Software Developer

Explore the different ways to get into this role. You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in:

• computer science
• information technology
• software engineering
• maths

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills needed to get a trainee position, or to move onto further study. Courses include:

• computing
• computer science
• programming
• principles of coding
• T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level.

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Software Development Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Software Developer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• DevOps Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Digital and Technology Solutions Professional L6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Game Programmer Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete. They combine on-the-job training with time spent at a college or other learning provider.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with an IT company, if you have a degree. These are often open to graduates of any subject, not just people with a degree in computing.

Real career story

Working in healthcare: “My professional background is rooted in the healthcare field. My journey began at the age of 18 when I took on the role of an ambulance technician in Italy. After I finished my BSc in adult nursing, I made the decision to relocate to the UK, where I worked as an intensive care nurse within the NHS.”

Decision to change careers: “After a total of 19 years in healthcare and a lot more to work before retirement, I started to realise that I fancied a career change. I came across web development by chance as I wanted to create a website for a side project I was working on. I got instantly hooked and I really wanted web development to become my career.”

“I took an 8-month full time course through a tech academy that gave me a good foundation to start my new career as a software developer.”

“I currently work as a software developer. It’s a challenging role but it’s definitely worth it. I work with amazing people that support me and encourage me to constantly improve. In the future I would like to move to a more senior role and to be able to support other developers at the start of their career.”

More Information

You could build up your skills and knowledge using online learning resources for:

• programming languages
• project management

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in computing from:

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• analytical thinking skills to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• maths knowledge for understanding programming
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• complex problem-solving skills
• excellent verbal communication skills for sharing ideas
• knowledge of systems analysis and development
• the ability to write computer programs
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a software developer, you could:

• discuss client requirements and potential development ideas
• work with a technical team to form design plans and timescales
• write or update computer code
• test software at each stage or iteration to find and fix problems
• make sure software meets industry quality standards
• record changes made, with reasons, at each stage of development
• complete final checks before a product is released for use
• maintain and support systems once they’re up and running

Working environment

You could work in an office, from home, remotely or at a client’s business.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• become a senior developer, leading a team
• move into related areas, such as systems design, IT architecture and business systems analysis
• set up your own company and work as a consultant

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