Access and Dropout in Engineering and Architecture Studies. A Preliminary Study with a Gender Perspective

Engineering and architecture studies in Spain suffer a lack of enrollment that has been increasing last years, especially for women. This study tries to delve into the main reasons that lead young people to access engineering and architecture degrees, the primary sources of support when they decide to start these studies and what are the possible causes of dropout. By understanding these factors, we will be able to increase the interest and attractiveness of engineering and architecture degrees among young people, prevent the high dropout rate and facilitate the continuity of the students in their studies. The study was carried on for the whole sample and also separated the responses by gender to impulse a bigger presence of women. The results show “personal interest” as the leading cause for initiating these studies for both men and women. However, there is a wider variety of other reasons for women. “Family” is the primary support for this decision, especially for women. Regarding the primary reason for thinking about leaving studies, especially for women, “academic reasons” are the main difficulty.