University

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

  • web design and development
  • computer science
  • digital media development
  • software engineering

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

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to write computer programs
  • persistence and determination
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • maths knowledge
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Day-to-day tasks

You'll usually work as part of a development team and could:

  • meet clients to work out what they need
  • create plans and prototypes with the design team to decide how the website or application will fit together
  • write code in different programming languages
  • build databases and transfer information between databases using Applications Program Interfaces (APIs)
  • use software to create the layout of buttons, links and pictures

Working environment

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

 With experience, you could:

  • become a manager, such as lead programmer or project leader
  • specialise in an area, such as retail
  • become a systems analyst or IT project manager in other areas of IT
  • become a further education teacher