The number of women studying computing at degree level is on the rise, but there is still a significant gender gap that needs to be addressed. According to analysis from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, there has been an 8% increase in the number of 18-year-old women in the UK who have accepted a place to study computing this academic year. While this is a positive trend, three-quarters of computing students are still men, highlighting the long road ahead in achieving gender equality in this field.
The gender gap is slowly closing, with computing entries at A level also showing promising growth. Overall, there has been a 12% increase in computing entries at A level, with a 29% growth in the number of females in England taking Computer Science at A level. The gender ratios are improving here as well, with the ratio of boys to girls now below 5:1. Additionally, females are outperforming males at all grades for A levels across all nations of the UK.
Julia Adamson, BCS managing director for education and public benefit, expressed optimism about the increasing number of students, especially women, choosing to study computer science at degree level. She emphasized the importance of these qualifications leading to exciting career opportunities that can address crucial societal issues such as AI, climate change, and cyber security.
In Northern Ireland, there has been an increase in the number of students taking digital A levels, with growth in entrants for Software Systems Development and Digital Technology. In Wales, the number of students taking Computer Science A level remains steady, with a rise in students opting for the new Digital Technology qualification. In England, T level results show a significant increase in students taking digital pathways, indicating a growing interest in digital skills.
Adamson highlighted the importance of diverse pathways in computing and digital skills at schools and colleges, as they play a crucial role in attracting a more diverse range of entrants to the computing professions. Increasing diversity in the tech industry is essential for meeting the future needs of the UK economy.
While the overall increase in people studying computer science is a positive development, there is still a pressing need for more skilled individuals to meet the demands of the digital future. The decline in the number of girls taking GCSE-level computing in England since 2015 is concerning, and efforts must be made to broaden the curriculum to encourage more girls to pursue computing.
In conclusion, the growth in the number of women studying computing at degree level is a step in the right direction, but there is still work to be done to close the gender gap in this field. Encouraging more girls to pursue computing from an early age and providing diverse pathways in digital skills are essential for meeting the future needs of the tech industry and the UK economy as a whole.