App developer

App developers design and build mobile applications for smartphones, PCs and tablets.

Also known as: App designer, mobile app developer, application developer

• Starter salary£31,000 a year
• Experienced£65,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 42 a week

What you'll do

As an app developer, you could:

• develop new apps or create 'mobile-friendly' versions of websites
• work with other developers, UX designers and project managers
• design prototypes and features based on client requirements
• write or amend computer code
• test prototypes, find faults and fix problems
• keep accurate records of the development process
• stay up to date with technology trends and app development tools

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• the ability to write computer programs
• maths knowledge for understanding programming
• complex problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• design skills and knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

How to become a app developer

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• a graduate training scheme

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• computer science
• software engineering
• computer applications development
• mathematics
• financial technology

Some employers may also look for a postgraduate qualification in computing or a related subject.

You could sign up to do a free UCAS Subject Spotlight to learn more about computer science and software development.

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

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an app development company, such as:

• Software Developer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Creative Digital Design Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Digital User Experience (UX) Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Other routes

You may be able to apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with a company if you have a degree.

These are open to IT graduates and sometimes others with a non-computing degree. You would start as a junior developer and get training on the job in all aspects of the development process.

Foundation apprenticeship

You may be able to start in a junior or assistant role by doing a Software and Data Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship.

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Career path and progression

There are opportunities to work in most sectors and industries, such as business, finance, cyber security, telecommunications and healthcare.

With experience, you could:

• be promoted to senior app developer or project delivery manager
• move into other areas of IT, like systems analysis or AI engineering
• become a self-employed developer and work on different contracts

Career tips

You can build up your skills and knowledge, using online learning resources for programming languages and apps development.

A good understanding of mobile operating systems, such as Android and iOS, will be helpful.

You'll also find it useful to understand agile project management , as this is often used by companies working on IT development projects.

Professional and industry bodies

You can find professional development and training opportunities with The Chartered Institute for IT and the Institution of Analysts and Programmers .

Guides for this industry

• IT & Technology: pay, interviews and getting started →

Related roles

• Job roleSoftware developer
• Job roleUser experience (UX) designer
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• Job roleDigital delivery manager

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