Web Developer

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £50,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

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

College / University

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

web design and development
computer science
digital media development
software engineering

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

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

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 Software development technician
Level 4 Software developer
Digital and technology solutions specialist or professional degree 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 may be able to start as a junior developer and improve your skills and knowledge by completing further training and qualifications 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:

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 & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & 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.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.