You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• computer games design
• computer games development
• computer science
• interactive media
• mathematics

If you'd like a job that includes game design as well as programming, you could do a foundation degree or degree in a subject like animation or graphic design.

You may have an advantage when you look for work if you do a degree that includes a work placement.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a college course before moving on to a higher level qualification. It may help you to get a trainee position with a development company.

Courses include:

• computing
• creative media and games development
• T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do a Higher Apprenticeship to get into this role, such as:

• Software Developer Level 4
• Junior VFX Artist or Assistant Technical Director Level 4
• Game Programmer Level 7

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 could start with a company as a games tester if you play a lot of games.

You'll usually need a computing qualification or some relevant work experience. Employers will also be interested in your talent and creative ideas.

You'll need:

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

As a games developer, you could work in a number of specialisms from gameplay programming to virtual reality (VR). You could:

• work with level designers and graphic artists
• decide what a game will look like and how it will be played
• create concept art, drawings or storyboards at the planning stage
• use computer modelling and animation software to make characters and scenes
• add audio and sound effects
• write code to programme the game
• fix problems and 'bugs' that testers have found

You could work in a creative studio or in an office.