Artificial Intelligence trend drives study in computing – UCAS

School-leavers are choosing computing courses in record numbers, according to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

This year’s application data showed 18-year-olds were increasingly inspired to study computing “thanks to the rise of digital and AI”, UCAS chief executive Clare Marchant said.

Applications to study computing were up almost 10% compared to 2022.

However, it was only the seventh most popular area of higher education study.

While nearly 95,000 students applied for courses in computer and AI related courses, almost twice that number applied to study business and management. More than 125,000 applied for design, creative and performing arts courses.

Subjects allied to medicine, social sciences, biological and sports sciences, and engineering and technology were all more popular than computing.

However, the numbers applying for computer-related courses have risen every year since 2019, UCAS said.

This year software engineering saw the steepest rise in applications, up 16% compared to last year. Computer science attracted 11% more applicants. There was a 2% rise in students applying to study computer games and animation, and 4% in artificial intelligence (AI).

The increased interest in computing courses may in part be down to a growing public conversation around technology and artificial intelligence, Ms Marchant said.