Access to Design for the Web

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Web design has evolved dramatically to become a complex, demanding and creative discipline. This course recognises that in order to produce work of a high professional standard, a web designer needs a flux of technical and visual design skills. A comprehensive understanding of current web developments allied with well-thought visual design is key to providing satisfactory results not only for the client, but also for end users.
Starting with basic principles, the course takes you through developing an idea, mapping a site, designing its layout and producing visuals using the latest software packages to create imagery and graphics.
While many web courses merely show you how to turn an image into a webpage with programmes like Dreamweaver, we emphasise the importance of upholding current web standards and teach only the most up to date methods of website creation. You will learn the fundamental hand-coded languages of web design: XHTML, CSS, use of jQuery and other JS libraries and PHP skills taught include: content creation, design and layout, typography, colour, graphics and image manipulation.
You will also receive a basic introduction to web site management and server-side considerations. Throughout the course you will apply your improved skills to set exercises, projects and working with clients. The course closes with a final portfolio project utilising your skills.

How you study:
✫ Term 1
Main project: 1st site online by Christmas
The first term will focus on teaching you handcoding. With a lot of practical exercises and a lot of homework – you will practise and apply your coding skills to various web projects. You will also learn about techniques used to create and edit suitable images and graphics for your website. Our time will be mainly spent coding.
Subjects such as colour theory, layout principles and typography will go hand in hand with your projects and you'll start presenting your ideas and concepts for feedback. You will have completed your first small site by the end of term.

✫ Term 2
Main project: Real client site
Term 2 will go deeper into hand coding and look at more advanced techniques as well as professional site set up – compliant with the web standards and following accessibility guidelines. You will also learn how to work with jQuery – all using progressive enhancement, which will ensure your sites, will work well with or without Javascript enabled.
The main focus of this term will be your first official real client project. You will learn how to deal with clients, take the brief, present proposals – learn how to deal with feedback and finish off by putting the final site online.

✫ Term 3
Main project: Your own online portfolio site
The last term is all yours. Teaching carries on but prompted by your input and requests – the main goal is for you to produce your own portfolio website, ready for promotion by the end of the course. Sessions will be more flexible and allow time to complete this final major project.

Please have a look at the wonderful work produced by our students on the course website:
webeyedea.info - Student Gallery