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Software developer

Also called Programmer.

Software developers create and test programs that allow people to complete tasks, run services and use digital devices.

Potential salary
£30,000 starter to £75,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
37 to 40 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends occasionally.
Career area
Digital and data
Where they might work
You could work in an office, from home, remotely or at a client's business.
A typical task
discuss client requirements and potential development ideas
Subjects that may help
1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
Typical route
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in: computer science; information technology; software development; financial technology; software engineering; maths.
Interest area used here
Asking questions and research

Career actions

What you might do

  • 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
More tasks (2)
  • complete final checks before a product is released for use
  • maintain and support systems once they're up and running

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • maths knowledge for understanding programming
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills for sharing ideas
More skills
  • knowledge of systems analysis and development
  • the ability to write computer programs
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Routes into this career

University route

  • You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in: computer science; information technology; software development; financial technology; software engineering; maths.

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Artificial Intelligence

    Common route. AI degrees still need solid programming to be useful in software teams.

  • Computer science

    Common route. A usual degree route. Portfolios and apprenticeships also exist.

  • Games Development

    Common route. Programming-heavy games degrees can also lead to other software work.

  • Information Systems

    Alternative route. Some graduates move into development. The programming content varies.

  • Software Engineering

    Direct qualifying route. A usual degree route into software development. A degree is not the only way in.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

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

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.
Career progression
  • With experience, you could: become a senior developer, leading a team; manage development projects; move into related areas, such as systems design, IT architecture and business systems analysis; set up your own company and work as a consultant.

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • 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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
  • 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

What you could do next