The study from the Cambridge Occupational Analysts (COA), university and career experts, suggests that the growth of female students considering STEM courses and university streams is larger than that of their male counterparts.
“Our survey results suggest that girls are beginning to respond positively to the message that they can perform as well as boys in STEM subjects and aim for rewarding careers in related professions such as engineering,” said COA joint director Joyce Lane.
The areas showing the biggest increase in female interest in the last seven years (compared to male interests) include general engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, chemistry, biology and combined sciences. However, interest in these subjects have generally been increasing for both sexes.
| Study | % Increase Male | % Increase Female |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 5 | 10 |
| Electrical/ Electronic Engineering |
13 | 27 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 10 | 18 |
| Combined Sciences | 11 | 19 |
| Chemical Technologies | 8 | 11 |
| Biochemistry | 12 | 14 |
| Chemistry | 7 | 9 |
| Biological Technologies | 8 | 10 |
| Chemical Engineering | 6 | 9 |
| Physics | 14 | 14 |
“It must be remembered that they were starting from a relatively low base, and women are still under-represented in these subjects areas,” reminded Lane. “Nevertheless, these are promising signs and it appears that we can expect to see more young women graduating with STEM degrees in the coming years. We can only hope that firms will respond to this trend by ensuring there are attractive career opportunities for female as well as male STEM graduates.”
Lane’s hope is particularly fitting for this group, as the study suggests students are looking to enlist into courses that are considered “harder” or perceived to have better job prospects. In comparison, art/crafts, surveying, hospitality/institutional management and media have all been taking a hit in interests.
It should be noted, however, that last year in UK high schools there were almost two times as many boys taking A-level math compared to girls, and almost five times more boys taking A-level physics. Similarly, in the universities, only a quarter of math undergraduates and 16% of engineering undergraduates are women.
As momentum is increasing, now more than ever an effort to entice the interests of women in engineering, like that found in GoldieBlox, must remain a priority.
Source Cambridge Occupational Analysts