Software developer
Are you a computing whizz? Spend your day designing and building computer programs.
Also known as: programmer
About the job
Career insights – Software developer
What it's like
Ready to crack the code and get into a top career in tech? As a software developer, you’ll design and build computer programs for organisations. You’ll work on all sorts of projects – from databases to robotic systems and even new mobile apps!
Sometimes, you’ll write a new computer program from scratch. But you’ll also use your coding skills to change ‘off-the-shelf’ programs to meet the needs of your project. You’ll work closely with project managers, business analysts and clients.
If you’re tech-minded, this could be your perfect job! Obviously, you’ll need a good knowledge of programming languages. You should also understand development processes, like ‘Agile’, and be aware of confidentiality and data protection issues.
This role could take you into any industry, including social care, creative, energy and healthcare.
Your tasks might include:
chatting to your client and the rest of the development team to establish their needs
attending technical design and progress meetings
writing test versions of the computer program
testing the program and fixing any faults you find
carrying out quality checks before the program launches
maintaining and updating software after it’s launched to fix issues or add new features
Further down the line, do you think you have what it takes to become a senior software developer? In a senior role, you’ll supervise a team and give feedback to your colleagues about their coding work.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Healthcare Digital technologies Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- recalling
- taking responsibility
- taking initiative
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- creative
- working with technology
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are a few routes you can take to become a software developer.
University
A degree can be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects like:
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Information Systems
Mathematics
Got a degree in a different subject but want to move into tech? Don’t worry – there are relevant postgraduate courses available across Scotland.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job, but you'll also go to college or uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in IT: Software Development.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a software development job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Computing
Computer Science
Software Development
Cyber Security
Information Technology
Coding bootcamps
A coding bootcamp is a short, focussed training programme. It’ll teach you how to code and build software. You may also get the chance to work on real-life tech projects.
These coding bootcamps often run for between eight and 16 weeks. Some of them are full-time, but there are part-time and online options too.
Once you complete the course, you’ll be ready to land a role in software!
Teaching yourself
Sometimes, people teach themselves the skills they need to become a software developer. Plenty of people have done this successfully but it takes motivation, structure and time. If you enjoy learning independently, teaching yourself could be perfect.
Working on your own digital projects is key! This'll help you practice the software skills you’ve learned and allows you to create a portfolio. You’ll use this portfolio to show employers what you’re capable of!
Getting experience of working in computing roles is valuable. Volunteering is a fantastic way to build the skills you’ll need to become a software developer. Search for computing opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Looking to make a career change into software development? Getting a work-based qualification, such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in ICT, can be useful.
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