Software & systems

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

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/

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

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

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

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.

More information

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:The Chartered Institute for IT; techskills; GOV.UK

View all vacancies in this region

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

You can find out more about working and training in computing from The Chartered Institute for IT and Tech Future Careers.

Or by looking at the Code23 site