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How to become an app developer: Jack's story

Part of Careers

A young man, Jack, stands in an open plan office and smiles at the camera
Quote

I wanted to make video games but it turned out I was a terrible artist, so I wanted to find another way for me to be involved in making games.

Age

23

In my job

I work at a software development company called Synectics Solutions, where I have a web development role and work on a mobile augmented reality app that clients use with a magazine. When people the app and scan a picture in the magazine, it can play a video that goes alongside the article they are reading. I use HTML code, Javascript and my knowledge about code and software design.

A man takes a photograph of some documents on his phone screen, testing an app

At school

I took ICT GCSE which was a lot of spreadsheets! I also studied English, Maths, Science, History, Business, Graphics and German.

At college

I realised I wanted to get into programming. I did a lot of Graphic Design and that now really helps with the app development part of my job. I pull in skills that aren’t necessarily programmer skills. I graduated with a triple distinction in Interactive Media which was surprising to me. I think I became better at education because I was more interested in the subject.

At university

I did a BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Computer Game Design and Programming. As the years went on I became really interested in making mobile games. I was covering it on my course and then using them in my spare time.

A man takes a photograph of some documents on his phone screen, testing an app
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What to expect if you want to be an app developer

  • App developer average salary: £21,000 to £55,000 per year
  • App developer typical working hours: 37 to 40 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be an app developer?

You could get into this role via a university course or a degree apprenticeship. You'll usually need one to two A-levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma and two to three A-levels, or equivalent, for a degree. Alternatives to A-levels include taking a T-level (England-only), which is equivalent to three A-levels. You'll usually need four to five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship. Check with your course provider which alternative qualifications they accept.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service, GOV.UK.

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the GOV.UK website for more on T-levels.

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Inshal: intern on a medical app

Inshal works on medical apps, testing for safety and quality.

Inshal: intern on a medical app

Pauline uses code to create and manage websites.

Pauline: coder

Rhianne designs and tests video games.

Rhianne: games designer