How to become a software developer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- a graduate training scheme
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in:
- computer science
- information technology
- software development
- financial technology
- software engineering for business
- 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
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College
You could do a college course, which may lead onto more advanced qualifications or a higher apprenticeship, or help you to get a trainee position with a company. Courses include:
- A Level in Computing
- Level 3 Certificate in Programming
- T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
- Higher National Certificate in Computing
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma
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Apprenticeship
You could take an apprenticeship such as:
- Software development technician advanced apprenticeship
- Software developer higher apprenticeship
- DevOps engineer higher apprenticeship
- Digital and technology solutions professional or specialist degree apprenticeship
- Game programmer degree apprenticeship
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
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Other Routes
You may be able to apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with a company if you have a degree. These are often open to non-IT graduates as well as those with a computing qualification.
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Career tips
You could build up your skills and knowledge using free online learning resources for programming languages, project management and software development methods.
Further information
You can find out more about working and training in computing from The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills.