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Summary

Among entrants into mathematical degrees in English and Scottish universities in 1985–87 the proportion of women varied greatly between universities and was generally higher in Scotland than in England. Among English universities those with higher A-level requirements had lower proportions of women mathematicians, probably as a direct result of the smaller proportion of women available with the proper qualifications for entry. The speculation that women might be discouraged from studying mathematics at particular universities that are technologically orientated or have higher entry requirements is examined with quite crude data but not supported. Sex differences in mathematics degree results are small but show a pattern found in other studies, namely greater variation in attainment for men than for women.

mathematics degrees, sex differences

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© 1992 Royal Statistical Society
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