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E-learning developer

Alternative titles for this job include Digital learning developer, instructional designer

E-learning developers create course materials that can be studied on a computer network or online.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become E-learning developer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree or degree in:

  • computing
  • multimedia design
  • educational technology

If you already have a degree or relevant work experience, you can do a postgraduate qualification in e-learning technology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

College

You could do a college course, which may lead onto more advanced qualifications or a higher apprenticeship, or help you to get a trainee position with a company.

Courses include:

  • computing
  • programming
  • web design and development
  • T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a Digital Learning Designer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

This can take around 2 years to complete.

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

More Information

Work

You could start out as a junior developer or e-learning assistant, if you've got computing A levels or equivalent. You'll also need a working knowledge of web design software.

More Information

Career tips

Blackboard Learn and Moodle are used a lot by education institutions so an understanding of how these work will be useful.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Learning and Performance Institute for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about the e-learning industry through The Learning Network.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • knowledge of English language
  • the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an e-learning developer you could:

  • build and maintain online training areas known as virtual learning environments (VLEs)
  • adapt off-the-shelf VLE products
  • work with tutors, trainers or development teams to create online learning materials
  • integrate interactive multimedia like video, forums and learning games
  • modify content for use on mobile phones or tablets
  • make sure security measures are in place to control access

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could progress to:

  • a senior development role
  • IT project management
  • e-learning research
  • strategy planning
  • technical sales
  • business development

You could also move into related areas like:

  • educational or training consultancy
  • educational software development
  • systems analysis
  • the computer games industry

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Organisation Development Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,000 a year Annually
  • Location: 191 Wood Lane, London

Courses In England

L3 Certificate in Software Development

  • Provider: DN COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Scunthorpe

19+ Level 3 Diploma in Software Development

  • Provider: RUNSHAW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 17 December 2024
  • Location: Not known

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