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Career Change into Tech in London Without a Degree

Thinking about a new career in tech but don’t have a degree? You’re in the right place. In London, employers hire for skills, projects and potential. Below we break down three practical routes you can start at ELATT: Web Design & Development, Software Development and Computer Engineering / IT Support — plus how to choose, what you’ll learn, and the first roles you can land.

No degree? Here’s how people actually do it (skills + portfolio)

You don’t need a computer science degree to work in tech in London. Employers care about:

  • Core skills (HTML/CSS/JS, Python/SQL, networking, ticketing systems)
  • Evidence of learning (national qualifications, badges, GitHub history)
  • Portfolio (live websites, apps, labs, tickets resolved, documentation)
  • Soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving, customer empathy)
  • Consistency (a few months of steady projects beats a one-week sprint)

At ELATT, your learning is hands-on and project-centred, with wrap-around careers and wellbeing support so you can progress at your pace in a supportive community.

Choose your path: Web vs Software vs IT Support

  • Software & Web Development – Perfect if you enjoy design and UX and love building logic. You’ll learn to bring interfaces to life (web) and create scalable apps/APIs (software): a fast path to a portfolio and first role, with strong progression into full-stack or data as you grow.
  • Computer Engineering – Great for practical problem-solvers who enjoy helping people, fixing kit, and keeping systems running. Often the fastest route to a first salaried role.

Time to first role (typical):

  • Web: 3–6 months of consistent study + portfolio pieces
  • IT Support: 2–5 months with labs and ticketing simulations
  • Software Dev: 6–9 months (longer if aiming full-stack from day one)

What you’ll learn at ELATT

Software & Web Development

  • Core stack: HTML5, CSS3 (Flexbox/Grid), accessibility, responsive design, JavaScript basics.
  • Tools: Git/GitHub, deployment to live hosting.
  • Projects: Multi-page responsive site, a component library, a small interactive app (e.g., form validation, sliders, menus).
  • Languages & concepts: Python or JavaScript (ES6+), OOP, APIs/JSON, databases (SQL), version control, software testing and quality assurance basics.
  • Projects: RESTful API, CRUD app, basic authentication, data-handling mini-project.
  • Outcome: A polished portfolio site (3–5 projects with clear case studies) plus a GitHub profile with readable commits, software testing and QA basics, and a deployable project that demonstrates problem-solving.
  • At advanced level you’ll also work with React, SQL, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS/Firebase), command line, an intro to AI, and host projects on a dedicated server.

  • Explore:

Computer Engineering

  • Core skills: Helpdesk workflows, customer support workflows and documentation, hardware builds, software installation and Windows-based system configuration, technical fault diagnosis and troubleshooting, networking basics, Wi-Fi and security fundamentals, online safety.
  • Labs: Fault-find and fix, set up a user from scratch, escalate appropriately.
  • Outcome: Evidence pack (tickets resolved, troubleshooting steps), plus confidence to support end-users professionally.
  • Plus Linux admin, virtualisation, firewall configuration, scripting/automation, network monitoring and disaster recovery.

  • Explore:

Wrap-around support that accelerates outcomes

  • Careers & Employability: CV reviews, mock interviews, job search strategy, and introductions to partners.
  • Wellbeing Service: Workshops to support your wellbeing so you can learn confidently and sustainably.
  • Employer Encounters: Talks, mentoring, volunteering and workshops that bring learning to life.

Learn more:

Portfolio & CV: what employers want to see for each path

Web (Junior Web / Content roles)

  • Portfolio: Live, accessible websites; clear write-ups (your role, tools, challenges, results).
  • Signal skills: Semantic HTML, clean CSS, mobile-first, basic JS interactivity, performance and accessibility fixes.
  • CV extras: Links to live projects + GitHub; concise case studies (before/after visuals help).

Software Development (Junior Developer / Junior QA)

  • Portfolio: One “hero” full-stack or API project + 1–2 smaller utilities, each with tests and documentation.
  • Signal skills: Version control discipline, problem decomposition, clean code, error handling, basic unit tests.
  • CV extras: Link to repo, a short README with setup instructions, and issues/roadmap to show thinking.

IT Support (First-Line / Helpdesk)

  • Portfolio: A short logbook of tickets/labs completed, screenshots of resolutions, escalation notes.
  • Signal skills: Customer empathy, clear documentation, systematic troubleshooting (checklists), teamwork.
  • CV extras: Any volunteering where you supported staff/devices; references that highlight reliability.

First roles & progression

  • Web: Junior Web Designer, Junior Front-End Assistant, Content Producer (web), Website Administrator.
    • Progression: Front-End Developer → UX-oriented roles or full-stack (with extra JS/back-end).
  • Software: Junior Developer (Python/JS), Junior QA/Test Engineer, Technical Assistant.
    • Progression: Full-Stack Developer, Platform Engineer, Product-focused roles (with added skills).
  • IT Support: 1st-Line Support, Service Desk Analyst, Field Technician.
    • Progression: 2nd-Line / Desktop Engineer → Systems/Network Admin, Cyber or Cloud (with certs).

Want the end-to-end map? Read our Full-Stack pathway guide.

Compare routes: Bootcamp vs University vs ELATT (cost, support, outcomes)

Route
Cost & Funding
Pace & Flexibility
Support
Portfolio & Outcomes
Who it suits
University
£££ (multi-year tuition)
3–4 years, full-time
Academic support
Theory-heavy; portfolio depends on self-initiative
Those wanting deep theory and a degree
Bootcamp
££–£££ (short, intensive)
8–16 weeks, very fast
Limited pastoral support
Project-based; intense time commitment
Those able to dedicate full-time, short burst
ELATT
Funded for eligible Londoners
Flexible, staged levels
Careers + wellbeing + small classes
Portfolio built steadily; real employer encounters
Career-changers needing structure, support and flexible access

ELATT helps you progress step-by-step — from foundation skills to job-ready projects — while keeping learning accessible and supportive for adult learners balancing work and life.

Your step-by-step plan to switch into tech

  1. Pick your path (Web / Software / IT Support) based on interests and first-role speed.
  2. Start your course and commit to consistent weekly practice.
  3. Ship portfolio pieces early: one small win a week (page, component, script, lab).
  4. Document your learning (README, screenshots, issue logs) — employers love clarity.
  5. Engage with Careers Support for CV, LinkedIn, mock interviews and applications.
  6. Apply for entry roles once your first 2–3 projects or hands-on sessions are live and reviewed.

Ready to start your career change into tech in London?

Talk to us
We’ll help you choose between Software & Web Development and Computer Engineering.

Careers support
Explore how we’ll help you prepare for roles like junior developer London, helpdesk/IT support London and more via Careers & Employability Service.

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New courses coming to ELATT this September! We're working on new courses in Hospitality & Customer Service, Early Years, and Health & Social Care — and we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest now and be the first to hear when places open.

Register your interest