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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.

Typical route

Helpful A-levels

Physics + Maths + Computer Science

Typical qualification and training

  • Computer Science or Software Engineering degree
  • Degree apprenticeship or self-taught portfolio route

These are common routes, not compulsory subject combinations. Entry requirements vary between universities, training schemes and employers, so always check the current provider requirements.

Indicative UK salary

Starter
£26,000-£34,000
Experienced
£42,000-£65,000
Senior
£75,000+

Remote and finance-tech roles often pay above these ranges.

Salary range checked against Prospects.ac.uk: Software Engineer.

UK employers

  • BBC
  • Deliveroo
  • Arm
  • Skyscanner

Worldwide employers

  • Google
  • 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

Data Scientist

Use maths, statistics and programming to find patterns in large datasets and guide decisions.

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Quantitative Analyst

Build mathematical models to price assets, manage risk and guide trading or investment decisions.

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Spacecraft Engineer

Design, build and test satellites, probes and spacecraft systems that operate in extreme environments.

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Sources and further reading

External links open in a new tab.

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