Search engine optimisation (SEO) specialist

Although a degree is not essential, you could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a related subject like:

• marketing
• digital marketing and information technology
• data science
• computer science

If you take a marketing related degree, you might be able to fast-track through professional marketing qualifications where the degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) .

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/

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, like:

• Marketing Executive Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Marketing Manager Level 6 (non degree) Apprenticeship
• Digital Marketer Level 6 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

• 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

You could join a company’s marketing department as a marketing executive and do further qualifications to gain knowledge in digital marketing and search engine optimisation.

You could take courses or qualifications offered by a professional body, for instance:

• The Chartered Institute of Marketing
• Institute of Data and Marketing

You may also be able to find free courses to improve your skills.

You might be able to apply for jobs directly if you have experience in a related marketing or web content role and have built up a working knowledge of SEO software tools and methods.

Career Tips

You can take a subject spotlight on UCAS about how to beat the competition and the foundations of marketing. This can give you an insight into what it’s like to study marketing.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Institute of Data and Marketing or The Chartered Institute of Marketing for professional development and training opportunities.

As an SEO specialist you could:

• develop content strategies to help your site rank higher in search engine results
• use digital tools to monitor SEO performance
• report to senior managers so they understand the impact of SEO on their business
• improve page search results by including keywords in headings and content
• keep up to date with industry trends and technology

You could work remotely or in an office.