Curriculum developers, sometimes called instructional coordinators or learning designers, are responsible for designing, organising, and updating educational programmes and learning materials. They work with teachers, subject specialists, and education authorities to create effective resources and lesson plans that meet national standards and the needs of diverse learners. Their job involves researching best practices in teaching, developing assessment tools, and incorporating new technologies or methodologies into the curriculum. Curriculum developers may work in schools, colleges, universities, government agencies, or educational publishing companies. A strong understanding of educational theory, attention to detail, and good communication skills are essential in this role.
Curriculum developers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and the sector.
There are over 6,000 curriculum development positions across schools, educational publishers, and government bodies in the UK.
Demand for curriculum developers is expected to grow by 6 percent between 2022 and 2027, especially with the increasing use of digital learning materials.
Focuses on creating science lesson plans and educational materials for schools, ensuring they meet national standards and engage pupils in scientific learning.
Develops interactive online lessons and digital resources for e-learning platforms, helping students learn through technology.
Specialises in designing reading and writing programmes for primary school children, supporting early literacy development.
Achieve good GCSEs and consider A-levels in relevant subjects such as English, Maths, or Education.
Strong academic performance in your secondary education is essential, especially in subjects related to literacy and numeracy. Consider taking A-levels or equivalent qualifications in English, education, or a subject you are passionate about teaching or developing materials for. This will form a strong foundation for university study.
Obtain a bachelor's degree in education, curriculum design, instructional design, or a related field.
Many curriculum developers have a degree in education, English, a specific subject area, or instructional design. Courses in these areas will give you an understanding of how people learn and how to structure effective lessons and resources. Some universities offer degrees specifically in curriculum studies.
Enhance your expertise with a postgraduate qualification in education or curriculum development.
A master's degree in education, curriculum and instruction, or a related field can be advantageous, particularly for roles in higher education or leadership. Postgraduate study can deepen your knowledge of educational theory and provide opportunities for research.
Work as a teacher or in an educational setting to gain first-hand understanding of classroom needs.
Many curriculum developers start as teachers or teaching assistants. This experience helps you understand classroom dynamics, diverse learning needs, and what resources work best. Volunteering or working in schools, colleges, or training centres can also provide valuable insights.
Create lesson plans, teaching resources, or schemes of work and test them in real educational settings.
Take the initiative to design your own lesson plans or resources, and seek feedback from teachers and learners. If you are already teaching, use your classroom as a testing ground. You could also get involved in whole-school projects to update or redesign parts of the curriculum.
Familiarise yourself with educational standards, digital tools, and curriculum frameworks.
Modern curriculum developers often use digital platforms to create interactive resources. Learn about curriculum mapping software, assessment tools, and how to align materials with national or local standards. Stay updated with changes in the education sector and new teaching approaches.
Seek positions with schools, colleges, exam boards, publishers, or educational technology companies.
Look for job openings where you can use your experience to design or improve educational courses and materials. Opportunities exist in local authorities, examination boards, commercial publishers, and EdTech companies. Highlight your teaching experience, resource development work, and understanding of curriculum standards when applying.
Attend workshops, conferences, and training to stay current and progress in your career.
The education landscape is always evolving. Take advantage of professional development opportunities to enhance your skills, learn about the latest educational research, and network with other professionals. Consider joining relevant professional bodies, such as the Chartered College of Teaching.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Curriculum Developer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Curriculum Developer and an E-learning developer both focus on creating educational content and instructional materials, often leveraging technology to facilitate learning. Their roles involve designing and developing educational programmes or digital content to enhance learner engagement and understanding.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a foundation degree or degree in:
If you already have a degree or relevant work experience, you can do a postgraduate qualification in e-learning technology.
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course, which may lead onto more advanced qualifications or a higher apprenticeship, or help you to get a trainee position with a company.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You may be able to do a Digital Learning Designer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
This can take around 2 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
You could start out as a junior developer or e-learning assistant, if you've got computing A levels or equivalent. You'll also need a working knowledge of web design software.
Blackboard Learn and Moodle are used a lot by education institutions so an understanding of how these work will be useful.
You could join the Learning and Performance Institute for professional development opportunities.
You can find out more about the e-learning industry through The Learning Network.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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