The popularity of AI and advancements in digital technology are leading to a surge in the number of students applying to study computing courses at universities in the UK. According to Ucas, the university admissions service, there has been a 9.5% increase in applications to computing courses by 18-year-olds since last year. This rise in interest can be attributed to the growing influence of AI, with students being inspired by developments like ChatGPT.
As of the June 30 deadline for applications, there were a total of 94,870 applications from 18-year-olds to study computing in the UK. This number has increased from 86,630 last year and 71,150 in 2021. The demand for software engineering courses has increased by 16%, while computer science (11% increase), artificial intelligence (4% increase), and computer games and animation (2% increase) have also seen higher application numbers compared to last year.
Clare Marchant, the chief executive of Ucas, stated that changes in the world around us often result in increased demand for certain courses. This was seen with the rise in applications for economics after the financial crisis in 2008, as well as for medicine and nursing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Marchant believes that the increasing interest in studying computing is due to the rise of digital technology and AI.
Overall, there have been 195,690 applications to computing courses from applicants of all ages and countries, which is a 9% increase compared to 2022. Rashik Parmar, the chief executive of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, commented on the trend, highlighting that teenagers in the UK are aware that AI will have a lasting impact on the world. Parmar believes that young people are applying for computing degrees because they want to contribute to and shape the future influenced by AI.
However, Ucas data shows that the overall number of 18-year-old school and college leavers in the UK applying to undergraduate courses has decreased this year. There were 319,570 applicants, down from the record high of 326,190 in 2022. Multiple factors, such as geopolitics, the economy, the job market, and the cost of living crisis, are influencing application numbers.
A recent report suggested that the rise of AI could significantly boost the UK economy, generating £200 billion in additional revenues. However, HR professionals in the media and marketing industry are concerned that AI could lead to job displacement at a faster rate than it creates new opportunities.
In conclusion, the increasing popularity of AI and digital technology has led to a rise in the number of students applying to study computing courses at universities in the UK. This trend reflects the growing recognition of AI’s impact on various sectors, as well as students’ desire to shape the future influenced by AI. While the overall number of applicants for undergraduate courses has decreased, the demand for computing degrees continues to grow. The influence of factors such as geopolitics, the economy, and the cost of living crisis cannot be ignored when analyzing application numbers. Despite concerns about job displacement, AI is seen as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation in the UK.
