How to build a website in four evenings

Learn the language of the web and how to construct websites – no previous experience required

This masterclass is for anybody who wants a thorough grounding in building websites using the three key elements of the "holy trinity" of web standards: HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You may work in a role that now involves more web development knowledge, be developing your own project, or simply want to learn more about how websites are constructed.

The course is made up of four three-hour classes at the Guardian over consecutive weeks, with approximately two hours of work to do from home each week. You'll need access to your own computer for the homework, with remote support and feedback. No special software is required besides a text editor (Notepad or similar is fine!) and a modern web browser.

Course breakdown

Sessions will cover:

• What HTML, CSS and JavaScript are, how they relate to one other, and when to use them
• Building a basic website framework suitable for use across different browsers and devices
• Customising page design and styling elements and components
• How JavaScript can be used to enhance webpages accessibly and unobtrusively
• The basics of setting up hosting for your website

The course will be technical in nature, but is aimed at people who may not have written any code before. You may want to learn web standards for your job, or have a website in mind that you would like to build. Students should be confident using computers (we will be working on Macs), and comfortable using the web and online tools.

Classes will consist of a lecture-style introduction to a topic, followed by interactive sections where you'll be writing code and debugging it with help from the tutor. Previous coding experience isn't necessary but confidence working with different files and your web browser should be all you'll need to engage.

This course is for you if...

• You want to build a new website of your own, for personal or business reasons
• Your job requires you to know the functional basics of web design
• You're working with or commissioning web developers and want to better understand the language and parameters of the job

You may also be interested in our How to work with web developers course.

Tutor profile

The lead tutor is Matt Andrews, a lead client-side web developer at the Guardian. Matt has worked at the Guardian for over three years and has worked on products including the Guardian's new mobile website which uses responsive design techniques, as well as the Guardian Facebook app and various bits and bobs on the desktop website. Matt studied English at university in Leeds and is therefore keen to emphasise that a degree in Computer Science or similar isn't a requirement for building websites - all you need is curiosity, creativity and a desire to learn. You can find out a bit more about Matt via his personal site (mattandrews.info) or on twitter at @mattpointblank.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website