For women in the UK looking to break into tech, the path forward isn’t always clear. Should you invest years in a traditional computer science degree or take a faster route through a coding bootcamp?
With skills shortages in software, data, and cyber roles across the UK, both options can lead to tech careers. But they offer very different experiences, risks, and outcomes, particularly in today’s competitive job market.
Coding bootcamps promise what many career-changers want most – speed.
Most UK bootcamps run between 8–24 weeks, teaching practical skills in areas like:
For women returning to work, switching careers, or balancing caring responsibilities, bootcamps can feel more achievable than a multi-year degree.
Some UK bootcamps also partner with employers or offer deferred tuition, where you pay after securing a role.
Community insight:
Across online tech communities, many women describe bootcamps as a structured alternative to self-study — particularly helpful for those who struggled to stay motivated learning alone. Others value the confidence boost that comes from building real projects with support.
A computer science or related degree remains the most widely recognised qualification in UK tech hiring.
Benefits of a degree
Degrees are particularly valued in large tech firms, FinTech and cybersecurity, Government and regulated industries.
UK considerations
For women earlier in their careers, or those aiming for long-term flexibility, a degree can still be the safest option.
While bootcamps can work, UK tech forums are clear on one thing – results vary widely.
Common concerns raised by learners include:
In the UK, many entry-level roles receive hundreds of applicants, and employers often use degree requirements as a first filter, even when practical skills matter more.
A bootcamp alone is rarely enough. Successful graduates usually combine it with personal projects, networking, and ongoing learning.
Anonymous discussions online paint a nuanced picture:
Bootcamp optimism
Some bootcamp graduates and learners report that immersive, structured programs help them move past self-study plateaus and build tangible experience, especially when the bootcamp emphasises real projects and mentorship. Many women highlight that structured learning with career support can make the difference between bootcamp success and stagnation.
Bootcamp challenges
Bold voices caution that many bootcamps:
Some professionals argue the tech market has become much harder for bootcamp grads compared with a few years ago; without a degree they may struggle against competition and HR filters that favour formal qualifications. Bootcamps can help you learn coding quickly, but they’re not a magic ticket, you still need grit, projects, networking, and often more learning after graduation.
Criteria
Bootcamp
Degree
Formal qualification
No
Yes
Practical coding ability
Yes
Varies
Paortfolio / GitHub
Essential
Increasingly important
Internship / placement
Rare
Common
Career mobility long-term
Limited
Strong
Many hiring managers say they value problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, but CV screening often still prioritises degrees.
This can disproportionately affect women entering tech later in life, making credentials matter more at the entry level than they arguably should.
A coding bootcamp might work for you if you already have some exposure to coding, need a faster route into junior tech roles, are targeting practical roles like front-end development or data analysis or can commit time to projects and networking after graduation.
A degree might be better if you are starting from scratch, want access to UK graduate schemes, aim for long-term progression into senior or specialised roles or prefer structured academic learning.
Many women succeed through hybrid paths, for example self-study → bootcamp → junior role or degree → bootcamp or short courses to build practical skills.
For women in tech in the UK, the choice between a coding bootcamp and a degree isn’t about which is better, it’s about what fits your life, goals, and risk tolerance.
Bootcamps offer speed and focus, but demand realism and follow-through. Degrees offer credibility and depth, but require time and financial commitment.
Whichever route you choose, success almost always comes down to:
