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

• computer science
• information technology
• software development
• financial technology
• software engineering
• 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

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

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
• DevOps 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.

Entry requirements

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.

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

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.