How to become a web developer in the UK after studying HND in digital technologies?
Becoming a web developer is a great career choice, as almost every company requires an online presence.
In 2022, the web design services industry in the UK generated £622.8 million in revenue. Additionally, the industry's market size saw a 2.8% increase during that year. On average, the market size of this industry has been growing by 1.3% per year from 2017 to 2022.
You don't necessarily require a degree to become a web developer in the UK. However, you must have the right qualifications and detailed knowledge about programming languages. Some employers prefer applicants with a technical background. Relevant subjects include:
- Computer science
- Digital media development
- Software engineering
- Web design and development
- Digital technologies
Table of Contents
- What is web development?
- What does a web developer do?
- What skills do web developers have?
- How much do web developers make?
- How to become a web developer in the UK?
- Employers
- Career prospects
- Study a web development course in the UK with Global Banking School (GBS)
- Frequently asked questions about web developer
This blog is a detailed guide for anyone who wishes to start an exciting and lucrative career in web development. We will walk you through the steps to becoming a web developer in the UK and tell you about the salary that comes with it. We'll also clear up common questions about web development and how web development courses can be of great help.
What is web development?
Web development refers to the creation, building and maintenance of websites. It includes aspects like:
- Web design
- Web publishing
- Web programming
- Database management
The built creation of an application is what works over the internet, i.e., websites. Individuals who create websites are known as web developers.
Web developers make sure the website is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Some web developers are also responsible for the website’s performance and its capacity to handle visitors.
Types of web developers
Web developers usually fall into one of these three categories: back-end developers, front-end developers, or full-stack developers. Some web developers also work as webmasters. Let's learn more about each of these roles.
- Back-end developers create the structure of a website, write code and make sure the code works. They might also manage access points for others who need to edit a website’s content.
- Front-end web developers work on how the website looks and how people interact with it (aka user interface). They design the pages you see and use, add graphics and use HTML and JavaScript to enhance the site.
- Full-stack developers do both the work of a back-end and front-end web developer. They can build a whole website by themselves, which can be useful for smaller companies with a tight budget.
- Webmasters are like website managers. They keep the website up to date and make sure everything on the pages like links and applications works right.
Web developer courses in the UK can help you get a deep understanding of the sector and practical experience needed to start a successful career as a web developer. Web development courses like a HND in digital technologies provide you with the necessary insights into web technologies, frameworks and tools used in the industry. Additionally, the right guidance provided with the course can help you decide your specialisation.
What does a web developer do?
A web developer is a programming expert who uses web design skills to make useful applications and websites. In this job, they do different things, but there are some common responsibilities, like:
- Communicating with clients to know what web applications they require, along with style and design guidelines.
- An in-depth knowledge of numerous programming languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
- Collaboration with other team members working on websites, like web designers and copywriters, to create web pages that meet the expectations of the clients.
- The ability to troubleshoot issues found in website coding and use apt tools to optimise a website.
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What other things does a web developer do after studying HND in digital technologies? |
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1. |
Write code using different programming languages like PHP or JavaScript |
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2. |
Plan and create a prototype new application |
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Design how the components of an application fit together |
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4. |
Decide the best technologies and languages for a project |
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5. |
Test websites and applications in different web browsers and systems |
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6. |
Solve problems and fix bugs in existing projects |
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Test new features to make sure they perform in all cases |
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8. |
Run tests to see how well things perform |
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9. |
Review code written by colleagues |
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Create and test Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) so apps can exchange data |
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Research, incorporate and contribute to open-source projects |
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12. |
Meet with designers, developers and project staff to talk about updates |
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13. |
Get requirements from clients and users |
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14. |
Learn and try out new technologies, frameworks and languages |
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15. |
Build and maintain databases |
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16. |
Make code better by refactoring and optimisation |
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17. |
Document code to help other developers understand and work on it |
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18. |
Plan how information is organised in an application or website |
What skills do web developers have?
Web developers possess a diverse set of skills. They are proficient in programming languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript, which are essential for building and styling websites. They understand how to create user-friendly and responsive web designs, ensuring websites work well on different devices. Let us look at some more skills that web developers need to have.
- Technical knowledge in fields like programming languages, web application frameworks, server-side languages and database management systems.
- Experience using tools that help manage code and a good grasp of the architecture of web applications and web security and encryption.
- Ability to learn new tech skills on their own.
- Attention to detail and analytical thinking to solve problems.
- A logical approach to troubleshooting.
- The ability to work independently with different groups.
- Experience with project management mythologies such as Agile and Waterfall.
- The ability to manage complex tasks and meet deadlines.
- Communication skills.
Web development courses in the UK can help you learn all the above-mentioned skills to pursue a successful career in this field. The HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) by Global Banking School (GBS) is one such web development course through which you can develop a range of essential skills.
How much do web developers make?
A web developer’s salary can vary based on their experience, location and job. If you have special certifications or skills, you might earn more money.
An entry-level web developer makes about £22,000 a year. After two years, it can go up to £30,000 a year.
As you gain more experience, you can make even more money. Experienced web developers with over 10 years in the field can earn around £55,000 a year on average. The type of web development you do can also affect how much you earn.
Pursuing web developer courses with a reputed institution can enhance your salary. Without a doubt, web developer courses like the HND in digital technologies help develop skills and practical experience and provide the required guidance to thrive in the sector.
How to become a web developer in the UK?
Becoming a web developer involves following a structured path that includes formal education, developing technical skills and portfolio development. Learn more about how each of these stages can propel your career forward.
Formal education
You don't always have to have a special degree to become a web developer. But some employers are looking for candidates with a specific degree and recognised qualifications in the following skills, such as:
- visual design
- SEO (Seach Engine Optimisation)
- UX (User Experience)
- experience with coding software such as CSS and HTML
- ability to use design software such as Illustrator and Photoshop
if you don't have the right qualifications and experience in skills like image enhancement, user experience, SEO, using code tools like HTML and CSS and using design tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, most employers might want you to have a degree.
If you're thinking about going to a higher education institution in the UK to pursue web development courses, GBS can surely help you reach your goal of becoming a web developer. Web developer courses such as the HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) by GBS can open doors to a successful career in web development in the UK.
Develop technical skills
Here are some technical skills you should learn to be a web developer and what you should be able to do with these skills:
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Photoshop and Illustrator |
Turn designs into working code, understand layers, read dimensions and interpret website and product mock-ups. |
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HTML |
Make an HTML file from scratch and incorporate the latest HTML5 tags. |
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CSS |
Create a CSS file from scratch, control how elements are arranged and follow the usual practices. |
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File Transfer Protocol (FTP) |
Know how servers and databases talk to each other to put your HTML file on the World Wide Web. |
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JavaScript |
Understand what DOM (Document Object Model) is, use built-in functions, apply logic to create loops and write your own functions. |
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WordPress |
Read and edit PHP code, make and modify web pages, posts and menus, use plugins and test for bugs. |
Want to develop technical skills to stay ahead of the game? Pursue web developer courses like the HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) and stay on the cutting edge of the industry.
Build a portfolio of web development work
If you're a web developer, your portfolio is the cornerstone of your resumé. It's a showcase of your best work which shows potential employers what you can create. Include the kinds of projects that represent the work you want to do. If you're including code, annotate it so they can see your thought processes.
Employers
Almost all firms need web developers ─ meaning you have many opportunities:
- Web development agencies: These companies hire web developers to work on different projects for various clients. The projects can be in different industries. Some agencies focus on a specific sector or work with one big client for a long time.
- In-house developers: Some organisations hire their own web developers if they need web development work regularly. The work might not be as varied, but you'll become an expert in the programming and applications used by that company.
- Freelancing: If you want more control over the projects you take on, you can work for yourself, as a freelancer. Your work will be more varied and exciting than at an agency or in-house job, but it can also be less predictable and your income might be unsteady. You'll be solely responsible for sourcing and completing your projects.
Career prospects
Your career in web development usually starts as a junior or entry-level developer. After about five years, you'll likely move up to a mid-level or senior developer role.
As a senior developer, you'll handle more important projects, work with more clients and lead meetings with them. You might also supervise a couple of junior developers.
The next step is becoming a lead developer, technical lead, or head of development. In this role, you'll do less coding and manage a team of web developers. You'll also help with the organisation's technical plans and goals.
In smaller or less technical companies, there might not be distinct grade bands to progress through. However, as you gain more knowledge and skills, you should be given more important tasks and earn more money.
You can also choose to specialise in a specific area, like retail or banking, for your web development experience. And, if you want, you can switch to other IT-based jobs because many of your skills will be transferable.
Study a web development course in the UK with Global Banking School (GBS)
GBS is a recognised higher education institution in the UK, known for its industry-specific courses in fields such as digital technology, business, finance, accounts and more. The institution is present in major cities across the UK. GBS is committed to its mission of “changing lives through education”.
Web development course by GBS: HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security)
If you want to start a career in digital technology, our web development course can help you learn important skills for this exciting field. You'll also learn skills like communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valuable in the workplace.
Our web development course, the HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) is for students who want to continue their education through applied learning.
After finishing this web developer course, you can continue your studies to a degree level or work in jobs like:
- Business analyst
- Digital technologist
- IT support technician
- Data analyst
- Software developer
- Network technician
- Software tester
- Risk analyst
- Data analytics consultant
- Database administrator
- Web developer
- IoT developer
Frequently asked questions about web developer
Yes, web development can be a good career in the UK. It offers diverse opportunities and a growing job market with the increasing importance of online presence and technology.
To become a web developer, you typically don't need a specific degree. However, having qualifications in programming languages, web development, or related fields, along with a strong knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript, can be very helpful. Your portfolio and practical experience often matter more than formal qualifications in this field.
To start a career your career, here are the steps you can follow:
- Learn the basics: Begin by gaining a solid understanding of HTML and CSS, the building blocks of web design. There are many online tutorials and web developer courses in the UK available to help you learn these fundamentals.
- Practice: Practise your skills by creating your own websites or by working on mock projects. This hands-on experience will be valuable for building your portfolio.
- Build your portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your best work. Include a variety of projects to demonstrate your skills and style.
- Stay updated: Web development is an ever-evolving field. Stay current with the latest design trends, technologies and tools.
- Apply for jobs or freelance: Once you feel confident in your abilities, start applying for web development jobs or consider freelancing to gain practical experience and build your reputation in the industry.
A web developer's salary in the UK varies, depending on experience, job, location and skills. Entry-level starts at around £22,000 per year, rising to £30,000 after two years. With over 10 years’ experience, web developers can earn around £55,000 on average. Salary may also be influenced by the specific field of web development.
Come and study a web developer course in the UK at GBS! Their exceptional web developer course, HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security), provides essential skills for a career in digital computing. This web development course focuses on practical learning and is designed for students aiming to pursue a dynamic career in this sector.
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