Your introduction to web design qualifications with Home Learning College

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1 Your introduction to web design qualifications with Home Learning College Dennis Davis Home Learning College student Adobe Dreamweaver & Flash CS6 Associate 1

2 Introduction Thank you for considering Home Learning College for your web design studies. We would like to guide you through our online learning experience, and give you more information about: To get the most from your learning experience, we encourage you to take advantage of a conversation with one of our experienced Course Advisors who will help you in making your decision. It is worth considering: A career in web design Our CIW and Adobe accredited web design qualifications The Home Learning College difference 1. How this qualification will help you in achieving your professional ambitions 2. What outcome is important to you? 3. How online learning will fit around your current commitments 4. What are the costs and which payment options are available to you? 5. Any other questions and concerns you may have. The benefits of studying online The admissions process To find out more, talk to one of our expert Course Advisors free on We are open 9am-8.30pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends. 2

3 Is web design for me? A good website makes a big difference to the success of a business. Web Designers use their creativity and technical skills to design, build and improve websites, according to client specification. As a Web Designer/ Developer you will need to be able to visualise how a site will look and understand how it will work. Web design is a fast-paced and fast growing industry and can make for a stimulating and rewarding career. Working in web design offers: Flexibility In-demand skills An excellent starting salary A high earning potential If you are technical, methodical and creative, design is definitely for you. The opportunity to work on Interesting and exciting projects The chance to work with cutting edge technology. What skills do I need? Web design requires dynamic, creative individuals with good organisation skills, strong technical skills, and the ability to bring someone else s vision to life. To succeed as a Web Designer you will benefit from having all or some of the following qualities: Digital capability Creativity and imagination A logical and methodical approach Adaptability Good problem solving skills The ability to work under pressure. What would I be doing? Typical Hours: per week Salary: 25,000-50,000* *Source: TotalJobs.com Salary Checker January 2014 Work Environment: Office/home Entry Requirements: No specific entry requirements, however technical experience or experience in other types of design can be an advantage. To find out more, talk to one of our expert Course Advisors free on We are open 9am-8.30pm weekdays and 10am- 5pm weekends. 3

4 What would I be doing? Despite the common misconception, web design is not all about design. The work as a Web Designer/Developer could involve a vast array of tasks, including: Laying out pages, buttons, links and pictures using design software Adding multimedia features such as sound, animation and video Uploading content for the site to a server for publication online Testing and improving the design and site to ensure it works as planned Creating additional supporting digital elements such as s, PDF files and videos Leading client meetings Creating contracts and managing a portfolio of clients Developing a design plan for site structure and appearance Planning work to meet budget and time constraints Managing client expectations and working through revisions Keeping up to date with the latest graphic design computer programmes and technologies. My Course Advisor was extremely helpful in outlining exactly what the requirements were for the course and how to go about enrolling; the whole process was so simple. Now I m studying the Dreamweaver and Flash course to change career. Freelance or permanent? As a Web Designer you can choose to work freelance (self-employed), for a creative agency dealing with a variety of external clients and a range of projects, or in house as part of a company s Marketing, Production or IT team, creating digital content for the products and services supplied by that company alone. If you are new to the industry it can be a good idea to start out working in house, as you will be closer to the projects and will have the chance to see design projects through from conception to completion and to monitor the success of any implementations you make. What you could be earning at each stage of your career Working in web design means a clear career path with a real opportunity to progress and the potential to earn a very good salary: Position Salary Expectations Junior Web Designer / Developer 25,500* Web Designer / Developer 35,000* Digital Designer / Developer 45,000* Senior Web Designer / Developer 47,500* Website Manager 50,000* *Source: TotalJobs.com Salary Checker January 2014 Dennis Davies, Adobe Dreamweaver & Flash CS6 Associate 4

5 Our web design courses: CIW and Adobe Web design is a competitive industry, so having the relevant professional qualification can be a huge advantage. We have built strong links with the leading awarding bodies: CIW and Adobe to ensure that our courses meet the industry s standards, and are built around the needs of employers and professionals alike. Web Design Pathway Our web design course pathway combines CIW and Adobe accredited qualifications (see below) to give you a complete theoretical overview of site development alongside learning the practical skills working with Adobe Dreamweaver software. Choosing to study on the web design pathway gives you an economical route to securing two worldrenowned web design qualifications in one course. Courses on the pathway are available at foundation and advanced level: Web Design Foundation course: This is an entry-level course made up of the CIW Site Development Associate course and Adobe Dreamweaver CS6 courses, teaching the essential knowledge and skills required for a career in web design. The course will teach you the theory and practice of web site creation, maintenance and development, as well as how to use the key features of Dreamweaver CS6 software. Web Design Advanced course: This course is a progression package from the Web Design Foundation course, made up of the CIW Web Design Specialist and Adobe Dreamweaver Expert courses, giving you a comprehensive overview of the more advanced applications in web design. You will learn how to use the advanced aspects of Adobe Dreamweaver CS6 software to create fast-loading, accessible and search engine friendly sites that employ the most modern web standard methods, and the theory behind web development processes. CIW CIW is the educational standard adopted by academic institutions, governments and businesses worldwide for web technology skills. CIW programmes comprise the world s fastest growing software-neutral web technology education and certification programmes for professionals. CIW Site Development Associate: This is an introductory course about learning the basic technologies needed to work in web design/development. The course forms the first stage on the pathway to a career as a Web Designer and is suited to students who are computer literate but have little or no knowledge of web tools. You will learn the fundamentals of website development, giving you a solid understanding of design technologies and the skills required to plan and develop basic websites. CIW Web Design Specialist: If you have completed your Associate level studies or already have several years experience working in the industry and are looking to specialise further in web technology, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work with advanced applications and manage web development projects end-to-end. 5

6 Adobe As one of the largest software companies in the world, Adobe is a global leader in digital solutions. Adobe software tools allow those working in web design to create groundbreaking digital content, deploy it across media and devices, and measure and optimise its effects over time. Becoming Adobe Certified gives you a clear and focused way to tell the world about your expertise and communicate your proficiency in leading products used around the world. Adobe Dreamweaver CS6 Associate: Designed for those who have completed the CIW Site Development Associate course or already have a basic understanding of web development, the Dreamweaver Associate course will teach you how to master a huge range of capabilities offered by the world-popular web development software, Adobe Dreamweaver CS6. Adobe Dreamweaver CS6 Expert: This course is designed for those who already have a good working knowledge of Adobe Dreamweaver software and wish to secure a role as a professional Web Developer. The course will build on foundation knowledge of the software, teaching you how to work with popular open source programmes and frameworks such as WordPress, PHP and MySQL. Course snapshot Web Design Pathway Course Level Equivalent Study Units Tutor Marked Assessments Exams Guided Learning Hours (approximate) Web Design Foundation course 3 A-Level Web Design Advanced course 4 Higher Education Stand alone courses Course Level Equivalent Study Units Tutor Marked Assessments Exams Guided Learning Hours (approximate) CIW Site Associate 3 A-Level Adobe Dreamweaver CS6 Associate 3 A-Level CIW Web Design Specialist 4 Higher Education Adobe Dreamweaver CS6 Expert 4 Higher Education Online learning means you can study at your own pace and progress at a speed that works for you. You will have full tutorial support along the way to ensure your success on the course, with Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) submitted online and marked by our tutorial team. Any external exams must be attended in person at one of our approved exam centres. Need help deciding which course to choose? If you are unsure what level you are at or need some clarification on pathway options, our experienced Web Design Course Advisors will be able to help you identify your skills and areas for development and assist you in choosing the course best suited to you. They can be contacted free on between 9am- 8.30pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends. 6

7 The Home Learning College difference get qualified, get further Home Learning College is the largest online provider of professional qualifications. We know that most of our students have other commitments, so we offer a revolutionary approach to learning that fits around them. We take pride in delivering the very best learning experience we can. There are many reasons why our students choose to study with us: Above average pass rates Our pass rates are consistently above the national average at 90% High quality course material Our course materials are written by high-profile industry experts and endorsed by the awarding bodies; CIW and Adobe Experienced tutors Our web design tutors are experienced in the industry and 100% focused on getting you qualified Live online classes We offer regular live classes for all our courses delivered online allowing full interaction with your tutor and peers. If you miss a class you can catch up anytime, via the recording on the VLC 8 REASONS to study by distance learning with Home Learning College Strong connections We have excellent relationships with the employer recognised accrediting bodies in the web design sector: CIW and Adobe It is all included Wherever possible we package together everything you need for your course, such as awarding body membership, exam fees and live online classes We make it affordable We offer flexible and affordable payment options, including 12, 24 and 36 month instalment plans as well as discounts when paying in full Our Course Advisors Our Web Design Course Advisors are trained professionals who will support and guide you through this important decision We have set out to offer the best online web design courses available. Our students are at the heart of what we do; listen to what they have to say here: Watch their feedback With a 5 month old son, the only option for me was to study from home. With Home Learning College, it was simple. You ve got online support, can speak with other students for advice or help and the tutors are extremely helpful. I m so proud to be a qualified. Home Learning College opened so many doors for me. Kalina Georgieva When I enrolled everything was dealt with so swiftly, I had my books within a week and could get started straight away. Home Learning College was the best choice out there; they gave me all the support I needed from my initial enquiry all the way through to studying. Richard Cooke 7

8 Learning online and on your own terms Today many professionals choose to study online over a classroom alternative. They want the flexibility of online learning without sacrificing the personal support of a tutor. At Home Learning College, we have structured our courses to offer the best of both worlds. With us you can: Fit your studies around work and family life Get ongoing support from a personally assigned tutor Study from home or away Login to your coursework online and complete assignments and exams only when you are ready. Talk with your tutor via , over the phone or online. Access your study materials from wherever you are. Continue to earn while you learn Connect with fellow students who are in the same position Put your learning into practice as you progress through the course. Interact in our forums, share work or even find a study buddy that can work along with you. 8

9 Virtual Learning Campus (VLC) Your Virtual Learning Campus (VLC) You are able to access everything you need for your course in one place, via our Virtual Learning Campus (VLC), including all your course materials, ebooks, live online classes, video recordings, assignment submission, practice tests and a wealth of other helpful resources. You will be able to join live online classes, interact with other students using the student forums and download useful guides, exam practice papers and other resources when you need them. With the VLC you will never feel alone in your studies. Practice tests Course material Live classes Assignment submission I could finish an assignment at 1:00 a.m. and submit it immediately, rather than having to wait for normal working hours. The flexibility of this form of study really suited me. It allowed me to fit the course around the rest of my busy life. Karishma McDonald ebooks Videos 9

10 Get all the support you need When you enrol, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will be your main point of contact during your course; available via phone, or on the VLC. When you submit assignments for your course, your tutor will aim to mark your assignment and provide feedback within seven days. David Wilde is the Web Design Tutor at Home Learning College. He has a very strong background in IT and Web Design with years of experience in the field. David s responsibilities include customising learning plans and providing comprehensive welcome guides for new students, and responding to queries within 24 hours. You will be able to correspond with David by phone and , but more often a turnaround of less than two hours is achieved. Phone calls are used when a more personal and supportive touch is required. I get a buzz from teaching content that I know will be of real value to my students; content that will enhance their CVs and provide them with the skills they need to achieve their ideal job, or even start their own business. I Find it particularly rewarding teaching online as I feel many students prefer this method of delivery. It is rewarding for them too, learning more independently. My students are very self-motivated and the course is designed to give them everything they need to succeed. The best thing about it for me is that studying these courses gives them an opportunity that they might otherwise not have had. David Wilde, Home Learning College Web Design Tutor 10

11 Live online classes Learning online does not mean having to sacrifice the benefits you would get with classroom learning. Online classes consolidate what you have learnt from your own studies with face-to-face tuition and interaction with your fellow students. Your tutor will run regular classes covering the key topics of your course which you can join live or watch later via a recording. Our live online classes allow you to be face-to-face with your tutor as you would in a traditional classroom environment with interactive features, including a white board, chat-box and poll questions. Self-test questions are available for each lesson in the unit for you to complete as you go and check your progress. This all happens through your web browser. Example of a live online class Kyveli Charalampidou and Daniel Hargreaves Home Learning College students 11

12 Career development hub Kalina Georgieva Home Learning College student We know that virtually all of our students are studying to improve their career prospects we give you the tools to ensure you can make the most of your new qualification. The Career Development Hub is a private online careers portal accessible only by our students. It is a website accessible via the VLC that provides you with all the tools you need to progress with your professional career, including: ü ü Specialised CV builder Be fully prepared interview simulator allowing you to practise your interview skills Over 2,500 videos and advice articles from professionals Unique job search portal with over 250,000 jobs in the UK Psychometric and aptitude tests Weekly industry news updates. At the start of your course, you will be given the login details for your own personal account. 12

13 Are you ready to take the next step? Whether you know the course you want to do and are ready to get started right away, or you just want to have a chat with one of our Course Advisors, all you need to do is give us a call free on We are open 9am- 8.30pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends. What to expect from your conversation Our Course Advisors are all trained experts in professional study and are here to help you make the right choices for your career. They will run through your employment history, previous qualifications and interests with you and use this to help determine the path you should take. Call free on To make the most of your information and to help you decide on your next steps, we recommend you consider the following questions: Where do you want to go in your career? What do you want to get out of the course? How soon would you like to get qualified? Do you have any questions about online learning? Have you thought about payment options? Or visit us We are here to help with expert advice and information, so you can take the next step towards a better career. 13