Web design and development

Studying web design and development provides you with the technical and design-related skills needed for a career in the web, software development and computer science industries

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Applications developer
• Game developer
• Multimedia programmer
• Multimedia specialist
• SEO specialist
• UX designer
• UX researcher
• Web content manager
• Web designer
• Web developer

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Artworker
• Cyber security analyst
• Database administrator
• Digital marketer
• Information systems manager
• IT sales professional
• Software engineer
• Software tester
• Systems analyst
• Technical author

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience

Try to get experience working on websites outside of your degree. This will enable you to build a portfolio of your design and development skills and technical ability. Some degrees give students the option of carrying out a year-long paid placement during their studies. You can find relevant opportunities through EDT's Year In Industry (YINI) scheme.

You can also show initiative by arranging a summer placement or part-time experience yourself. Since the vast majority of businesses advertise their services or goods through the internet, there are many opportunities available.

Community schemes are an excellent way to demonstrate you can communicate your technical knowledge to the general public. This could involve you helping someone to use the internet for the first time, or create their own website. Find out about current schemes through your local council.

Find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

There are many web design agencies that specialise in creating and maintaining websites for other organisations. If a company doesn't use these services, they usually have their own web designer or in-house team.

You may prefer to set up your own design business or work as a freelancer.

Alternatively, your flair for design could see you working for a small design studio or an advertising firm.

Your development skills could lead to a job in software engineering, testing or even technical writing, which can be carried out in a variety of businesses. Large IT and telecommunication companies also value these technical skills.

Find information on employers in information technology, media and internet and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

Web design and development courses provide a range of technical skills in areas such as:

• data analysis
• database design
• digital marketing
• graphics and design
• multimedia production
• programming
• scripting/coding
• software development
• user experience design
• web application development
• website design.

These subject-specific skills are gained through projects as well as theoretical study.

You'll also develop a range of transferable skills, such as:

• communication and presentation
• problem solving
• project management
• research
• teamwork
• attention to detail
• time management and organisation.

This combination of skills is sought after by a wide range of employers, both in the IT sector and beyond. It also allows you to work as a freelancer or to start your own business.

Further study

It's possible to study a specific aspect of design, development or another computing area in more depth through a Masters degree, which usually consists of taught modules and project work. Alternatively, if you want to gain a further qualification while working, a Knowledge Transfer Partnership might suit you.

Other graduates choose to study for a teaching qualification, such as a PGCE, to teach IT or computing at secondary school level or in a further education college.

For more information on further study and to find a course, see Masters degrees and search for postgraduate courses in web development.

What do web design and development graduates do?

IT professionals (23%), web and multimedia design professionals (17%), sales, marketing and related associate professionals (8%), artistic, literary and media occupations (5%), IT technicians (5%) and media professionals (4%) are among the ten most reported roles.

Find out what other graduates are doing after finishing their degrees in What do graduates do?

Graduate destinations data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.