Web developer
Also called Front end developer, back end developer, full stack developer.
Web developers use computer code to create and maintain websites and applications.
- Potential salary
- £27,000 starter to £60,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 39 a week. Working pattern: as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand.
- Career area
- Digital and data
- Where they might work
- You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.
- A typical task
- meet clients to discuss what they need
- Subjects that may help
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- Typical route
- You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in: web design and development; computer science; digital media development; software engineering.
- Interest area used here
- Asking questions and research
What you might do
- 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
More tasks (1)
- work with testers on prototypes to find and fix issues or 'bugs'
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- 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
More skills
- persistence and determination
- maths knowledge
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Routes into this career
University route
- You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in: web design and development; computer science; digital media development; software engineering.
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Computer science
Common route. Possible. Many web developers train through other computing routes or experience.
- Software Engineering
Common route. Web work may also be reached without this degree.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- 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.
- 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.
- You might be able to start as a junior developer and do training on the job.
Career progression
- With experience, you could: be a lead programmer, project leader or product manager; specialise in an area, such as retail or banking systems; become a systems analyst or IT project manager in other areas of IT; train students as a further education teacher.
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 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
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
- 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