There has been a shift towards technology-based degrees in the past year, according to UCAS data which shows the growing popularity of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Acceptances in the 2020 application cycle for computer science courses have risen by almost 50 per cent - from 20,420 in 2011 to 30,090 in 2020 - while acceptances to engineering courses are up 21 per cent from 25,995 in 2011 to 31,545 in 2020.

The data also showed acceptances to the newer AI courses have seen a 400 per cent rise in the past decade, increasing from 65 in 2011 to 355 in 2020.

In contrast, UCAS said humanities subjects have decreased in popularity, with acceptances for English studies seeing a decrease from 10,020 acceptances in 2011 to 6,980 this year, while history and philosophical studies acceptances shrank from 15,060 in 2011 to 12,870.

“A growing and diverse pipeline of talent in Computer Science and AI is essential for the UK’s economic recovery and its global competitiveness,” said Julia Adamson, director of education at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. “The establishment of the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) is giving more young people a positive experience of computing at school and helping to create demand for the subject at degree level and beyond.”

“AI degrees will attract an ever-wider range of students because this subject is vital to solving ethical challenges in every sector of the economy and society.”

She added: “BCS has supported universities since computing was first taught at degree level, and we’re still helping them today to embed ethical and professional good practice in Machine Learning and Data Science courses.”

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