The Tech Generation: A Surge in Computing Courses
Well, it seems the tech bug has bitten the youth. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) reports that more school-leavers than ever are opting for computing courses. And why wouldn’t they? With the digital and AI revolution in full swing, it’s no wonder that 18-year-olds are drawn to the allure of the tech world.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to UCAS, applications to study computing have seen a near 10% increase compared to 2022. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Despite the surge, computing only ranks as the seventh most popular area of higher education study.
Subjects like medicine, social sciences, biological and sports sciences, and engineering and technology still hold more appeal. But hey, the tech world is catching up. The number of students applying for computer-related courses has been on a steady incline since 2019.
The Rising Stars: Software Engineering and Computer Science
This year, software engineering took the lead with a 16% rise in applications. Not far behind, computer science saw an 11% increase. Even computer games and animation, and artificial intelligence (AI) saw a rise in interest.
The Driving Force
UCAS chief executive Clare Marchant attributes this increased interest to the growing public conversation around technology and artificial intelligence. And she’s not wrong. With the world around us changing at a breakneck speed, it’s only natural for students to gravitate towards fields that promise a future-proof career.
The Digital Natives
Chris Derrick, deputy headteacher at Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow, points out that today’s students are “digital natives”. They’ve grown up with technology at their fingertips, honing their skills from a young age. With resources like YouTube and ChatGPT, they can explore their passions and learn at their own pace.
The Gender Gap
But it’s not all rosy. The tech field continues to be a male-dominated space. Only 18% of applications for computer-related studies came from female students. While this is a slight increase from previous years, it’s clear that there’s still a long way to go in achieving gender parity in tech.
The Final Word
In the end, it’s heartening to see the younger generation embracing the tech revolution. As Vanessa Wilson from the University Alliance puts it, “The rise in the popularity of computing may well be a response to increasing awareness of the role of technologies such as AI, as well as a strong desire from students to develop what they see as future-proof skills.”
