Web Development Skills Bootcamp — Bath Spa University

Skills Bootcamp in Web Development

Short course

    Want to pursue a career as a web developer? Our Skills Bootcamp in Web Development teaches you everything you need to change career paths.

    During this 12-week free online short course, you’ll get the skills needed to work as a web developer in the tech industry. You’ll learn how to build accessible, responsive websites as well as learning about coding principles, essential tools, and popular frameworks to take you to the next level of website development.


    You must be aged 19+ to apply. You can complete one Skills Bootcamp funded by the Department for Education per financial year.

    What you'll learn

    Course overview

    You’ll develop skills to embark on a career as a modern web developer which includes learning:

    • How to build accessible, responsive websites in HTML5 and CSS3
    • Programming fundamentals in JavaScript
    • How to build interactivity and validation into complex websites
    • How to use third-party APIs to build complete applications
    • About modern frameworks and libraries
    • How to build websites in React.

    In addition to the core content, two weeks are dedicated to project work. You'll receive a range of practical tasks to complete, which provide you with a portfolio of work by the time you finish the course.

    The final week is dedicated to preparing you for the tech industry, including preparation for technical tests and interviews.

    Course structure

    Please note that the course structure is subject to change based on the needs of each cohort.

    Week 1: Static HTML

    • Wireframing
    • Building a page in HTML and semantic HTML
    • Styling and positioning elements with CSS

    Week 2: Responsive design and Git Media queries

    • CSS Grid
    • Flexbox
    • uGit and Githb

    Week 3: Programming fundamentals with Javascript

    • The script tag, the console and console.log.
    • Data types (string, number, boolean, array, object)
    • Variables (var/let/const)
    • Loops
    • Conditionals
    • Functions
    • Pseudo-coding
    • Utility functions in javascript (prototype functions)

    Week 4: Dom manipulation, validation and event handlers

    • Introduction to the Document Object Model (DOM)
    • DOM manipulation
    • Event handlers
    • Validating forms

    Week 5: CSS Tooling

    • Animations
    • Using CSS libraries
    • Normalise
    • Minification
    • CSS Pre-processors

    Week 6: Portfolio build

    • Build a responsive portfolio site for your projects on github.
    • During this module there will be time for 1:1s, pair-working, and meeting guest developers.

    Week 7: How to use APIs

    • Explaining HTTP and how the Internet works
    • What is a "stack"?
    • What is an API?
    • How to call APIs using fetch
    • Working with JSON

    Week 8: Browser APIs, NPM, and Intro to Single Page Apps

    • Browser APIs (e.g. geolocation, fullscreen)
    • Async/await and promises
    • NPM
    • What are SPAs?
    • What is JAMstack?
    • Introduction to React (theory)

    Week 9: React: Functional components and basic hooks

    • create-react-app
    • Functional components
    • props, children
    • Basic hooks: useState, useEffect
    • Context API (stretch goal)

    Week 10: React: Routing, useReducer, and legacy React

    • Routing
    • Advanced hooks: useReducer
    • Overview of class components and component lifecycle (theory)

    Week 11: Project week

    • Build team projects using all the skills covered in the course so far.
    • During this module there will be time for 1:1s and working in pairs

    Week 12: Preparing for the tech industry

    • Project and portfolio showcase
    • Preparing for technical tests

    You will also cover mixed content about the tech industry such as:

    • tech culture and events
    • how to transition from frontend or web development to other kinds of development
    • what are programming paradigms, and when will you need to know one?

    How will I be taught?

    You'll be taught by highly experienced lecturers and also benefit from guest speakers, group exercises, and online learning to ensure that you can fit the course around your other commitments. All teaching is online.

    It's important to note that you're expected to spend a number of hours outside of teaching on independent study to support your learning. You'll be supported by your lecturers during your independent studying.

    The course will be hands-on and includes project work based on real scenarios that form part of the assessment process.

    Improve your employability

    You’ll receive advice on how to get your first job in the tech industry. You'll also learn interview techniques and how to prepare for technical tests which will significantly enhance your job prospects.

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    No experience needed

    You don't need any prior knowledge of web development to complete this short course. Whether you're currently employed or unemployed, our free Skills Bootcamp shows you can bring your broader work and life experience together with new digital skills. This will allow you to feel much more confident in your ability to apply for roles in the tech industry.

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    Interested in applying?

    What we look for

    The single biggest thing we’re looking for is for you to possess an interest in web development. While some previous knowledge is desirable, the most important factor is a positive mindset.

    Eligibility requirements

    You must:

    • Be aged 19+
    • Have the right to live and work in the UK
    • Agree to provide mandatory personal data and supplementary information on your employment outcomes for up to eight months following completion of the Skills Bootcamp
    • Be looking for a new role, new opportunities or increased responsibility/promotion to a different role that utilises the skills acquired through this online short course

    Cost

    Our Skills Bootcamp in Web Development is funded by the Department for Education (DfE), and therefore is free. You can complete one Skills Bootcamp.

    If you're being sent for training by your employer, your employer will need to pay 30% of the total fees. If this is the case please contact us at skillsbootcamps@bathspa.ac.uk.

    Dates and times

    The next courses start on:

    • 13 June for 12 weeks, Monday - Wednesday, 10am-4pm. Applications close 27 May.
    • 5 September for 12 weeks, times TBC
    • 19 September for 12 weeks, evening course, times TBC
    • 3 October for 12 weeks, times TBC
    • 9 January 2023 for 12 weeks, times TBC

    Please note that whilst these are the current confirmed dates, they are subject to change.

    Places are offered on a first come first serve basis. To have the best chance of securing a place, please apply as soon as possible. Applications close two weeks prior to the start date or once full.

    How to apply

    1. Complete the first stage eligibility form
    2. If you meet the basic eligibility criteria for this Skills Bootcamp we'll invite you to complete a second stage application form
    3. A member of our team will then have a quick phone call with you to discuss your objectives and ensure your suitability for this course
    4. If you are suitable for the course our team will contact you a couple of days after your phone call to offer you a place on the course
    5. Once you accept the offer, you are enrolled.

    We are experiencing a high number of applicants for this course and our team will be in contact with you as soon as they can. 

    Contact us

    If you have any queries please contact skillsbootcamps@bathspa.ac.uk.

    Privacy Notice

    Read the privacy notices about signing up to these Skills Bootcamps, including how and why your personal data will be collected, and what it will be used for.

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    Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk