How to become a software developer
You do not need a degree to become a software developer. A Level 4 software developer apprenticeship, or a degree apprenticeship, pays you to learn to code on real products.
How do I become a software developer without a degree?
Take a Level 4 software developer apprenticeship or a Level 6 digital degree apprenticeship, which pay you to learn to code on real products with no tuition fees. Building a small project with free Python or JavaScript courses helps you stand out. The National Careers Service lists pay of about £30,000 rising to £75,000.
Last reviewed by the Shine careers team.
What does a software developer do?
- Write, test and fix code for websites, apps and internal systems
- Work in a small team, planning work in short sprints
- Review other people's code and have yours reviewed
- Talk to users and colleagues to understand what they need
Pay
Typical salary: £30,000 as a starter, rising to £75,000 with experience.
Apprentices under 19, or in their first year, earn at least £8.00 an hour from April 2026. Many employers pay more.
Sources: National Careers Service, gov.uk minimum wage rates. See also how much apprentices are paid.
What you need to get in
- Level 4 apprenticeships usually ask for A levels, a T Level or a Level 3 qualification; some accept strong GCSEs plus a portfolio
- Degree apprenticeships usually ask for A levels or equivalent
- Coding experience is not always required, but a small project helps you stand out
Routes in
Level 4 software developer apprenticeship
Around two years of paid work and training, often at banks, tech firms, government departments and agencies.
Level 6 digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship
A full degree, no tuition fees, while working as a developer.
T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
Two years of study with a 45-day industry placement.
Self-taught plus a portfolio
Free courses and your own projects can lead to junior roles, though an apprenticeship is usually faster.
How to become a software developer, step by step
- 1
Start coding for free
Try free courses in Python or JavaScript and build one small thing, such as a website or a game.
- 2
Put your project online
A GitHub profile or a live website gives employers something real to look at.
- 3
Apply for apprenticeships early
Big tech and finance schemes open from September to January for the following year.
- 4
Practise the tests
Expect online logic tests and sometimes a simple coding task.
- 5
Show how you think
In interviews, explain how you solved a problem and what you would do differently.
Skills employers look for
- Logical problem-solving
- Patience when debugging
- Teamwork
- Curiosity and learning new tools
Not sure you have them yet? Read our guide to transferable skills, or prepare for an interview.
Related guides
FAQs
- Can I become a software developer without a degree?
- Yes. Level 4 software developer apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships let you qualify while being paid, and many employers hire on skills and projects.
- How much does a software developer earn?
- The National Careers Service lists about £30,000 for starters rising to £75,000 with experience. Apprentices earn at least the apprentice minimum wage, and tech employers usually pay more.
- What coding language should I learn first?
- Python and JavaScript are both good first languages. Python is easy to read; JavaScript lets you build websites straight away.
- When do software apprenticeships open?
- Larger schemes open between September and January for starts the following summer or autumn. Smaller firms recruit all year.
- Do I need to be good at maths?
- Basic maths and logical thinking help, but most day-to-day development is problem-solving rather than advanced maths.
Last reviewed 23 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.
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Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.
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