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Computers: Graduates

Answer

[holding answer 14 July 2008]: The latest available information is given in the table. Comparable figures for the 2007-08 academic year will be available in January 2009.

Number of First Degree Qualifiers¹ in Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences and Physics: UK higher education institutions²
Subject of study	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06	2006-07
Computer Science³	18,240	20,010	19,775	18,495	16,255
Mathematical Sciences4	5,100	5,150	4,990	5,260	5,385
Physics	2,205	2,180	2,225	2,345	2,255
¹ Figures cover qualifiers of all domiciles and all modes of study.
² Figures exclude those qualifying from the Open University due to inconsistencies in their method of recording subject of study over the time period.
³ Computer Science as a subject area includes the following principal subjects: Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Others in Computing Science.
4 Mathematical Sciences as a subject area includes the following principal subjects: Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics, Others in Mathematical and Computing Sciences, Others " Mathematical Sciences, Balanced Combination of Maths Sciences and informatics.
Note:
Figures have been rounded to the nearest five.
Source:
Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record.

The STEM programme aims to increase the number of young people taking up post-16 qualifications in the area of STEM, which includes ICT. By ensuring that more young people are going into mathematics and the sciences at post-16 we are enabling more people to take up degrees and other HE qualifications in ICT and computing fields.64 per cent. of computing graduates work in STEM jobs. This is slightly higher than all STEM graduates (48 per cent.), which suggests that either there is slightly higher demand for computing graduates so that computing graduates are more likely to have the right skills that employers are looking for than other STEM graduates. Five per cent. of e-skills employers have skills-shortage vacancies, the same as the UK average. There are still some 36 per cent. of computing graduates or 73,000 individuals not working in a STEM job, who could be used to overcome any excess demand.I am encouraged by the range of contact currently taking place between the Sector Skills Council (e-skills UK). The Higher Education Funding Council for England and the higher education sector to ensure their IT and computing courses continue to meet the needs of industry. The ITMB degree framework helps prepare undergraduates for the changing rote of the IT professional by providing them with the technology and business skills employers need. E-skills are also supporting activity in schools such as the 14-19 Diploma in Information Technology and Computer Clubs for Girls which improve the information available to pupils and can help drive demand for computer science courses.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

218731; 479 c1303W

Session

2007-08

Subjects

Computers Graduates ICT Science Mathematics Physics

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk