App developer
App developers design and build mobile applications for PCs, mobile phones and tablets.
What you'll do
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 and progression
There are opportunities to work in most sectors and industries, such as business, finance, cyber security, telecommunications and healthcare:
You could:
- move into system analysis
- get promoted to a senior app developer or project manager
- become self-employed to do contract work
What it takes
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a graduate training scheme
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- computer science
- software engineering
- computer applications development
- mathematics
- financial technology
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
More Information
The following apprenticeships may be relevant:
- software developer higher apprenticeship
- creative digital design professional degree apprenticeship
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
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 graduates with any degree, not just degrees in IT. You start as a junior developer and get training on the job.
Career tips
You can build up your skills and knowledge, using online learning resources for programming languages and apps development.
You'll also find it useful to understand agile project management.
Professional and industry bodies
You can find professional development and training opportunities from The Chartered Institute for IT and the Institution of Analysts and Programmers.
Further information
You can find out more about working and training in computing from techskills.
Related videos
Suggested videos
Coffee With is in early release mode with a limited number of videos. New videos are being added every week, so please check back for updates.
External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.