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Web developer

Alternative titles for this job include

Web developers create and maintain websites and web applications.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

How to become 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's job. Courses include:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Web 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:

  • Level 3 Software development technician
  • Level 4 Software developer
  • 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 and improve your skills and knowledge by completing further training and qualifications while you work.

More Information

Career tips

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

Further information

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

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

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • meet internal/external clients to define their website requirements
  • work as part of a larger development team
  • prepare a design plan
  • decide which branding, text, colours and backgrounds to use
  • use design software to lay out pages, position buttons, links and pictures
  • add multimedia features like sound, animation and video
  • use different programming and coding languages
  • test and improve the design and site
  • upload the site to a server

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in a particular area, like e-commerce or move up to a more senior role like lead programmer or project leader.

You could also move into other IT fields, like systems analysis or IT project management.

Current opportunities

Courses In England

HE BSC (HONS) COMPUTER SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT FT

  • Provider: CHESTERFIELD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2021
  • Location: CHESTERFIELD

Software Development & Programming BTEC Level 3

  • Provider: SHIPLEY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Shipley
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