Job Description

Web designers use their creative and technical skills to design new websites or mobile apps and redesign existing ones. They often work on a freelance/commissioning basis whereby they discuss requirements with clients to determine what the client wants from their website or app and will come up with designs and layouts to make the site appealing and easy to use for the target audience, they will also possibly be involved in the build, support and maintenance.

Web designers can use programming languages or source code to create designs, but may focus on graphics and design for templating new sites or proposing layout changes to existing ones.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed in this job like Computing.

You may need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.

The following colleges may offer a relevant course Computing:

Or your local sixth form may offer a relevant A level.

Apprenticeship

You could complete training like an advanced apprenticeship for IT, software, web professionals, or a higher apprenticeship in creative and digital media.

You could also do a creative digital design degree apprenticeship.

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

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You could take a higher national diploma or degree in:

web design and development
multimedia design
digital media development
interactive computing

You'll usually need:

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Work

You could start working as a design assistant or web support assistant and train while you work.

Career tips

You'll need a portfolio of work that shows employers your creative design skills.

Make sure that you're up to date with the latest trends, features and design software by:

getting involved in free webinars or online training courses
signing up to free online magazines
reading the latest industry blogs for news and tips

You could volunteer for a local community group or charity and create a website for them. Any experience you can get will be helpful when applying for jobs.

Tech Future Careers and Bubble Jobs have more information on tech roles including web design.

Career Path and Progression

With experience you could move into design team management or expand your skills to become a web content manager.

You might work towards a move into business management.

You could also work as a freelance web designer or set up your own web design business.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Web content manager
Animator
Computer games developer
Computer games tester
E-learning developer

Required Skills

Creativity
attention to detail
problem solving
able to work to deadlines
the ability to communicate your ideas
good communication skills
technical knowledge
analytical mind

Salary Range

£18,000 to £40,000

Web Designer