UCAS data shows shift toward engineering degrees

The application and acceptance data for the 2020 cycle has revealed that STEM subjects are continuing to increase in popularity with acceptance to computer science courses rising from 20,420 in 2011 to 30,090 in 2020 and acceptances to engineering degrees up from 25,995 in 2011 to 31,545 in 2020.

Lydia Amarquaye, education policy adviser at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, described the figures as encouraging, adding that the IMechE hopes to see a further increase as young people see the value and employability of engineers through their response to challenges prevented by the pandemic.

“In Engineering UK’s briefing paper Young People and Covid-19, it was seen that young people were generally more aware of the role that engineers played in the effort to combat the pandemic. Some were also more aware of the importance of having a job that enabled them to make a positive societal contribution,” Amarquaye said.