If you are looking for a rewarding yet challenging career in computing that promises ample opportunities for progression and development (along with competitive pay), considering a role as a software developer could be the perfect choice for you.
The UK job market is actively searching for graduates and individuals with digital skills in computing and software. According to LinkedIn's Jobs on the Rise 2023 report, nine out of the 25 fastest-growing job titles in the past five years belong to the software and technology sectors.
Both sectors include roles in software development and engineering, data science, machine learning and cybersecurity.
Let's delve deeper into how you can start a career as a software developer. Here we will highlight the educational routes in, personal skills required, responsibilities of the role and earning potential for someone entering the field.
There were just under 5 million individuals employed in the technology sector in 2022. According to Tech Nation’s People and Skills Report 2022, this makes up approximately 14% of the total UK workforce. Their research highlights that tech vacancies were the most sought-after professions, with more than two million vacancies advertised between May 2021 to 2022.
A software developer is involved in the development, testing, and maintenance of software applications and systems, including activities such as requirements analysis, design, coding, debugging, and troubleshooting. Using programming software such as JavaScript and Python, developers use their analytical and problem-solving skills to translate project aims into software solutions. These solutions may involve process streamlining, writing and editing computer code and system maintenance.
The versatility of software development could land you a role across a huge number of industries. From healthcare and finance to facilities management and construction. The projects involved are varied and challenging, resulting in software development roles often advertising higher than average salaries.
The average base salary of a software developer in February 2024 was £43,279, according to figures from Glassdoor.
However, software developer salaries will vary widely depending on factors such as location and industry. The National Careers Service puts the salary range between £24,000 and £70,000, for example.
Below is a list of average salaries in some of the highest-paying cities for software developers.
|
City |
Average Annual Salary |
|
London |
£52,842 |
|
Cambridge |
£44,008 |
|
Liverpool |
£43,279 |
|
Oxford |
£41,247 |
|
Manchester |
£40,713 |
(Source: Glassdoor, February 2024)
Software development offers extensive job prospects and the good news is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to entering the industry. Here are some ways to kickstart your software development journey:
The most traditional approach to entering a career in software development is through a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in computer science, IT, software development or a similar discipline.
A bachelor’s degree (BA) typically takes three years to complete (four years in Scotland). A master’s degree is not a requirement for becoming a software developer, but for those interested in specialising further down the line, gaining the extra expertise may prove useful.
A university degree is not the only avenue to securing your first role in software development. There is a huge array of college courses and diplomas available that will provide you with the skills and industry experience required.
Studying for your Level 3 Certificate in Programming, T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development or a Higher National Certificate in Computing are some examples.
However you decide to enter the industry, getting some hands-on experience is crucial to landing your first job as a software developer. Consider searching for an internship, apprenticeship or short-term work experience within the field.
You could find a position such as an assistant software development technician, a DevOps engineer apprenticeship or experience as a game programmer.
Employers in the software development industry are looking for applicants with varied and developed personal skills. Those interested in a software development career should have:
So after reading the above you now know how to become a software developer; will you take a course, or apply to a university? Or maybe neither, because you are still feeling unsure?
It's one thing to know how to become a software developer, quite another to actually want to. Without that all important drive and determination your best laid plans are going to end up on the wayside of dream avenue!
But how do you know if it's worth committing all that time without any first-hand experience? If only someone who had been there and done it could give you insight into what it's really like to be a software developer.
Introducing SFG20 software development superstar Oliver Dunn! Ollie began his career with SFG20 and never looked back! To find out what being a software developer is really like you can check out his story on Prospects.ac.uk.
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