Believe it or not, but creativity is required in more industries than you might think - web design being one of them. Focusing on aesthetics, user experience, and reflecting the company’s brand, web design is a quickly growing sector of web development. And if you’re interested to know more, what better way than by taking some of the top online web design courses?
With the field’s growing popularity, it’s no wonder that many of the best MOOC platforms are offering web design courses. To help you find a program that would check all the boxes, we’ve selected the best-rated and most popular web design online courses for you to choose from:
- The Basics of Web-Design Layout - a course by Skillshare
- UI & Web Design Using Adobe Illustrator CC - a course by Skillshare
- CSS Basics - a course by edX
- WordPress for Beginners - a course by Udemy
- Web Design for Beginners: Real World Coding - a course by Udemy
- Responsive Web Design Fundamentals - a course by Udacity
- UX Design for Mobile Developers - a course by Udacity
With top-notch content quality, these programs are guaranteed to kickstart your journey into the dynamic world of web design.
That being said, before we get into what makes these web design online classes great, let’s take a moment to talk about why web design is worth your attention in the first place.
Table of Contents
- 1. Why Should You Take Online Web Design Courses?
- 2. The Basics of Web-Design Layout: Learn How To Describe Your Design With HTML & CSS (Enroll Here)
- 3. UI & Web Design Using Adobe Illustrator CC (Enroll Here)
- 4. CSS Basics (Enroll Here)
- 5. WordPress for Beginners - Master WordPress Quickly (Enroll Here)
- 6. Web Design for Beginners: Real World Coding in HTML & CSS (Enroll Here)
- 7. Responsive Web Design Fundamentals (Enroll Here)
- 8. UX Design for Mobile Developers (Enroll Here)
- 9. Conclusions
Why Should You Take Online Web Design Courses?
As already mentioned, the field of web design is incredibly broad and currently booming, making it an exciting career opportunity. Bringing together creativity and computer science, it’s an appealing option for many.
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One thing that might surprise you is how many aspects web design actually has. Professionals are responsible for much more than just making sure sites are pleasing to the eye and easy to navigate. Web design includes Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and developing mobile-friendly versions of existing websites, among other tasks.
This makes taking web design courses online a great option for those eager to learn something completely new and professionals looking to upskill in their current position.
In addition, a career in web design can be exceptionally successful. In our constantly developing age of technology, the demand for web designers is projected to grow 8% by 2029[1]. And with an average annual salary of $70,000, there really are few professions that can offer such a great outlook!
If you are intrigued by the idea of becoming a professional in the field, then online web design courses are the way to go.
With minimal commitment, website design online courses provide you with the ability to quickly develop useful new skills. Along with high-quality content and experienced instructors, the top online learning platforms mentioned in this article also offer the ability to learn at your own pace and create a stress-free learning environment, not to mention other benefits as well.
That being said, with the perks of taking web design online courses in mind, let's take a look at the best online web design courses currently available.
The Basics of Web-Design Layout: Learn How To Describe Your Design With HTML & CSS (Enroll Here)
- Platform: Skillshare
- Duration: 3 hours 9 minutes
- Price: Free
- Certificate: No
- Level: Beginner
- Apply HERE
Whether you are curious to try something out or are determined to develop a new skill, we can all agree that there is no better place to start than at the beginning. Laying down a strong foundation of basic knowledge is the key to success in any field, with web design being no exception.
The Basics of Web-Design Layout: Learn How To Describe Your Design With HTML & CSS is a beginner-friendly Skillshare course, created to teach you how to quickly create basic websites using HTML and CSS. Covering everything you need to know about layouts, this class is guaranteed to help you kickstart your web design journey.
The course approaches website layouts from the programming perspective, focusing on how to achieve various designs and block functions using nothing but code. A lot of emphasis is also placed on simplicity, so beginners don't have to worry about memorizing complex formulas to achieve basic results.
The program, consisting of 25 lessons, not only includes great theoretical knowledge, but walkthroughs and real-life examples, selected specifically to make taking the course as easy and fun as possible. Such a multifaceted approach to learning creates the perfect environment for novices to receive a strong fundamental understanding of the topic at hand.
One thing to note about online web design courses is their duration. Because of how extensive each topic is, very few programs can be completed in less than 2 hours. That being said, this class is the second shortest on our list, taking 3 hours and 9 minutes to complete.
Even though it might seem like a lot, you will be surprised how quickly time can fly with these online web design courses!
Now, those concerned about the prices can rest assured that no wallets will be harmed while taking this Skillshare course. The program can be taken completely free of charge during the first 14 days of your premium membership. And if you ever decide to retake the course or explore other classes available on the platform, unlimited access to all content can be yours for no more than $10 per month!
Students taking this course will learn:
- What different types of positioning there are;
- How to describe layouts to the browser;
- What the defaults are, and how and when to override them.
Anyone interested in learning web design should consider taking this Skillshare course to kickstart their journey.
Start the course NOW.
UI & Web Design Using Adobe Illustrator CC (Enroll Here)
- Platform: Skillshare
- Duration: 4 hours 9 minutes
- Price: Free
- Certificate: No
- Level: Beginner
- Apply HERE
What makes web design special is the ability to create something for everyday consumers using computer science. Like with any other design sector, web designers need to have a good eye for appealing visuals that can elevate any website’s UI quality in seconds.
If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to create something for other people to enjoy while using, then web design might be where you need to go!
UI & Web Design Using Adobe Illustrator CC, a Skillshare web design online class, is perfect for developing an eye for great UI design. Focusing on the visual aspect of web design for both desktop and mobile, the program aims to give beginners the confidence they need to pursue a career in the field.
An important point to keep in mind is that this class does not teach you how to code your website, but rather focuses on the visual and creative elements of UI design. The syllabus also walks students through the basics of using Adobe Illustrator, equipping them with everything they might need to unleash their creativity.
This online web design course is project-lead. While taking the course, students will be working on their online portfolios that they will be able to use in the future while job hunting.
Divided into 46 lectures, the exceptionally detailed syllabus leaves no stones unturned, simultaneously covering Illustrator techniques and essential web design elements, creating a smooth learning experience.
As you've probably gathered by now, this course is notably extensive, and the syllabus’ length reflects that. With 4 hours and 9 minutes of video lectures, this program might take longer than one afternoon to complete. But with that said, those 4 hours will bring you more knowledge than you might expect.
What makes Skillshare online web design courses stand out from the rest is their pricing system. Students interested in testing out the program can take the class for free during the first 2 weeks of their premium membership. And if they decide to stay and continue learning on the platform, all the perks of Skillshare can be theirs for just $10 per month.
Those enrolled will be learning:
- How professionals use Adobe Illustrator to design websites;
- How to design for a responsive website;
- What UI is and how it works.
Eager to learn how to use your creativity while developing websites? Then this online web design course is perfect for you.
Start the course NOW.
CSS Basics (Enroll Here)
A good web design depends on several main components like colours, fonts, and layouts, to name a few. Each element influences the others, resulting in the overall feel of your site.
CSS Basics is one of edX's highest-rated online web design courses, designed to teach you the ins and outs of CSS and how to use it to create professional websites. Created with beginners in mind, the program introduces you to the core fundamentals of web design and how it can be taken from bland to bold with just a few steps.
This course’s syllabus is based on the latest Web standards that focus on structure, flow, and presentation of the site’s content. To assure an enjoyable learning experience, students will be introduced to CSS starting with the basics, building a foundation of knowledge for further lectures.
The course consists of 5 modules, each tackling the learning material one topic at a time. Starting with an explanation of what CSS even is and finally ending with the latest tips on designing a website for a specific audience, the program is perfect even for those just starting to learn about web development.
That being said, students are recommended to be at least a little familiar with HTML code, as some lectures will involve basic coding exercises.
At first the course might seem too intimidating to even consider as it is estimated to take around 5 weeks to complete. However, the program is 100% self-paced, so students can take as much time learning CSS web design as they are comfortable with, making this online web design course suitable even for the busiest students.
When it comes to pricing, edX offers two options. Users can take the course completely free of charge with full access to the entire syllabus. However, if students would like to receive an accredited certificate upon completion, a fee of $198.96 would be applied.
Even though the price might seem steep, it can be a great investment into your future career.
Those enrolled in the program will learn:
- Basic selection of CSS properties and fundamental selectors;
- Designing page layout through relative positioning;
- Best practices in Web design.
Taking this online web design course is guaranteed to take your designs to a whole new level!
Start the course NOW.
WordPress for Beginners - Master WordPress Quickly (Enroll Here)
- Platform: Udemy
- Duration: 8 hours 1 minute
- Price: $112.90
- Certificate: YES
- Level: Beginner
- Apply HERE
Web design doesn’t necessarily have to be rows of complex code that anyone can get lost in. There are several content management systems (CMS) available that can make creating and operating your own websites simple and quick. And WordPress is perhaps one of the best known CMS’s in the world.
However, some skills are still needed if you want to create top-notch websites with WordPress.
That’s exactly where this Udemy program comes in. WordPress for Beginners - Master WordPress Quickly is one of the platform's most popular online web design courses that can teach you how to become a great web designer in mere hours.
Created with everyone, even absolute beginners, in mind, this Udemy class walks students through every step of setting up a WordPress website, from installation to the final finishing touches. Prioritizing simplicity, the course avoids overly-technical terms, guaranteeing easy-to-follow learning material.
If you are someone who enjoys learning about all of the what’s, why’s, and how’s of any given topic, then this class will make you feel right at home. Consisting of 19 sections and an impressive 94 lectures, this online web design course gives you the complete rundown of everything there is to know about using WordPress to design your own website.
From personal blogs to business sites - this class really has everything covered.
Understandably, the more in-depth a course is the longer it takes to complete. Admittedly, knowing how many lectures are in this syllabus, you might expect a month-long endeavour. Well, we are glad to inform you that the entire class can be completed in 8 hours and 1 minute.
Of course, it must be noted that students can take the course at their own pace, which makes completing the program seem like a walk in the park.
One thing that is important to keep in mind while considering Udemy online web design courses is the prices. In fact, this online class is the second most expensive program on our list, coming in at $112.90. That being said, this price includes unlimited access to the entire syllabus and a shareable accredited certificate, turning this course into an investment worth anyone’s attention.
If you decide to enroll in this class you can expect to learn:
- How to use WordPress to create a website for any occasion;
- What elements every website needs to be as successful as possible;
- Tips and tricks that will make web design that much easier.
With this website design online course, you will have the world of web design at your fingertips.
Start the course NOW.
Web Design for Beginners: Real World Coding in HTML & CSS (Enroll Here)
- Platform: Udemy
- Duration: 10 hours 54 minutes
- Price: $118.84
- Certificate: YES
- Level: All Levels
- Apply HERE
Creating a website from scratch can seem like an intimidating task. Turning nothing into something never sounds easy. And once code is involved, you might suddenly catch yourself slowly backing away.
Well, it doesn't have to be like that anymore! Anyone can learn how to program their own website, even those with no prior web design knowledge.
Offered by Udemy, Web Design for Beginners: Real World Coding in HTML & CSS is one of the most detailed online web design courses that will give you full control over what your websites look and feel like.
Starting with HTML essentials, this course goes step-by-step through the entire process of creating a webpage by hand and eventually publishing it. Because the program does not require any previous experience with web development, anyone taking this class will find the material useful and easily understandable.
As standard for Udemy web design online classes, the learning material is divided into sections by topic. Covering such a detailed topic like coding a website from scratch, it’s no surprise that this course consists of 22 sections. The 71 lectures walk students through every possible hurdle they might face while developing their websites, making this course the ultimate web developer’s handbook.
This program consists of 10 hours and 54 minutes of learning material, making it one of the longest courses mentioned in this article. However, the syllabus is completely self-paced, so students have no need to worry about spending several all-nighters with their computers.
When it comes to pricing, this Udemy class is on the more expensive side. Currently costing $118.84 to take the course, the program might scare away some students. However, with the certificate of completion and high-quality content in mind, we are sure that this course is worth every penny!
Students learning to program a website by hand will be taught:
- How to create any website layout you can imagine;
- How to support any device size with responsive (mobile-friendly) design;
- How to use simple design elements to create professional websites.
If you are looking for an online web design course that will help you launch your career as a web designer, then it’s your lucky day!
Start the course NOW.
Responsive Web Design Fundamentals (Enroll Here)
- Platform: Udacity
- Duration: Approx. 2 weeks
- Price: Free
- Certificate: No
- Level: Intermediate
- Apply HERE
We currently live in an age of smartphones. Most of our lives can fit in one palm-size device that we take everywhere and use for everything. This leads to one of the most important aspects of web design - responsive web design.
Because experience with RWD can be used in so many fields, online web design courses covering the subject are among the most popular online classes available. One of the highest-rated programs covering RWD is hosted by Udacity - Responsive Web Design Fundamentals.
Even though this program is aimed at students with already pre-existing HTML and CSS experience, the syllabus does not toss you straight into the deep end of the information pool. Going one step at a time, the learning process begins with an introduction to responsive design and steadily moves forward from the what to the why and how.
The program is divided into 5 main blocks of lessons, each one building on the information covered in the previous lecture. Designed to be taken at a comfortable pace with enough time to really get the hang of the content, the course is estimated to take around 2 weeks to complete. However, because students have the opportunity to learn at their own pace, it can be finished both in one week and one month.
The focus is not on the speed, but on the quality of learning.
One thing that stood out to us while selecting courses for our article was this program’s impressive student reviews. Among content quality and great instructors, pricing was something users raved about the most. And no wonder, because the course can be taken for absolutely free!
It really can’t get better than that!
Those enrolled in the program will learn:
- What responsive design is and why it's important;
- What is important to keep in mind while developing a RWD;
- What common patterns can be followed to success every time.
This is the perfect online web design course for those interested in making the internet as easily accessible as possible.
Start the course NOW.
UX Design for Mobile Developers (Enroll Here)
Web design can be seen as the cover of a book. It's the first thing users notice about a website and it can leave an impression that can significantly affect future opinions on the site. For that reason user experience (UX) is one of the key elements of web design, focusing on achieving a desirable reaction from the consumers of our products.
Because smartphones are currently the most commonly used devices to access the internet, a website’s compatibility with a mobile device can make or break the success of the site’s design. For that reason it is important to know how to make visually appealing, easy-to-navigate mobile apps. UX Design for Mobile Developers is a Udacity online web design course created with aspiring mobile developers in mind.
The program is focused on the beginning stages of the app developing process, emphasizing the importance of thinking ahead even while in the prototype phase of development. Students are taught how to think from the consumers’ perspective, finding ways to improve a seemingly already perfect design.
The syllabus is divided into 4 blocks of lessons, discussing every aspect of creating the best UX design for mobile apps, starting with the basics of UX and how it needs to be incorporated into the development process and ending with students designing a prototype Android application themselves. This is a well-rounded program, joining theoretical and practical aspects of UX web design into one online course.
Estimated to take around 6 weeks to complete, this online web design course is the longest class on our list. However, this does not mean that you will need to forget the rest of the world while taking this program. Students can learn at their own pace, so anyone can find the time to take this course, whether they’re a busy student or a stay-at-home parent.
Longer, more sophisticated online web design courses usually tend to be on the more expensive side. However, that is not the case with this Udacity program, as it can be taken absolutely free of charge, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upskill or learn something new but afraid of going bankrupt in the process.
Those enrolled in the program will learn:
- What UX actually is and how it differs form UI;
- Why it is crucial to keep users in mind during the development process;
- How to work with mobile constraints, such as limited data and finite battery life.
In a world where smartphones have become an integral part of everyday life, UX design for mobile applications is something web designers absolutely must be familiar with.
Start the course NOW.
Did you know?
Have you ever wondered which online learning platforms are the best for your career?
Conclusions
Making using the internet much easier and more enjoyable, web design is currently one of the most booming sectors of computer science. Bringing together customers’ needs and the company’s goals, web designers are the key to a successful webpage.
Because the demand for professionals is steadily increasing, taking one or two online web design courses can be a great career move, opening you to a whole new world of possibilities.
To help you find the best web design courses online, we have selected 7 of the highest-rated programs currently provided by the best MOOC platforms. If you would like to refresh your memory, you can look through all of them here:
- The Basics of Web-Design Layout - a course by Skillshare
- UI & Web Design Using Adobe Illustrator CC - a course by Skillshare
- CSS Basics - a course by edX
- WordPress for Beginners - a course by Udemy
- Web Design for Beginners: Real World Coding - a course by Udemy
- Responsive Web Design Fundamentals - a course by Udacity
- UX Design for Mobile Developers - a course by Udacity
Covering various aspects of web design, all of these programs can be useful even to those with preexisting knowledge on the field, as there is always something new to learn.
One thing to note while choosing the perfect website design online courses are prices. Provided by different online learning platforms and covering various quantities of content, these classes can significantly vary in price, ranging from completely free to almost $200, which can be seen even in such online learning giants like edX and Udacity.
That being said, with the popularity of web design in mind, any online web design course can turn out to be the first step to a whole new life.
We greatly appreciate you staying and reading our article and hope that you’ve found your nest online course to take. Good luck and we look forward to seeing what you can create!
Scientific References
1. Bureau Of Labor Statistics: 'web designers and web developers'