Web Designer

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £40,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

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

College / University

You could take a higher national diploma or degree in:

web design and development
multimedia design
digital media development
interactive computing

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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

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

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

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

Routes into this Career

You could start working as a design assistant or web support assistant and train while you work.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

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 & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

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.

Tips & 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.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.