Summary
Modern IT infrastructure is increasingly driven by software, automation and cloud technologies. Organisations are seeking professionals who can bridge the gap between networking, software development and operations.
Cisco DevNet Associate (DevOps) introduces learners to modern software development practices, network programmability, APIs, automation, and cloud application deployment. Through practical exercises and hands-on labs, you'll learn how developers and infrastructure teams use automation to manage complex networks and deliver services more efficiently.
The course combines Python programming, Linux fundamentals, REST APIs, DevOps principles, cloud technologies and infrastructure automation to prepare learners for modern IT careers and the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) certification.
Benefits of Cisco DevNet Associate (DevOps)
- Learn Python programming and automation techniques.
- Develop practical DevOps and infrastructure automation skills.
- Understand and use REST APIs and web services.
- Explore cloud platforms, containers and CI/CD methodologies.
- Gain experience with software development best practices.
- Learn how automation is transforming modern networking.
- Build skills that complement networking, cyber security and software development careers.
- Prepare for the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DEVASC) certification.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
However, due to the technical nature of the programme, it is strongly recommended that learners have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Programming or scripting, particularly Python or other object-oriented languages.
- Basic Linux administration and command-line usage.
- Cloud computing concepts and modern application deployment.
- Computer networking fundamentals, ideally to Cisco CCNA Introduction to Networks (ITN) level or equivalent.
- IT infrastructure, systems administration, technical support or software development.
Learners should be comfortable working with computers, installing software, navigating operating systems and using web-based services. Previous experience with virtual machines, APIs, Git, cloud platforms or automation tools would be beneficial but is not essential.
This course is particularly suited to software developers, network engineers, cloud engineers, DevOps practitioners, infrastructure engineers, systems administrators and IT professionals seeking to develop automation and programmability skills.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration / Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
01 Sep 2026
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
|
|
01 Nov 2026
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
|
|
01 Jan 2027
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
|
|
01 Mar 2027
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
|
|
01 May 2027
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
|
|
01 Jul 2027
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The demand for professionals who understand both networking and software development continues to grow as organisations adopt automation and cloud-first strategies.
After completing the course, learners may progress into roles including:
- DevOps Engineer
- Network Automation Engineer
- Infrastructure Automation Engineer
- Cloud Engineer
- Platform Engineer
- Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
- Software Developer
- Integration Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Network Engineer
The programme also provides progression towards professional-level Cisco automation, cloud and infrastructure certifications.
Next steps at B&FC
You can also progress to higher-level cyber security certifications such as Cisco Network Security or complete a range of CCNA qualifications.
Other study options
Learners who complete this programme may also consider related Cisco Networking Academy pathways, including CCNA Introduction to Networks, or broader cyber security qualifications, to build a wider portfolio of networking and infrastructure skills.
Employment Opportunities
The skills developed on this programme are valuable across a wide range of sectors, including:
- Cloud services
- Enterprise IT
- Telecommunications
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
- Software development organisations
- Financial services
- Public sector organisations
- Cyber security operations
Key information
Qualification obtained
Cisco Certified Network Associate (DevNet (DevOps))Extra costs and equipment
Learners will require:
- A modern laptop or desktop computer
- Reliable internet access
- Oracle VirtualBox
- Cisco DevNet virtual machine resources
- Cisco Packet Tracer Network Automation Edition
All practical activities are delivered through virtualised development and automation environments.
What will I learn?
Python and Linux Fundamentals
- Configure development lab environments.
- Understand Linux administration basics.
- Create Python scripts and applications.
- Develop programming skills for automation.
Software Development and Design
- Explore software development methodologies.
- Apply software design principles.
- Use Git and version control.
- Implement testing and code review processes.
- Work with modern data formats and structured data.
APIs and Web Services
- Understand API concepts and architectures.
- Work with REST APIs.
- Authenticate API requests securely.
- Integrate systems using HTTPS.
- Troubleshoot API communications.
Networking Fundamentals
- Review networking concepts and protocols.
- Understand network devices and infrastructure.
- Explore application connectivity.
- Troubleshoot common networking issues.
Cloud Applications and Security
- Understand cloud deployment models.
- Deploy applications using container technologies.
- Explore CI/CD pipelines.
- Secure applications and data.
- Understand cloud networking principles.
DevOps and Infrastructure Automation
- Understand DevOps culture and practices.
- Explore Site Reliability Engineering (SRE).
- Use scripting for infrastructure automation.
- Implement Infrastructure as Code concepts.
- Automate deployment and testing processes.
Cisco Platforms and Network Programmability
- Explore Cisco development platforms.
- Work with Cisco APIs and SDKs.
- Understand network programmability models.
- Explore Cisco infrastructure management platforms.
- Investigate Cisco collaboration and security platforms.
Automation and Network Simulation
- Learn automation testing techniques.
- Explore deployment automation.
- Use network simulation environments.
- Develop skills for large-scale infrastructure management.
How will I learn?
Online Learning
Self paced study, interactive multimedia content, practical exercises and challenges, virtual labs and simulations, and knowledge checks and quizzes.
Guided Practical Learning
In addition to online study, learners can attend upto six tutor led workshops, each a three hour practical session covering hands on programming exercises, API development and testing activities, infrastructure automation labs, and DevOps and cloud deployment scenarios.
Industry Relevant Learning
The course uses practical activities designed to reflect real world development, automation and infrastructure management environments, giving learners experience with the technologies and approaches increasingly used by modern IT organisations.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice.
How will I be assessed?
Ongoing Assessment
Knowledge checks, interactive quizzes, programming exercises, automation challenges, and virtual laboratory tasks.
Practical Assessment
Python scripting activities, API integration exercises, infrastructure automation tasks, and network simulation scenarios.
Final Assessment
End of module assessments, practical skills demonstrations, and preparation for the Cisco DEVASC certification examination.
Learners demonstrate their ability to develop, automate, integrate and manage modern IT infrastructure using industry standard tools and methodologies.