When studies start again in just a few weeks, there will be even more female students on IT programmes than in previous years. Trends are moving upwards throughout Denmark, but the increase at Aarhus University is higher than the Danish average. A statement from the Danish Association of IT Professionals recently showed that admissions of women to IT programmes have increased by 21 per cent since 2016. Admissions of women to IT degree programmes at Aarhus University have increased by 31 per cent since 2016.

"It’s gratifying that women have become more aware of the many opportunities in IT degree programmes. The business community urgently needs IT experts, so students will find they are much in demand when they finish their studies," says Finn Borchsenius, vice-dean for education at Science and Technology.

Having both men and women is crucial for the working environment on the programmes and later in the labour market,” says Finn Borchsenius.

"IT solutions permeate all areas of society, and it’s important that women also contribute to developing the solutions we need," he continues.

The Department of Computer Science has focused on attracting more women to its IT programmes, among other things by offering an IT camp for girls to upper secondary school students, which this year will be held for the 14th successive year. Kaj Grønbæk, head of department, is very pleased that more and more women are applying for IT programmes.

"The IT sector is keen that we should educate more people, and if we only recruit from half of the population, we won’t ever be able to meet their needs. So we're very pleased that women have seen the good career opportunities in taking an IT programme," says Kaj Grønbæk.

Kaj Grønbæk hopes that the trend will continue in the years to come, because there is still some way to go before there is a gender balance, especially in relation to the most technical IT programmes.

"The 31 per cent increase is extremely positive. But if we are to have a more equal gender balance, we’ll have to maintain the trend for a few years yet. Of course, we hope that the increase will also have a knock-on effect, so that even more girls join the degree programmes. We want to put an end to prejudices that IT is just for nerdy boys," says Kaj Grønbæk.

A total of 644 future students have been offered a place on one of Aarhus University's IT programmes, of whom 171 are women.

There are still a few places available on some of the degree programmes.

For more information, please contact:

Vice-Dean Finn Borchsenius, Tel. +45 2381 5322, finn.borchsenius@au.dk

Kaj Grønbæk, head of department, Department of Computer Science, Tel. +45  2149 5634, kgronbak@cs.au.dk

FACTS:

IT degree programmes at Aarhus University: Computer Science, IT Product Development, Data Science, MSc in Engineering degree programmes in Computer Engineering and in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering degree programmes in Information Technology, in Healthcare Technology Engineering, as well as in Information Studies and in Digital Design. See more at bachelor.au.dk/laes-it (in Danish only)