How to become a web developer in the UK after studying HND in digital technologies?

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.

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:

Photoshop and Illustrator	Turn designs into working code, understand layers, read dimensions and interpret website and product mock-ups.
HTML	Make an HTML file from scratch and incorporate the latest HTML5 tags.
CSS	Create a CSS file from scratch, control how elements are arranged and follow the usual practices.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)	Know how servers and databases talk to each other to put your HTML file on the World Wide Web.
JavaScript	Understand what DOM (Document Object Model) is, use built-in functions, apply logic to create loops and write your own functions.
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