How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
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
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College
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 Software Development
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Higher Apprenticeship to get into this career, such as:
- Software Developer Level 4
- Junior VFX Artist or Assistant Technical Director Level 4
- Game Programmer Level 7 - postgraduate level
Foundation apprenticeship
You may be able to start in a junior or assistant developer role by doing a Software and Data Level 2 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
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
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.
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Career tips
You can create a portfolio of work or online demo to highlight your skills to potential employers.
You can get information on how to start creating your own games from Into Games.
You can also search for games companies and educational institutions, offering courses in digital gaming, on the UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE) games map.
Further information
You can get more advice about working in games development from ScreenSkills and Into Games.