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How to become a software developer

Software developers design, write and test the code behind apps, websites and computer systems, and fix problems when things go wrong.

You could work for a software company, a bank, a retailer, a game studio, the public sector or as a freelancer.

There is no licence to practise. You could get in through a degree, an apprenticeship or by learning to code and building a portfolio.

  • Multiple routes
  • No licence needed
  • Earn while learning possible

4 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AApprenticeship

    Software apprenticeship (Level 3, then Level 4)

    For those who want to earn a wage, have their training paid for and learn to code on the job.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own entry requirements
    • The National Careers Service says the Level 3 apprenticeship usually asks for 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths
    • At least 20% of your normal working hours is off-the-job training

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for a Software development technician (Level 3) apprenticeship
    2. Work and train; your employer and the government pay for the training
    3. Complete the end-point assessment
    4. You could move on to the Software developer (Level 4) apprenticeship
    5. Apply for junior or mid-level developer roles
    Estimated duration
    18 to 42 months
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Software development technician (Level 3) at 18 months and Software developer (Level 4) at 24 months. Some people start directly at Level 4.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £33,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BApprenticeship

    Degree apprenticeship: Digital and technology solutions professional (Level 6)

    For those who want a degree-level qualification without paying tuition fees, while working for an employer.

    Starting requirements

    • Employers set their own requirements; the National Careers Service says degree apprenticeships usually ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-levels or equivalent
    • You apply for the job and the university place together, through the employer
    • At least 20% of your normal working hours is off-the-job training

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for a Digital and technology solutions professional (Level 6) degree apprenticeship
    2. Work in a technology team while studying towards a degree
    3. Your employer and the government pay the training costs
    4. Complete the end-point assessment
    5. Work as a software engineer or in another digital role
    Estimated duration
    About 4 years
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Digital and technology solutions professional (Level 6) at a typical 48 months.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £27,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — degree apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route CUniversity

    University degree, then a graduate developer job

    For those who want to study computing in depth first, with time to explore different areas before choosing a job.

    Starting requirements

    • Universities set their own entry requirements; the National Careers Service says a degree usually asks for 2 to 3 A-levels or equivalent
    • Relevant subjects include computer science, software engineering, software development, IT and maths
    • Some IT companies run graduate schemes open to graduates of any subject

    Pathway outline

    1. Study a degree in computer science, software engineering or a related subject
    2. Build projects and look for a placement or internship
    3. Apply for graduate schemes or junior developer roles
    4. Work as a software developer
    Estimated duration
    About 3 years, then work
    How we estimate this

    A typical full-time bachelor's degree in England takes 3 years; some include a placement year.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £29,370Paid up front by you: £0Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    Usually after graduating, although many students work part-time or take a paid placement year.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route DCareer change

    Career change: learn to code, then a junior developer role

    For adults who want to move into software from another job, learning in their own time or on a short course.

    Starting requirements

    • No formal qualification is required by law; employers decide what they ask for
    • A portfolio of projects you have built helps show your skills
    • Adults can also apply for software apprenticeships

    Pathway outline

    1. Learn the basics of programming through free resources or a short course
    2. You could take a Skills Bootcamp in software development or coding (adults 19+, up to 16 weeks)
    3. Build a portfolio of projects
    4. Apply for junior developer roles or a software apprenticeship
    5. Keep learning on the job
    Estimated duration
    Varies — a Skills Bootcamp lasts up to 16 weeks
    How we estimate this

    Skills Bootcamps last up to 16 weeks. How long it takes to get a developer job depends on your skills, portfolio and the jobs near you.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Not enough dataPlus: The official Skills Bootcamps page does not state the cost to learners, and private course prices vary. Enter the price from your course listing, if any.Paid up front by you: Not enough dataPublished fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    You could keep your current job while you learn, though an entry developer role may pay less than an established job elsewhere.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

Questions people ask

Do I need a degree to become a software developer?

No. You could start through a software apprenticeship, a degree apprenticeship, a college course or by learning to code and building a portfolio. Some employers ask for a degree; many look mainly at your skills.

What is the difference between a software developer and a software engineer?

The titles are often used for the same job. Some employers use 'engineer' for roles with more design and architecture work. Requirements vary by employer.

Can adults do a software apprenticeship?

Yes. Apprenticeships are not only for school leavers. Some funding, such as for Level 7, has age limits, but the Level 3, 4 and 6 software apprenticeships described here do not.

Sources

Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

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