Software developer

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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 Software 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Software and Data Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• 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

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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.

Career Tips

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

• programming languages
• project management
• software development methods

Further Information

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

• The Chartered Institute for IT
• techskills
• GOV.UK

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.