Software Developer

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course

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

• computer science
• information technology
• software engineering
• maths

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
• Dev Ops 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.

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 a computing.

“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.”

“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.”

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

• programming languages
• project management

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

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

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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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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