How to become a software engineer in the UK

Postgraduate software engineering degrees

A bachelor's degree in software engineering or computer science is usually the minimum qualification for a career as a software engineer. But amid tough competition for jobs, having a master's degree can help you stand out as having a higher level of programming knowledge.

Postgraduate software engineering courses include intensive classes, practical sessions and group work. They usually take a year to complete full-time or two years part-time. An undergraduate degree in a related subject is usually required.

Software engineer apprenticeships

If you don’t have a degree, apprenticeships offer the way to gain hands-on experience while studying. In England, level 4 apprenticeships are equivalent to an HNC, while level 6 apprenticeships are at degree level. You can also find degree-level software apprenticeships in Scotland, known as graduate apprenticeships.

• Level 4 apprenticeships typically take around two years and focus on core software development skills.
• Level 6 degree apprenticeships take around four years and lead to a full bachelor’s degree, funded by the employer.

You’ll study your chosen subject part-time while you work. Companies may offer courses where you can learn a specific coding language such as Python and work on projects while studying.

You’ll be paid a salary while training. Employers must pay the minimum wage, which will depend on your age and may increase after your first year of training. Some employers will pay higher salaries, with certain apprenticeships offering over £31,000. But typical salaries are much lower, often below £20,000.

The entry requirements are set by both the employer and the course provider. Employers may expect a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English and maths, along with relevant A Levels.

Which apprenticeships are available, and how you apply, depends on where you live. You can search for apprenticeship vacancies via Find an apprenticeship.

Can you become a software engineer without a degree?

Yes. While many software engineers study at university, a degree is not the only route into the profession. In the UK, employers are focusing more on skills, experience, and proven ability. This means there are now other ways to enter a career in software engineering.

Apprenticeships (Level 4 & 6)

As outlined above, software engineering apprenticeships allow you to earn a salary while training and gaining real workplace experience. Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages and are offered by both private companies and public-sector employers.

Bootcamps

Coding and software engineering bootcamps are intensive short courses, usually lasting 12–16 weeks, designed to teach job-ready skills quickly.

Many UK bootcamps focus on practical programming, group projects, and employability support rather than theory. Some are fully or partially funded through UK government Skills Bootcamps, and most include guaranteed job interviews or career support on completion.

But in an increasingly competitive jobs market, bootcamps alone will make it tough to enter a software engineering role. You will need to consider entry-level roles and possibly related tech fields. Do your research and check that the bootcamp provider is well-regarded.

Self-taught + portfolio

Some software engineers are entirely self-taught, learning through online courses, tutorials, and hands-on practice.

For this route, you may need to apply, apply, apply and apply again, before successfully landing a job. But it can pay off. You will need to show a strong portfolio showing real projects, such as websites, apps or GitHub repositories. Showing your problem-solving skills and grasp of modern development tools matters more than formal qualifications.

Employer‑led training

Many employers offer internal training programmes. You may find graduate schemes that are open to non-computer science graduates, and paid entry-level roles can have structured learning built in, such as apprenticeships.

These employer-led routes train staff in the technologies and skills the organisation uses. They often include mentoring and formal qualifications. Public-sector employers and large tech-focused organisations are particularly active in this area.

Skills you’ll need

Technical skills for software engineers

You will need to develop a range of technical skills, such as:

• AI skills and prompt engineering (now a hiring factor for 95% of organisations, according to the Pluralsight AI Skills Report 2025)
• Programming languages (Python, Java, JavaScript)
• Git and Version Control
• Databases (SQL)
• Software testing
• Familiarity with UI toolkits and frameworks
• An understanding of software engineering best practices

Soft skills for software engineers

There’s more to the role than just knowing how to code; you’ll also need:

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Time management and organisational skills
• Creativity and adaptability
• Attention to detail

Finding work experience

Having some work experience can help your application for a software engineering degree or apprenticeship. If you are applying for a degree, check to see if it includes placement or internship opportunities.

Try looking for software work experience by

• Shadowing someone to see what their job is like, either via a parent or family friend or by contacting different companies to see if you can work for a few days a week.
• Doing a 1- or 2-week work placement in a company. 
• Getting an internship

How to get a job as a software engineer

Whether you have had work experience or not, you need to create a portfolio of projects that you have worked on. So, if you say that you are confident using JavaScript then you have a project that you’ve worked on to back up this skillset. Review the projects you've worked on or studied before your interview so you can answer in-depth questions with confidence. Be ready with technical details about the code and projects and refresh your knowledge of data structures and algorithms.

You should also be prepared for technical interviews with a task to complete. In such a technical role, your employer will want to see your attention to detail and coding skills in a practical task.

When searching for vacancies, try to look at specific roles that need your skillset instead of looking at all the software engineering roles available. Software engineers are highly sought after by companies, so if you’re able to find a job, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll be using what you’ve studied to the best effect.

Software engineer salary in the UK

Software engineering in the UK pays well. Salaries rise with experience, and London usually offers higher pay.

• Graduate and junior software engineers usually earn around £28,000–£32,000 per year. These roles are often entry-level positions focused on building core coding skills and gaining experience within a development team.
• Mid-level software engineers with a few years’ experience usually earn between £40,000 and £60,000. At this stage, engineers work with greater independence, contribute to system design, and may mentor junior colleagues.
• Senior software engineers can earn £65,000–£90,000 or more, particularly if they specialise in high-demand areas or take on leadership responsibilities. Senior roles often mean designing complex systems, leading projects, and making key tech decisions.

London vs the rest of the UK

London salaries are generally higher due to the cost of living and concentration of large tech employers. In London, average software engineer salaries are often £65,000–£70,000+. Outside London, average salaries are usually £45,000–£55,000, depending on the region and experience.

What it's like to be a software engineer

You will need to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines and provide other engineers with development and testing support. In your role, you may:

• Work on one or two week “sprints” to complete certain tasks in a set time frame.
• Create and monitor code. 
• Test code you’ve created to ensure it functions correctly.
• Attend team meetings for new project development or new features for existing projects.
• Work with other programmers to plan implementation and solve problems.

If a programme doesn't perform as expected or testers find it challenging to use, software engineers need to go back to the design process to fix the problem.

Is a software engineering career right for you?

Behind every computer programme or app, there’s a software engineer.

Do you love using computer programmes and apps? Can you tell the difference between good, smooth app functionality and a bad programme? If you're interested in computer science and app or web development, software engineering may be the ideal route for you to pursue. If you love computing and have already investigated coding or like the idea of writing code, then being a software engineer could be your perfect career.

FAQs about becoming a software engineer

Is it too late to become a software engineer?

No. Many people move into software engineering later in life, often through apprenticeships, bootcamps, or self-teaching alongside work.

How long does it take to become a software engineer?

It varies. A degree usually takes three to four years, an apprenticeship around four years, while alternative routes like bootcamps or self-study can take one to two years with consistent effort.

Is software engineering hard?

It can be challenging, especially at first, but strong problem-solving skills, persistence, and regular practice make it manageable and rewarding over time.

Is software engineering a good career in the UK?

Yes. Software engineering has great job demand, good salaries, and chances to work in various industries. This makes it a popular and future-oriented career choice.

Will AI take my job before I even graduate?

Unlikely. AI is changing how software engineers work, but it’s also increasing demand for people who can build, maintain, and improve software systems that use AI tools. Developers are doing less routine coding, overseeing the work of AI-powered code-writing agents instead. This frees up engineers to spend more time on designing software structures and generating ideas.

Do I need a specialist AI degree or is a standard software engineering degree enough?

A standard software engineering or computer science degree will still be valuable. Most employers value strong programming and problem-solving skills, and AI knowledge can be learned on the job or through optional modules and short courses. But it will help to have AI skills on your CV, however you gain them.