One in four computer students is now female, new research shows – but the gender gap remains widening in the UK Tech pipeline
The proportion of women studying for computing degrees in the UK has risen by 25 per cent for the first time, according to the highest data agency (hesa) of the internet hosting platform.
The study, which examined gender representation across five years of engineering, engineering and technology degrees, highlights slow but steady progress in efforts to transform the Tech Talent pipeline. However, these statistics also outline how far, men continue to dominate the education and workforce, with 70.4 percent of information and communication roles currently held by male employees.
Female representation in computing degrees increases from 20% to 25% in five years
The research shows the above trends:
• In 2019/20, women made up 19.9% of all computer students
• in 2023/4, that number had risen to 25.3%, with 48,415 women registered
Total student numbers have increased over time, but growth in female participation has outpaced that of male students.
Progress is also evident at the undergraduate level. Women now create:
• 19.8% in engineering and technical sub-technics (up from 18.2% in 2019/20)
• 21.1% of computing undergraduates (up from 17.1% in the same period)
These changes are often small but encouraging indicators of cultural and structural shifts in university programs.
The workforce has been strengthened by men
Despite advances in education, the UK’s tech workforce remains gender neutral. ASS data shows that 70% of jobs in 70% of information and communication are held by men – the highest internal rate in the last five years.
The submission warns that apart from accelerating progress in primary education, the risk of industry is promoting the fragmentation of concentrated talent.
‘Start early, model partnerships, build community’: Insights from a female computer science student
Go and talk to Aurelia Brzezowska, a BSC Computer Science student at Staffordshire University, who says that despite the improvements, female students still feel counted out.
“I’ve estimated the male-to-male ratio in my study to be closer to 1:9,” he said. “That would make you feel like a minority.”
BrzeZorwka believes that change most needs to start before the university.
“To increase the visibility of women, we need to start early. Show more female role models and teachers in primary and secondary schools. Build clubs that support the little.” Higher education cannot do everything. “
She added that targeted programs, academics and partnerships with women in technology organizations can make a big difference.
“I wouldn’t have stayed on my path if certain teachers had encouraged me to be the change I want to see.”
Go Deploplow’s analysis reveals that representation is improving, but slowly. The organization says more systematic interventions are needed across schools, universities and employers, especially as the UK continues to have a critical digital skills shortage.
