App developer

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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Computer Science - App developers write and amend computer code every day, using programming languages to build mobile applications from scratch. Understanding algorithms, data structures, and computational thinking is essential for solving problems and creating software that runs efficiently.
• Mathematics - App developers use mathematical thinking constantly – from the logic underpinning programming to working with algorithms, data handling, and performance optimisation. Areas like algebra, Boolean logic, and statistics are particularly useful when building apps that process information or make calculations.
• Design and Technology - App developers design prototypes and work through an iterative design process to create products that meet user needs. Understanding how to move from a concept to a working product – testing, refining, and improving along the way – is central to app development.

Also relevant

• Art and Design - App developers work closely with designers and often need to understand visual layout, colour, typography, and user interface design. Creating an app that looks good and feels intuitive to use requires a strong sense of visual design principles.
• Business - App developers often build products for commercial clients and need to understand what businesses and their customers actually need. Many app developers also become self-employed or work as contractors, so understanding how to manage projects, price work, and communicate with clients is valuable.
• Physics - App developers benefit from the logical and analytical problem-solving approach that physics develops. Some apps also involve simulations, sensor data, or real-world modelling where understanding physical principles – like motion, light, or sound – is directly useful.
• English Language - App developers write detailed documentation about the development process and collaborate with copywriters, designers, and clients. Being able to communicate technical ideas clearly – both in writing and in team discussions – helps projects run smoothly.