Application Designer
35AI USED FOR35%moving to90%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM COMPUTER SCIENCE →
Application Designer
Application designers are the architects of the digital world, creating innovative software solutions that enhance user experiences and drive business success. In an increasingly tech-driven society, their role is crucial in shaping how we interact with technology, making it more intuitive and accessible for everyone.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Application DesignerIn this entry-level role, you will assist in the design and development of applications, working under the guidance of senior designers. You will learn to use design tools and programming languages while gaining practical experience in a collaborative team environment.£28,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Application DesignerAs a mid-level designer, you will take on more responsibility, leading projects and mentoring junior designers. You will be expected to manage client relationships and ensure that applications meet both functional and aesthetic standards.£40,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Application DesignerIn this senior role, you will oversee the entire design process, from concept to completion. You will lead a team of designers, collaborate with other departments, and drive innovation within the organisation, ensuring that the applications developed are cutting-edge and user-centric.£65,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, 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 also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
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