Software developer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• a graduate training scheme

University

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

• computer science
• information technology
• software development
• financial technology
• software engineering for business
• maths

Entry requirements:

• 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

College

You could do a college course, such as:

• A Level in Computing
• Level 3 Certificate in Programming
• T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
• Higher National Certificate in Computing

After your course, you could complete a more advanced qualification, such as a higher apprenticeship. You could also get a trainee position with a company.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship such as:

• software development technician advanced apprenticeship
• software developer higher apprenticeship
• DevOps engineer higher apprenticeship
• digital and technology solutions professional or specialist degree apprenticeship
• game programmer degree apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

• 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

OtherRoutes

You may be able to apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with a company if you have a degree.

These are often open to all graduates, not just people with a degree in a computing subject.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• analytical thinking skills
• maths knowledge for understanding programming
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• complex problem-solving skills
• excellent verbal communication skills for sharing ideas
• persistence and determination
• the ability to write computer programs
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of systems analysis and development
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• design skills and knowledge
• operations analysis skills
• customer service skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Software developers design, build and test computer programmes.

You could:

• find out what the client and the development team want
• take part in technical design meetings
• write or amend computer code
• test software to find and fix problems
• keep accurate records of the changes you've made
• check software before it's released
• maintain and support systems once they're up and running

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

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £70,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• become a senior developer
• take responsibility for your team or a project
• move into related areas, such as systems design, IT architecture and business systems analysis
• set up your own business
• work as a consultant

You may find opportunities to work internationally by travelling overseas or working remotely.