What degree do I need to become a web developer?

A Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Applied Computing are the most direct routes at Waikato, both teaching web development directly through papers on databases, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Which pathway suits web development best?

Bachelor of Computer Science gives you the strongest theoretical grounding, while Bachelor of Applied Computing is more hands-on and industry-focused. Both include dedicated web development papers, unlike Software Engineering , which focuses more on safety-critical and embedded systems.

Will I gain real-world development experience during my degree?

Yes. Many students build practical experience through internships and industry projects alongside their coursework, which employers often expect on top of your qualification.

Can I specialise further after graduating?

Yes. A Master of Science in Computer Science lets Computer Science or Applied Computing graduates build deeper technical expertise, and Software Engineering projects within a Master of Engineering are also completed through the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences rather than requiring an engineering background specifically.

Web developer career

Kaiwhakawhanake paetukutuku

Web developers manage the development of websites and web-based applications. They oversee the coding, design and layout to create efficient and user-friendly websites.

$52,000 – $150,000 per year

Full stack developer, front-end developer, back-end developer, UX/UI developer, developer, coder, intranet developer, web editor

Where our data comes from

What would you do as a Web developer?

Web developers

usually work regular business hours
usually work in offices
need to be methodical, identify and solve problems and communicate well

Tasks

design websites and software applications
write computer programming code
improve website user experience
collect and analyse website data
update website content
improve data security
test websites and software applications
learn new tools and technologies
give technical support

How can you become a Web developer?

You usually learn on the job to become a web developer and a qualification may be useful.

You may need

a relevant tertiary qualification in computer science or similar area
to learn on the job through internships and graduate recruitment programmes
a relevant industry-based certification in web development
knowledge of CSS and HTML5
experience in similar work

If you're in school

You usually need NCEA Level 3 to do the study or training for this job.

Build your web development skills with our Bachelor of Computer Science. If you're studying in Tauranga, our Bachelor of Applied Computing was designed with the local tech industry and includes 60 points of work-integrated learning. You'll also get 24-hour access to our computer labs.

For an engineering-level foundation, choose Software Engineering in our Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, which is accredited under both the Washington Accord and the Seoul Accord.

BCompSc

Where these qualifications can take you

Web development sits within the broader computing field, building and maintaining the websites and applications people use every day. Waikato offers several routes in, depending on whether you want a strong theoretical grounding, a hands-on industry focus, or an engineering-level foundation.

Common areas Waikato graduates in this space work in:

Front-end and back-end development
Full stack development
Software and application development
Web-based business systems

Web developer FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

Australian Computer Society Accreditations

Australian Computer Society accredited

Accredited by the Australian Computer Society under the Seoul Accord, recognising Waikato computing qualifications against global ICT standards.

Student Centre

0800 WAIKATO

07 838 4176

info@waikato.ac.nz

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International Enquiries

Monday – Friday NZT 1pm – 2am

+64 7788 0688

info@international.waikato.ac.nz

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School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences

School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, The University of Waikato

+64 7 838 4322

stem@waikato.ac.nz

Au Reikura | School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences

Web developer career