Computer Science, like many other STEM subjects, often struggles to attract a range of students to study the discipline. Fortunately, our Department of Computer Science are proud to have a diverse staff and student base and are continuing to engage in a range of activities to further improve and attract more women to the subject.

Computer Science is a very exciting field with promising career prospects and applications in a variety of areas. Ranging from potential medical treatment via water distribution to understanding the news, financial markets, astronomy and climate-modelling, Computer Science is much more than just ‘coding’. To highlight these opportunities, particularly for women and girls, our Department of Computer Science has recently launched a series of short videos to inspire others, showcasing a number of routes into the subject.

Anna McCartain a 2nd year Computer Science Undergraduate shares her story in the first video. Anna explores how her passion for dance and music at school meant she initially didn’t consider STEM or Computer Science, until she was inspired by her physics teacher and encouraged by her boss in her part-time job. She continues to pursue her musical interests alongside her studies during her time at University of Manchester, proving that it’s not a choice between science or the arts.

To hear more about Anna and other members of the Department for Computer Science at the University of Manchester, visit their blog.