Computer Programmer
72AI USED FOR72%moving to95%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £34,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM COMPUTER SCIENCE →
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers are the architects of the digital world, transforming ideas into functional software that drives innovation across industries. In the UK, their expertise not only fuels the tech economy but also shapes the future of how we interact with technology on a global scale.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This work is being absorbed by AI
AI already does much of this work and nothing structurally requires a human: no licence, no physical task, no relationship at the core. Expect fewer people in higher-judgment roles: enter as the person directing the tools, not competing with them.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior ProgrammerAs a Junior Programmer, you will assist in coding and testing software applications, gaining hands-on experience while working under the guidance of senior developers.£28,000 - £34,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level ProgrammerIn this role, you will take on more complex projects, mentor junior programmers, and contribute to architectural decisions, demonstrating a deeper understanding of software development.£40,000 - £50,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior ProgrammerAs a Senior Programmer, you will lead development teams, oversee project lifecycles, and drive innovation within the organisation, playing a crucial role in strategic decision-making.£65,000+
1 live apprenticeship vacancy →
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Computer Engineering with Industrial StudiesUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£47,000 median
🎓Computer Science with Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of York · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Computing Science (Cybersecurity)University of Aberdeen · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Computer Games Design with AnimationAshton Sixth Form College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£39,000 median
🎓Computer and Electronic SystemsUniversity of Strathclyde · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Software Engineering (with Placement)Queen's University of Belfast · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
All Computer Science courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Computer Engineering with Industrial StudiesUniversity of Southampton · DegreeComputer Science with Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of York · DegreeComputing Science (Cybersecurity)University of Aberdeen · DegreeComputer Games Design with AnimationAshton Sixth Form College · DegreeComputer and Electronic SystemsUniversity of Strathclyde · DegreeSoftware Engineering (with Placement)Queen's University of Belfast · Degree