British Council Women in STEM offer substantial or full funding.
3. Can international female students apply to these programs? Absolutely. Most UK IT programs welcome international applicants, and many scholarships are available for overseas students.
4. Are UK universities safe and inclusive for women? Yes. Most top universities have dedicated gender equality frameworks like Athena SWAN, and offer support through women-centric networks.
5. What are the career opportunities after studying IT in the UK? Graduates go on to become Software Engineers, Data Scientists, IT Consultants, Cybersecurity Analysts, and even Tech Entrepreneurs.
Conclusion: Empower Your Tech Career in the UK
The UK is not just a tech hub—it’s a launching pad for young women looking to excel in IT. With globally ranked universities, powerful female-led networks, and generous scholarships, your dream of studying IT in a world-class setting is within reach. Whether you're passionate about coding, cybersecurity, AI, or app development, there’s a perfect UK university waiting to help you turn ambition into achievement.
