University of Cape Town
Web Design
Gain the fundamentals of web design, and develop the confidence to organise, craft, and sustain a distinctive and adaptable website.
Start date
27 January 2025
Course duration
10 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
Websites play a significant role in the marketing and operation of various businesses as they serve as the virtual representation of a company. Hence, the expertise of professionals in creating captivating web pages that differentiate the company's brand from its competitors is highly valued across industries.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers the Web Design online short course to provide you with the fundamental principles of web design and the theoretical and practical skills to establish a robust online presence for your organisation or personal brand. You'll learn coding languages and how to test and publish web pages that display seamlessly on different devices.
Throughout the course, you'll put your learnings into practice by creating a four-page website and receive feedback from peers during group 'crit' sessions. By the end of the course, you'll have the confidence to pursue a career in the growing field of web design.
Is this course for you?
This beginner's course is specially crafted for those seeking to keep themselves up to date in the fiercely competitive digital era, primarily catering to working professionals. Additionally, individuals who wish to switch their career path or enhance their abilities in web design, graphic design, digital marketing, or art direction can also benefit from it. Those with prior web design knowledge can obtain an official UCT certificate of completion after successfully completing the course. Please bear in mind that students are accountable for acquiring their domain names. Possessing fundamental computer skills before enrolling in this course is highly recommended.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
Websites play a significant role in the marketing and operation of various businesses as they serve as the virtual representation of a company. Hence, the expertise of professionals in creating captivating web pages that differentiate the company's brand from its competitors is highly valued across industries.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers the Web Design online short course to provide you with the fundamental principles of web design and the theoretical and practical skills to establish a robust online presence for your organisation or personal brand. You'll learn coding languages and how to test and publish web pages that display seamlessly on different devices.
Throughout the course, you'll put your learnings into practice by creating a four-page website and receive feedback from peers during group 'crit' sessions. By the end of the course, you'll have the confidence to pursue a career in the growing field of web design.
Is this course for you?
This beginner's course is specially crafted for those seeking to keep themselves up to date in the fiercely competitive digital era, primarily catering to working professionals. Additionally, individuals who wish to switch their career path or enhance their abilities in web design, graphic design, digital marketing, or art direction can also benefit from it. Those with prior web design knowledge can obtain an official UCT certificate of completion after successfully completing the course. Please bear in mind that students are accountable for acquiring their domain names. Possessing fundamental computer skills before enrolling in this course is highly recommended.
What will set you apart
The skills to write basic HTML code and style a web page using CSS.
The ability to edit and optimise graphics and content for web use.
An understanding of the tools and practices involved in responsive and interactive web design.
A fully functioning four-page website that’s responsive and optimised for search.
A certificate of completion from UCT as proof of your new skills, and unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Introduction to web design
Module 2
Planning a website: Content and structure
Module 3
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
Module 4
Image optimisation for the web
Module 5
Visualising a website: Colours, images, fonts, and layout
Module 6
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
Module 7
Styling HTML5 with CSS
Module 8
Responsive web design
Module 9
Writing web-optimised copy and linking pages
Module 10
Testing, publishing, and maintaining a website
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What past students
think
Lauren Kruger
Creative Group Head, Ogilvy Johannesburg
My overall impression of the course was that it was challenging but rewarding. I never thought that I would be able to code a website from the ground up, yet here we are. The support team was quick to respond and eager to help, which made the experience much easier and more pleasurable. I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone looking to further their website [design] knowledge.
Course Convenor
Dr Ronald Irwin
Senior Lecturer of Media Studies and Production, University of Cape Town
About the certificate
Cultivate fundamental web design skills and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
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