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AI may be denting computer science graduates’ job prospects, UK data shows
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- DeepHorus
Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape the job market for recent university graduates in the UK, with new data suggesting that computer science and economics graduates are facing declining employment prospects in fields once considered high-demand. Figures obtained for the 2027 Guardian University Guide, published on Saturday, reveal that coding and software development were the fastest-falling occupations for graduates last year. At the same time, employer demand for graduates in well-paid financial roles, such as economists and management consultants, also saw a noticeable decline. Experts believe these trends may mark the first direct impact of AI on the labour market, as AI-powered agents become increasingly capable of producing software and analysis quickly and efficiently.
The data comes from the graduate outcomes survey conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, which gathered responses from more than 350,000 former students 15 months after they completed their courses in 2024. The survey asked detailed questions about their careers since leaving university, providing a comprehensive picture of employment trends. Matt Hiely-Rayner, director of the Intelligent Metrix consultancy, which compiles the Guardian’s guide, highlighted a significant drop in the proportion of computer science graduates finding professional jobs as coders or programmers. That figure fell from about 40% previously to just 28% last year, a sharp decline that suggests a structural shift in the labour market.
Moreover, the proportion of computer science graduates moving into any graduate-level occupation has also declined, from more than 60% two years ago to just 50% now. Hiely-Rayner noted that with AI providing responsive and cheap grunt work in this field, it is hard not to conclude that this trend is behind the change. The findings align with earlier predictions that AI would disrupt the labour market, particularly in roles involving routine coding and data analysis. However, not all experts view the situation as purely negative, as some graduates may be adapting to the changing landscape.
Charlie Ball, head of labour market intelligence for Jisc, the UK’s data and technology agency for education and research, said there are signs that computer science graduates are diversifying into other related roles, such as cybersecurity and network engineering. This shift could indicate that while traditional software development roles are shrinking, new opportunities are emerging in adjacent fields. Ball added that it is clear something did happen to the software developer labour market last year, though the full implications remain uncertain. The data suggests that graduates may need to develop broader skills to remain competitive in an AI-influenced job market.
The implications of these trends are significant for students, universities, and employers alike. Prospective computer science students may need to reconsider their career expectations, while universities might need to adjust curricula to prepare graduates for a more diverse range of roles. For employers, the declining demand for traditional coding roles could lead to a re-evaluation of hiring strategies, focusing more on skills that complement AI rather than compete with it. The findings also raise questions about the long-term value of degrees in fields that are heavily exposed to automation.
Looking ahead, experts expect the impact of AI on graduate employment to grow, as the technology continues to advance and become more integrated into business processes. While some roles may disappear, new ones are likely to emerge, requiring a mix of technical and soft skills. The challenge for graduates will be to stay adaptable and continuously update their skills to meet evolving demands. As the labour market adjusts, the full effects of AI on career prospects will become clearer, but the current data already offers a glimpse of the changes to come.
