The gap between young women and men choosing Computing degrees in the UK is the smallest it has ever been, analysis by the professional body for IT has found.
Eighteen-year-old UK women make up 19.6% of students accepted to Computing courses this year, according to analysis by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. This is up from 18.9% last year and part of a long-term trend towards stronger representation in areas like AI, where reducing bias is key to safe outcomes. The male-to-female ratio has fallen below 4:1 for the first time (3.9:1), down from 5.3:1 in 2019.
In total, 14,570 UK 18-year-olds have been placed on degree courses in Computing – the second highest number on record, with 2024 higher by 7%. Computing remains in the top 10 most popular subjects for UK 18-year-olds, ranking ninth out of 21 subject groups. Computing makes up 5.7% of all applications, down from 6.4% last year.
Regional UCAS trends show a 6% fall in acceptances in England, 11% in Scotland, and 19% in Wales, while Northern Ireland saw a 13% increase.
A-Level results for Computing in England show overall entries down 2% compared to 2024 (18,804 vs 19,276), but female entries rose by 4% (3,522 vs 3,393). Females continue to outperform males at all grades, with 28% achieving A or A* compared to 24% of males. The gender ratio improved to 4.3:1 from 4.7:1 last year.
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In Wales, entries for Computing and Digital Technology dropped 15% and 18% respectively, totalling 808 students (964 in 2024). In Northern Ireland, entries for Digital Technology and Software Systems Development each fell by 4% to 864 students (897 in 2024). Scotland saw increases, with Higher Computing Science entries up 6% and Advanced Higher up 9%, though the gender ratio remains around 3.8:1.
T-Level uptake in digital subjects grew strongly, with total entries across the three pathways up 42% (1,938 vs 1,364). Digital Business Services rose 57%, Digital Production, Design and Development 42%, and Digital Support Services 40%. Female participation in these T-Levels rose by 68% (211 vs 126) compared to 39% for males (1,709 vs 1,233). While the male-to-female ratio remains high at 8:1, this is an improvement from 10:1 last year.
Julia Adamson MBE, Executive Director for Education and Public Benefit at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT said: "A computing degree gives young people influence over the way the world will develop and the direction society will take. I’m excited that young women are seizing their future in greater numbers – especially in areas like AI where diversity is vital to ensure decisions and outcomes are good for everyone. We need this momentum to accelerate.”
Dr Nicky Danino, Head of the School, Computer Science, at Leeds Trinity University, and a BCS Council member said: “Breaking the 4:1 barrier should be a turning point for representation of young women in computer science in the UK. Though there is lots of work still to be done, it suggests that years of work to inspire girls into tech are paying off – and a sign that the future of innovation will be shaped by a more diverse generation of talent.”
