Software developer
Design and build computer programs for organisations.
Also known as: programmer
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£500
Entry level
£1,346
Experienced
Monthly
£2,167
Entry level
£5,833
Experienced
Yearly
£26,000
Entry level
£70,000
Experienced
32,800
people are currently employed
High growth
1,800 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
Career insights – Software developer
What it's like
You would design and build computer programs for organisations. You might work on projects such as databases, robotic systems, mobile applications and more.
You would work closely with project managers, business analysts and clients. You would:
discuss needs with the client and the development team
go to technical design and progress meetings
write test versions of the program
test the program and fix any faults
keep records of the development process
carry out quality checks before launch
look after systems once they are up and running
You may write computer programs from scratch or change 'off-the-shelf' programs to meet the needs of the project.
As an experienced developer, you may supervise a team and provide feedback on coding work to your colleagues.
You would need good knowledge of programming languages, an understanding of development processes like 'Agile’ and an awareness of confidentiality and data protection issues.
"My love for tech started in high school. I had the good luck of having an enthusiastic female teacher who loved the subject and showed me that I had the potential and opportunity to continue in the field."
Chloe Gallagher
Software Development Modern Apprentice, CGI
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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.
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.
Here are some of the 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.
A Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), a Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) or a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in computer science, computer and electronic systems or software engineering are often required for software developer jobs.
You may also need a postgraduate degree (SCQF Level 11) in a computing subject for some roles.
To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) courses, you would need National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers (SCQF Level 6).
To enter a relevant degree (SCQF Level 9/10), you would need National 5 qualifications and at least four to five Highers.
Graduates in other subjects can enter by taking a postgraduate course in a computer programming subject.
Some people may progress to the job from other basic computing roles.
Work-based qualifications such as Scottish Vocational Qualification in ICT (SVQ Level 2/3/4).
Relevant industry qualifications such as Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA or Novell certification can be helpful in progressing within this career.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Software developer'
