Design & planning

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You'll normally need a degree or postgraduate qualification to get into this career. Relevant subjects include:

• computer science or computer engineering
• information management systems
• business information systems
• software development
• mathematics

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

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

You could then move on to a Digital and Technology Solution Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship. This leads to a postgraduate qualification.

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
• a degree in a relevant subject

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start with a company in a job like programming and work your way up through training and promotion.

Direct application

You could apply to companies directly if you've got relevant skills and knowledge.

You'll need a broad understanding of available technologies and what they can do for the client. Employers will look for a background in:

• systems development
• technical analysis
• programming
• testing

Employers will also want to see strengths in non-technical areas like client management, communication and leadership. This is because they place importance on the ability to communicate the client's requirements to technical teams and to manage resources and demands on time.

More information

Career tips

Experience of project management methods like PRINCE2 will be helpful along with a working knowledge of project development and information management practices like Agile and ITIL.

Further information

You can find more advice on careers in computing and IT from:The Chartered Institute for IT; Government Digital Service

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could:become a senior technical architect; specialise in a particular field, like finance or IT security; move into broader IT project management roles; become a strategy business planner or consultant

The Tech Partnership and the Chartered Institute for IT have more information on becoming a technical architect.