Games

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

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

• games design
• computing
• programming

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could take a college course, which may help you to find a job as a junior tester.

Courses include:

• computing
• creative media
• T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Software Tester Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

This usually takes around 2 years to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Direct application

You could contact games companies about part-time or short-term work experience opportunities.

You'll need good technical and problem solving skills and an in-depth understanding of different game platforms and quality assurance processes.

More information

Career tips

Some game companies release test versions of games for the public to try and to report back on.

You might also go to gaming events where you could:talk to people who work in the industry; get advice about finding jobs or training

Further information

You can get details about careers in gaming from ScreenSkills and Into Games.

You can also find out more about working in the creative sector from Discover Creative Careers.

With experience and further training, you could:become a quality assurance manager; move into games marketing; become a games designer, animator or games developer

If you're fluent in another language, you could check different language versions of games as a localisation tester.