Job prospects for recent UK graduates in computer science and economics may be affected by artificial intelligence, according to a detailed analysis of their careers. Data for the 2027 Guardian University Guide, published today, indicates that coding and software development were the fastest-falling occupations for graduates last year.
The proportion of computer science graduates securing professional jobs as coders or programmers dropped from approximately 40% to 28% last year. The overall proportion of computer science graduates entering any graduate-level occupation has also fallen, from more than 60% two years ago to 50%.
Experts suggest that graduates aiming for these fields might be among the first to experience the direct impact of AI. Charlie Ball, head of labour market intelligence for Jisc, noted signs that computer science graduates are diversifying into related roles like cybersecurity and network engineering.
Similarly, economics graduates, who previously saw strong employer demand, are also experiencing changes in their job prospects. Some finance employers are reportedly changing jobs rather than replacing them with AI, expecting new hires to have familiarity with the technology.
The University of Birmingham is reportedly helping students prepare for the evolving labour market by integrating employer-demanded skills into its courses and offering an option for undergraduates to add an "intercalated year" in subjects such as AI and data science.