The Department for Education says the change is intended to reflect the "importance of computer science to both education and the economy".

BBC: Computer science part of English Baccalaureate

Other students are turning toward computer science because of a change in social mores: A backlash against Wall Street bailouts means careers in the financial sector may now carry a negative stigma, said Adam Cannon, associate chair for undergraduate education in Columbia's department of computer science.

WSJ: Students Shift to Computer Science

To qualify the candidates will need a good understanding of computer science concepts such as algorithms, logic, data networks and the internet, according to the Department for Education.

BBC: Computer science teachers offered cash incentive