Career Suggestion

Web developer

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

Average salary (a year)

£27000.0 to £60000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 39.0 a week

You could work

as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

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

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You can take a college course that might help you get a trainee developer job.

Courses include:

  • computing
  • web design and development
  • software development
  • T Level in Digital Software Development

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Software Development Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Software Developer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 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

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You might be able to start as a junior developer and do training on the job.

More Information

Career Tips

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

  • programming languages
  • project management
  • software development methods

Further Information

You can get more advice about working in computing from:

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

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

Day-to-day tasks

As a web developer, you could:

  • meet clients to discuss what they need
  • work out how the website or application will fit together
  • create plans and prototypes with the design team
  • write code in different programming languages
  • build databases and transfer information between them using Applications Program Interfaces (APIs)
  • create the layout of on-screen buttons, links and pictures that users need
  • work with testers on prototypes to find and fix issues or 'bugs'

Working environment

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

With experience, you could:

Related careers

Back to course details