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Web developer

Alternative titles for this job include Front end developer, back end developer, full stack developer

Web developers use computer code to create and maintain websites and applications.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£55,000 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 developer

You can get into this job through:

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

University

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

  • web design and development
  • computer science
  • digital media development
  • software engineering

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

More Information

College

You could do a college course that may help you to get a trainee developer job.

Courses include:

  • Level 3 Certificate in Web Design and Development
  • T level in Digital Production, Design and Development
  • Level 4 Diploma in Software Development
  • Level 5 Diploma in Computing

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:

  • software development technician advanced apprenticeship
  • software developer higher apprenticeship
  • digital and technology solutions specialist or professional degree apprenticeship

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 may be able to start as a junior developer. You can then improve your skills by training more while you work.

More Information

Career tips

Make sure you're up to date with the latest industry trends and web development standards.

You could build up your skills and knowledge using free online learning resources for:

  • programming languages
  • project management
  • software development methods

Have a look at the Skills Toolkit for free online courses.

Further information

You can get more advice about working in computing from techskills and The Chartered Institute for IT.

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'll usually work as part of a development team and could:

  • meet clients to work out what they need
  • work with the design team to create plans and prototypes
  • decide how the parts of the website will fit together
  • write code in different programming languages
  • build databases
  • transfer information between databases using Applications Program Interfaces (APIs)
  • use software to create the layout of buttons, links and pictures
  • test and improve the design of a website
  • upload the website to a server

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

 With experience, you could:

  • become a manager, such as lead programmer or project leader
  • specialise in an area, such as retail
  • move into other IT fields, like systems analysis or IT project management
  • teach in further education or training colleges

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Software Development Technician (Level 3)

  • Wage: £9,254.44 Annually
  • Location: Manchester Road, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Software Development Apprentice

  • Wage: £25,000.00 Annually
  • Location: MILTON KEYNES
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

FdSc Software Development

  • Provider: NEW COLLEGE DURHAM
  • Start date: 11 September 2023
  • Location: Durham

Level 3 Certificate in Software Development

  • Provider: WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL
  • Start date: 10 January 2023
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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