How to become
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
- 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 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
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Apprenticeship
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
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Other Routes
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.
Real career story
Working in healthcare
“My professional background is rooted in the healthcare field. My journey began at the age of 18 when I took on the role of an ambulance technician in Italy. After I finished my BSc in adult nursing, I made the decision to relocate to the UK, where I worked as an intensive care nurse within the NHS.”
Decision to change careers
“After a total of 19 years in healthcare and a lot more to work before retirement, I started to realise that I fancied a career change. I came across web development by chance as I wanted to create a website for a side project I was working on. I got instantly hooked and I really wanted web development to become my career.”
Web development course
“I took an 8-month full time course through a tech academy that gave me a good foundation to start my new career as a software developer.”
Software developer
“I currently work as a software developer. It's a challenging role but it's definitely worth it. I work with amazing people that support me and encourage me to constantly improve. In the future I would like to move to a more senior role and to be able to support other developers at the start of their career.”
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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: