E-learning developer

Career path and progression

With experience you could progress to:

• a senior development role
• IT project management
• e-learning research
• strategy planning
• technical sales
• business development

You could also move into related areas like:

• educational or training consultancy
• educational software development
• systems analysis
• the computer games industry

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Computer Science - E-learning developers build and maintain virtual learning environments, write code for interactive features, and work with web development tools on a daily basis. Understanding programming, software architecture, and how digital systems work is essential for creating online courses that function smoothly across different devices.
• Design and Technology - E-learning developers follow a design process to turn learning objectives into functional digital products. They prototype, test, and iterate on course materials, thinking carefully about how users will interact with the content and how to make it accessible and intuitive.
• Art and Design - E-learning developers design the visual layout of online courses, choosing colours, typography, icons, and graphics that make content clear and engaging. Strong visual design skills help them create materials that look professional and keep learners focused.
• English Language - E-learning developers write instructional text, create clear navigation labels, and structure content so that learners can follow it easily. Being able to communicate complex ideas in plain, well-organised language is central to making effective learning materials.

Also relevant

• Psychology - E-learning developers need to understand how people learn, retain information, and stay motivated. Knowledge of cognitive processes like memory, attention, and feedback loops helps them design courses that are genuinely effective rather than just visually appealing.
• Business - E-learning developers often work with corporate clients or within organisations that use training to meet business goals. Understanding how businesses operate helps them tailor learning content to real workplace needs and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Mathematics - E-learning developers use logical thinking when structuring course pathways and building interactive elements that respond to user input. They may also analyse data on learner progress and completion rates to improve their courses over time.