What are you looking for

£31,000 Starter

Average salary (a year)

£60,000 Experienced

Average salary (a year)

37 to 40 a week

Typical hours (a week)

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this job

You can get into this job through:

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

University

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

  • computer science
  • software engineering
  • computer applications development
  • mathematics
  • financial technology

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

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant:

  • software developer higher apprenticeship
  • creative digital design professional degree apprenticeship

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

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

Other Routes

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 with any degree, not just degrees in IT. You start as a junior developer and get training on the job.

What it takes

Find out what skills you will use in this role

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

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

What you will do

Discover the day to day takes you'll do in this role

Day-to-day tasks

You may:

  • develop new apps or create 'mobile-friendly' versions of websites
  • work with other developers, designers and copywriters
  • design prototypes to suit client needs
  • write or amend computer code
  • test software, find faults and fix problems
  • write accurate notes about the development process
  • keep up to date with new technology trends and tools

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and profession

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities

There are opportunities to work in most sectors and industries, such as business, finance, cyber security, telecommunications and healthcare:

You could:

  • move into system analysis
  • get promoted to a senior app developer or project manager
  • become self-employed to do contract work

Explore a range of careers from all sectors in the careers directory.