Software Developer

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

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

College

You could do a college course, which may lead onto more advanced qualifications or a higher apprenticeship, or help you to get a trainee position with a company. Courses include:

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

Entry Requirements

You may need:

• 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 a software developer higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship in software engineering.

You could also complete a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

Entry Requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 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 a company if you have a degree. These are often open to non-IT graduates as well as those with a computing qualification.

You’ll need the following 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
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications