Research model · 2026

A professional training model for web engineers

A master’s curriculum connecting research, engineering practice, and the digital transformation of education.

Siberian Pedagogical Journal · Issue 2
Author
Ilya B. Gosudarev
Affiliation
ITMO University, St. Petersburg
DOI
10.15293/1813-4718.2602.09

Abstract

Training for the full lifecycle of web platforms

The study substantiates web engineering as an independent subject and professional domain. It proposes a curriculum for specialists who can design, develop, and investigate web platforms for digital education.

Purpose
Update professional training content in response to the challenges of contemporary digital reality.
Method
Modelling, analysis of educational approaches, and expert input from developers, employers, and educators.
Outcome
A three-level competency model and a modular architecture for a professional degree programme.

Why this model matters

A distinct domain

Web engineering integrates web knowledge, development, architecture, research, and management of the complete platform lifecycle.

Engineering for education

The target professional creates solutions needed for the digital transformation of schools and universities.

Personalised pathways

Logical module dependencies support individual learning sequences without sacrificing a coherent system.

Competency framework

Three levels of professional competency

Progression moves from solving known tasks to independent architecture design, research into technology ecosystems, and team leadership.

Professional web engineer training model, figure 1: competency levels and curriculum blocks without arrows
Figure 1. A contemporary visual interpretation of the model in the paper. Research is blue, technology is green, and applied learning is red.

Key level

Junior

Solves professional web resource and application development tasks using established algorithms.

Basic level

Middle

Designs web-system architecture through technology analysis and independently developed algorithms.

Special level

Senior · Team Lead

Investigates web-language and technology ecosystems and leads teams under uncertainty.

Curriculum content

Three connected programme tracks

Modules develop theoretical and technological readiness; practice, the thesis, and a portfolio demonstrate readiness for professional work.

Research track

Scientific inquiry and evaluation of evolving web ecosystems.

  • R1 · Innovative research on the web
  • R2 · Web technology interoperability and performance
  • R3 · Web-language and web-technology ecosystems

Technology track

An engineering foundation for client- and server-side development.

  • T1 · Asynchronous programming with JavaScript and TypeScript
  • T2 · Development in a frontend-framework ecosystem
  • T3 · Server web technologies and content management systems

Applied track

Using web engineering in a digital learning environment.

  • A1 · Managing e-learning on a web platform
  • A2 · Intelligent DevOps pipelines on a web platform
  • A3 · Web analytics

Learning logic

How a personalised learning pathway is formed

Module prerequisites shape the sequence, which can be refined using feedback from graduates and employers.

  1. Foundation

    T1 establishes the technology base, while R1 provides a framework for research.

  2. Platform engineering

    T2 and T3 develop client and server engineering; R2 and R3 add measurement and ecosystem analysis.

  3. Applied specialisation

    The learner selects applied modules aligned with a professional goal and educational context.

  4. Evidence of readiness

    Practice, research, thesis work, and a portfolio turn competency into demonstrable outcomes.

Research conclusion

Web engineering requires deliberate curriculum design

A programme should cover the full lifecycle of a web platform—not a temporary toolkit—from research and architecture to operation, assessment, and reflection.

  • Balance foundational preparation with rapidly changing technology.
  • Connect knowledge, abilities, skills, and ways of working to every competency level.
  • Design pathways as a logically connected graph of modules rather than a linear subject list.

Key points

Frequently asked questions

What is a web engineer for education?

A professional who designs and develops web platforms for digital learning, combining architecture, development, research, and an understanding of educational processes.

How is the model different from a subject list?

It connects competency levels, modules, practice, and digital learning tools in one system with explicit logical dependencies.

How is the pathway personalised?

Required foundations are complemented by selected research and applied modules; the pathway is refined around a professional goal and feedback.