App Developer

Typical Salary

£21,000 To £55,000

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week

9am to 5pm

How To Become a App Developer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
a graduate training scheme

College / University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

computer science
software engineering
computer applications development
mathematics
financial technology

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

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant:

Level 4 Software developer
Creative digital design professional degree apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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 non-IT graduates as well as those with a computing qualification, where you start as a junior developer and get training on the job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

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

Day To Day Tasks

You may:

develop new apps or create 'mobile-friendly' versions of websites
work with other developers, designers and copywriters
design prototypes to suit client needs
write or amend computer code
test software, find faults and fix problems
write accurate notes about the development process
keep up to date with new technology trends and tools

Working Environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career Path & Progression

You could move into systems analysis, or be promoted to a senior app developer or applications project manager.

You could also become self-employed, offering your services through contracting in most areas of the economy, for example business, finance, cyber security, telecommunications and healthcare.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

You can build up your skills and knowledge using free online learning resources for programming languages and apps development.

You'll also find it useful to have an understanding of Agile project development methods.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Chartered Institute for IT and the Institution of Analysts and Programmers, for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in computing from Tech Future Careers and Bubble Digital Career Portal.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.