A curriculum developer is responsible for designing, organising, and updating educational programmes and learning materials for schools, colleges, or educational organisations. This role involves researching the latest teaching methods, aligning resources with national standards, and ensuring materials are accessible and engaging for students. Curriculum developers often work closely with teachers, subject experts, and educational leaders to create lesson plans, assessments, and resources that support effective learning. The work may also include training teachers on new materials and supporting the implementation of new curricula.
The average salary for a curriculum developer in the UK ranges from 28000 to 45000 pounds per year, depending on experience and location.
There are approximately 4000 to 5000 curriculum development roles in the UK, with steady demand in schools, further education colleges, and private education companies.
Most curriculum developers work around 37 to 40 hours per week, often during standard school or office hours.
Focuses on designing and updating maths learning materials and lesson plans specifically for primary school pupils, ensuring lessons are engaging and meet national standards.
Creates interactive online resources and e-learning modules for specific subjects or key stages, making learning more accessible and engaging for students using technology.
Develops and adapts curriculum materials to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring all learners can access and benefit from education.
Achieve good GCSEs and A-levels, preferably in subjects like English, education, or a subject you are interested in developing curriculums for.
Strong grades in English and related subjects will help you get onto relevant university courses. Consider taking additional courses in ICT or psychology if available, as these can also be useful for understanding learning processes.
Obtain a degree in education, curriculum development, instructional design, or a subject area you wish to specialise in.
Many curriculum developers have a background in teaching or in their chosen subject. Degrees in education or related fields often include modules on curriculum planning and assessment, which are crucial for this career.
Work as a teacher or teaching assistant to understand how curriculums are delivered and received.
Practical classroom experience helps you see how lessons are taught and what resources are effective. Many curriculum developers start as teachers, allowing them to develop an understanding of students’ needs and the challenges teachers face.
Participate in your school's or organisation’s curriculum committees or help develop learning resources.
Volunteering for curriculum planning tasks or resource development within your school is a good way to gain practical experience. This can include designing lesson plans, creating assessments, or contributing to curriculum reviews.
Consider a postgraduate qualification in curriculum design, education leadership, or instructional design.
Advanced qualifications can help you specialise in areas such as digital learning, assessment development, or subject-specific curriculum design. These courses often cover the latest research and tools in educational design.
Look for positions as a curriculum developer in schools, colleges, exam boards, or educational publishers.
Create a CV highlighting your teaching experience, curriculum planning involvement, and any relevant qualifications. Many job roles are advertised on educational job boards, local authorities, or education technology companies.
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 designing and creating educational content, often using digital platforms. They require similar skills in instructional design, technological tools, and understanding learning outcomes to develop effective educational programmes.
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.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
