Technology & Data
Degree
Software Engineer
Design, build and maintain the software that runs devices, services and scientific instruments.
A day in the life
Write and review code, fix bugs, plan new features with product teams, and test software before release.
Entry routes
- A-level Physics + Maths + Computer Science
- Computer Science or Software Engineering degree
- Degree apprenticeship or self-taught portfolio route
Typical salary
£26,000-£34,000 to £75,000+
Mid-career: £42,000-£65,000
Remote and finance-tech roles often pay above these ranges.
UK employers
- BBC
- Deliveroo
- Arm
- Skyscanner
Worldwide employers
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Amazon
Useful route links
These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.
UCAS course search: software engineering
Compare degree prospectuses, entry requirements, open days and course structures.
ucas.com
Tech Nation jobs and talent
Specialist UK AI, machine-learning and quantum talent routes.
technation.io
UCAS Physics and astronomy courses
Search UK undergraduate physics, astrophysics and related degree options.
ucas.com
Prospects: what can I do with a physics degree?
Independent overview of careers that physics graduates enter.
prospects.ac.uk
Find an apprenticeship on GOV.UK
Search current apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship vacancies in England.
gov.uk
Key skills
Explore related careers
Sources and further reading
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