This article was written by Yzabelle Bostyn, a student writer based in Sheffield.

Key takeaways

  • Male-dominated degrees include engineering, computer science, and physics
  • Some industries aim to balance gender ratios
  • Scholarships may be available for underrepresented groups
Everyone says that the sciences are full of men whilst languages and the arts are full of women, but which subjects really are the sausage fests? We’re looking at the list of degrees with the highest percentage of male students released by Higher Education Statistics Agency, and how this might actually change in the future.

1. Engineering: 79.5%

Engineering: 79.5%
Source: Canva
It probably isn’t a surprise to anyone that engineering degrees are greatly male-orientated. However, as girls begin to overtake boys studying sciences at A-Level (49.7% vs. 50.3%), we would like to think that  the gender imbalance within engineering will change. Hope comes from Elizabeth Donnelly, CEO of the Women’s Engineering Society, who has said that the intake of women increased by a fifth between 2020-2021, which is definitely a plus.

2. Computing: 77.2%

Computing: 77.2%
Source: Canva
With an increase of a thousand new A-Level students studying computing, you might have thought that more women would be studying computing at a university level. At A-Level, the amount of women remains low, at around 2000 female students vs. 11 thousand male. The pattern repeats at university with Computing degrees being made up of almost 80% of male students. However, universities such as Durham are making efforts to increase their female cohorts by doubling their intake of women last year. Hopefully this is a trend we will see in many places.

3. Maths: 62.9%

Maths: 62.9%
Source: Canva
Recent studies have revealed disparities in not only the intake of women and men on Maths courses, but also people’s confidence level in the subject. Initiatives are being put in place to help women, as math degrees still have one of the highest percentages of male students; hopefully changing things in the near future.

4. Architecture: 61.5%

Architecture: 61.5%
Source: Canva
According to the Architects Registration board, as of 2019, the gender split between architects under 30 was exactly 50/50. This is a steep change from the 71% vs. 29% when all ages are considered. Hopefully, the rates of male and female students will also begin to even out and further contribute to the positive change already seen in the sector.

5. Physical Sciences: 56.25%

Physical Sciences: 56.25%
Source: Canva
Physical sciences include chemistry, geology, psychics, astronomy and more. This field is heavily male dominated with a 59.41% male student population. However, more females are taking subjects allied to medicine and related sciences.

6. Business and Management: 52.9%

Business and Management: 52.9%
Source: Canva
Although the gap is closing, more needs to be done to promote the role of women in business. The Women in Business Network is just one example of this. They encourage women to connect and provide positive role models for women considering this career path. We can’t wait to see a female Elon Musk on the horizon.

7. Biological Sciences: 50.3% per cent

Biological Sciences: 50.3% per cent
Source: Canva
Biological sciences such as medicine, biology and biomed, are steadily climbing with the number of women on their courses. Despite evidence that women regularly outperform men in STEM subjects, shoutout to all our brainy ladies out there, there is still a gender inequality to address. However, this could change soon as more females are gaining science A-Levels. Although this list represented the degrees with the highest percentage of male students, lots of other degrees are dominated by females.
Aminah Barnes
Aminah Barnes – Manchester Metropolitan University
Topic expertise: University & Degree choice, Applications, Travel and Student life

FAQs on Male-Dominated University Degrees

The most male-dominated degrees include Engineering (around 79.5% male), Computing (77.2%), Maths (62.9%), Architecture (61.5%), and Physical Sciences (59.4%). These fields remain heavily male despite campaigns to attract more female students.

These subjects have long been influenced by male stereotypes, fewer female role models, and a historic lack of encouragement for girls in STEM. Schools, universities, and employers are now working to challenge these barriers and promote gender diversity in tech and engineering.

Yes. UK universities, companies, and organisations like WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) and STEM Learning offer scholarships, mentoring, and networking events to support women entering male-heavy degrees such as engineering, computing, and physics.

The gap is slowly closing, especially in computing and engineering, with more young women choosing STEM A levels and degrees each year. However, men still significantly outnumber women in most technical subjects, and progress remains gradual.

Yes. Engineering and Computer Science graduates consistently earn above-average starting salaries and enjoy high employability. Careers in technology, engineering, and finance are some of the most lucrative for UK graduates.

Institutions with a strong STEM and engineering focus such as Imperial College London, Cranfield University, and Heriot-Watt University have some of the highest male student ratios, often above 60% male enrolment overall.

Not always. Entry difficulty depends more on subject demand and the university’s reputation than gender balance. For example, Computer Science at Oxford or Imperial is very competitive, while some other computing courses have lower grade offers despite being male-heavy.

No. Many employers are actively trying to improve gender balance and welcome women into technical roles. Companies in tech and engineering now run graduate schemes and mentorship programmes aimed at female graduates to diversify their workforce.

Some women report feeling underrepresented in lectures or labs, but support networks, women-in-STEM societies, and mentoring programmes are increasingly available to help create a more inclusive environment.

Yes. More girls are taking STEM subjects at A level and university, and outreach initiatives are growing. Tech and engineering companies are also investing in diversity programmes, suggesting the gender gap will continue to narrow over the coming years.

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Authors

  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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