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Solutions architect

Alternative titles for this job include

Solutions architects design technical blueprints to develop new digital products and services for clients, and solve existing IT problems.

Average salary (a year)

£36,000 Starter

to

£85,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in computing.

Relevant subjects include:

  • computer science
  • software development
  • business information systems
  • computing systems engineering
  • cloud computing

Choosing a course that includes an internship or industry work placement could give you an advantage when looking for jobs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Digital and Technology Solutions Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes around 4 years to complete and combines work-based training with academic study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you have experience in computing, for example software development.

It's also helpful if you have some experience and knowledge of the industry you want to work in, for instance banking, digital communications or retail.

More Information

Career tips

You'll find it useful to have an understanding of service design principles, IT industry standards and agile project management methods.

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of systems analysis and development
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a solutions architect, you could:

  • work with clients to understand what they need
  • propose potential solutions to meet client requirements
  • assess the strengths, weaknesses and costs of different options
  • present recommendations to clients
  • take part in the planning and design of the preferred solution
  • work closely with other professionals in the project team
  • manage the switch over to a new or improved computer system
  • make sure the upgraded system works with other parts of the client's network both now and into the future

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior or lead solutions architect, then move on to an enterprise architect role, developing overall IT strategy for the business.

You might wish to specialise in a particular area, for example:

  • data systems
  • software applications
  • cloud computing

You could also take up wider responsibilities, such as senior IT project management, or become a consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprentice

  • Wage: £33,160 a year Annually
  • Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Cyber Security Degree Apprentice

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Melbourn, Royston
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Software Development Level 3

  • Provider: BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 31 August 2026
  • Location: Birmingham

Certificate in Software Development

  • Provider: SHEFFIELD COLLEGE, THE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: SHEFFIELD
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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