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Web designer

Alternative titles for this job include Digital designer

Web designers use their creative and technical skills to design new websites and redesign existing ones.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a web designer

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You could take a higher national diploma or degree in:

  • web design and development
  • multimedia design
  • digital media development
  • interactive computing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed in this job. For example:

  • Level 3 Certificate in Web Design and Development
  • T level in Digital Production, Design and Development
  • Level 4 Certificate in Digital Media Design

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could take an apprenticeship such as:

  • Level 3 Junior content producer
  • Level 3 Junior vfx artist (generalist)
  • Creative digital design degree apprenticeship
  • Digital and technology solutions professional degree apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 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 working as a design assistant or web support assistant and train while you work.

Volunteering

You could volunteer for a local community group or charity and create a website for them. Any experience you can get will be helpful when applying for jobs.

More Information

Career tips

You'll need a portfolio of work that shows employers your creative design skills.

To make sure that you're up to date with the latest trends, features and design software you can:

  • get involved in free webinars or online training courses
  • sign up to free online magazines
  • read the latest industry blogs for news and tips

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in web design from Tech Future Careers.

You can also find out more from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to write computer programs
  • persistence and determination
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • maths knowledge
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • take a lead role in maintaining and developing a site
  • attend meetings with internal and external clients to plan and develop site content, style and appearance
  • use web content management systems (CMS)
  • analyse website usage statistics
  • write reports for senior managers, clients and partnership organisations
  • carry out quality assurance checks on content
  • report technical problems to IT support staff

Working environment

You could work in an office, from home or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could move into design team management or expand your skills to become a web content manager.

You might work towards a move into business management.

You could also work as a freelance web designer or set up your own web design business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Digital & Technology Degree Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,092.00 Annually
  • Location:

Apprentice Content Producer Apprentice

  • Wage: £10,400.00 Annually
  • Location: Sheffield
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

T Level Digital - Digital Production, Design and Development

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Ipswich

T Level Digital - Digital Production, Design and Development

  • Provider: CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Crewe
Find courses near you

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