AI may be denting computer science graduates' job prospects, UK data shows
New UK data suggests artificial intelligence may be weakening job prospects for computer science and economics graduates, as coding and finance-related roles saw sharp declines last year. Experts link the trend to AI's growing ability to handle coding and analysis quickly and cheaply.
Data compiled for the 2027 Guardian University Guide, published on Saturday, shows that coding and software development were the fastest-falling occupations among UK graduates last year. Employer demand also dropped for well-paid roles such as economists and management consultants.
According to Matt Hiely-Rayner, director of the Intelligent Metrix consultancy that compiles the guide, the share of computer science graduates finding professional coding or programming jobs fell from roughly 40% to just 28% over the past year. The proportion entering any graduate-level occupation also dropped, from over 60% two years ago to 50%.
Hiely-Rayner said it was difficult not to link this trend to AI's ability to perform cheap, responsive work in the field.
Survey findings and expert reaction
The graduate outcomes survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, collected responses from more than 350,000 former students 15 months after completing their courses in 2024.
Charlie Ball, head of labour market intelligence at Jisc, the UK's education and research data agency, said computer science graduates appeared to be shifting toward related fields such as cybersecurity and network engineering. He noted that something clearly changed in the software developer labour market last year, and while direct evidence for AI's role is limited, it is hard to escape that conclusion.
Economics graduates, who previously enjoyed strong demand, have seen similar shifts. Ball said finance employers generally describe AI as changing job roles rather than replacing them outright, expecting new hires to be familiar with AI tools — though some employers are more willing to take risks and cut staff.
The Guardian's rankings place Oxford, Cambridge and the London School of Economics at the top overall. The University of Birmingham also rose to its highest-ever position, 14th, driven by improved student satisfaction.
