- There has been an 8% rise in the number of women enrolling in computing degrees this year, with 2,940 women set to start their studies. This follows a 12% overall increase in A-level computing science entries, including a 29% rise in female students.
- Despite the positive trends in education, the tech sector still faces a significant gender imbalance. Women made up about 20% of the UK’s tech workforce in 2022, with recent estimates suggesting a modest rise to over 32% in computer-related roles, although the gap remains substantial.
- The number of girls pursuing computing at GCSE and A-level is increasing, with a 28.6% rise in A-level computing students this year. This trend reflects a gradual improvement in the gender ratio of computing degree students, though challenges remain in closing the gender gap in the tech industry.
A surge in female participation in computing degrees marks an encouraging trend this academic year, with an 8% rise in women enrolling in computing programmes. This increase follows a notable upturn in girls taking computing A-levels, according to recent data from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
This September, 2,940 women aged 18 are set to begin their computing studies at university level, reflecting a growing trend of female students choosing this path. The data, gathered by the university admissions service UCAS, highlights a steady shift towards greater inclusivity in the tech field, although the gender disparity persists.
BCS’s research also reveals a broader 12% rise in A-level computing science entries, with female students making up 29% of this increase. Julia Adamson, managing director for education and public benefit at BCS, commented, “It’s fantastic that the overall number of people taking computer science is increasing, but there remains a huge demand for more skilled people to meet the needs of our digital future. The growth in the number and the diversity of qualified technologists needs to continue to accelerate, not only to help close the gender gap, but also to meet future needs of the UK economy.”
Despite these gains, the technology sector continues to grapple with gender imbalance. Women constituted about 20% of the UK’s tech workforce in 2022, as noted in BCS’s latest report. However, recent figures from the Financial Times suggest a modest improvement, with women in tech roles rising from 29% in 2019 to over 32% last year. This figure, though, may vary depending on definitions used, as techUK reports a more conservative estimate of 24% for 2023.
The slow yet steady progress in female participation in computing degrees is mirrored in the broader educational pipeline. The number of girls pursuing computing at GCSE and A-level has been climbing, with a 28.6% increase at A-level this year compared to last. The proportion of women enrolling in computing degrees has improved since 2019, when the male-to-female ratio was 5.3:1. This year, the ratio stands at 4.1:1.
While university enrolment figures are promising, challenges remain. Factors such as a lack of visible role models, misconceptions about tech careers, and a less inclusive culture in the sector continue to deter some women from pursuing computing. Research by McKinsey highlights that 31% of European girls studying tech-related subjects at school do not progress to tech degrees, despite many expressing regret over their decision to drop STEM subjects later on.
The growing interest in computing, partly driven by advancements in fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, has led to one of the most significant jumps in female applicants to computing degrees in recent years. In addition to university pathways, apprenticeships offer another viable route into the tech sector, helping to address the skills gap by providing targeted training for future roles.