More British female students consider college science courses

The number of female students in Britain considering university courses in science, technology, engineering and math is increasing, a survey found. The increase in the last seven years has been greater than for male students, the survey by Cambridge Occupational Analysts found. Figures for combined sciences show a 19 percent rise in the proportion of high school students expressing enthusiasm for the subject, compared to an 11 percent increase rise for male students, it found. The positive findings suggest efforts to increase young women's enthusiasm for studies in science and engineering fields may be working, Joyce Lane, joint director of COA, said. "The survey shows that girls are beginning to respond positively to the message that they can perform as well as boys in Stem (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects and aim for rewarding careers in related professions, such as engineering," Lane told the Guardian. "They were starting from a relatively low base, and women are still under-represented in these subject areas," she said. "Nevertheless, these are promising signs. We can expect to see more young women graduating with Stem degrees in the coming years."