DevOps - Foundation Degree (Progression from CertHE)*
Summary
Build on the foundations developed in the Certificate of Higher Education in Computer Science: Software, Networking & AI by progressing onto the Foundation Degree in DevOps. This pathway is designed for students who want to develop the skills needed to bridge the gap between software development and IT operations, helping organisations deliver reliable, scalable, and secure digital services.
Throughout the course, you will explore cloud technologies, automation, infrastructure management, containerisation, and continuous integration and deployment practices through a highly practical, hands-on approach. Working with industry-standard tools and platforms, you will learn how modern organisations develop, deploy, monitor, and maintain software and services efficiently.
Alongside technical modules, you will complete work-based learning activities that help develop your professional skills and understanding of contemporary technology environments. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you can progress to the BSc (Hons) DevOps top-up year, further developing your expertise and preparing for specialist roles within cloud, automation, and infrastructure operations.
Entry Requirements
To progress onto the Foundation Degree (Year 2) in DevOps at Blackpool and The Fylde College, you must have successfully completed the Certificate of Higher Education in Computer Science: Software, Networking & AI (Year 1).
Applicants must have:
- Successfully completed all Level 4 modules within the Computer Science programme
- Achieved a pass in the Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits at Level 4)
This pathway is open only to students who have completed the first year of the Computer Science degree. If you are applying with alternative qualifications or prior learning, your application will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration / Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
13 Sep 2027
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
/
£0
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The DevOps pathway prepares you for a career in one of the fastest-growing areas of the technology sector. Modern organisations rely on professionals who can automate processes, manage cloud infrastructure, and support the efficient delivery of software and digital services.
Graduates of the Foundation Degree develop practical skills in cloud technologies, automation, infrastructure management, and deployment practices, preparing them for roles such as DevOps Technician, Cloud Support Technician, Infrastructure Engineer, or Site Reliability Technician. These positions provide valuable experience in supporting modern technology environments and improving operational efficiency.
The pathway also provides a strong foundation for further study through the BSc (Hons) DevOps top-up year, allowing you to develop more advanced technical and strategic skills and progress towards specialist DevOps and cloud engineering roles.
Next steps at B&FC
After completing the Foundation Degree in DevOps, you can progress directly onto the BSc (Hons) DevOps top-up year at Blackpool and The Fylde College. This final year develops more advanced skills in cloud platforms, automation, infrastructure management, and service reliability, preparing you for specialist DevOps, cloud engineering, and platform operations roles within the technology sector.
Employment Opportunities
This course prepares you for a range of roles within cloud computing, automation, infrastructure, and platform operations. Typical job titles include:
- DevOps Technician
- Cloud Support Technician
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Site Reliability Technician
- Platform Support Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Cloud Operations Technician
- Automation Technician
These roles focus on deploying, managing, automating, and supporting the digital services that modern organisations rely upon every day.
Key information
Extra costs and equipment
The software, tools, and cloud environments required for this programme are available through Blackpool and The Fylde College's specialist computing facilities. Students have access to the same platforms and technologies used during taught sessions, workshops, and assessment activities.
It is recommended that you have access to a PC or laptop to support independent study, although this is not a requirement. College facilities, specialist laboratories, and supported workshop sessions are available to ensure all students can access the resources needed to succeed.
There may be opportunities to attend optional industry events, conferences, or visits related to cloud technologies, automation, and infrastructure management. Where these activities involve additional costs, details will be provided in advance, and support may be available depending on the activity.
What will I learn?
The DevOps pathway develops the technical and operational skills needed to support the delivery of modern software and digital services. You will explore how organisations use automation, cloud platforms, and infrastructure management to improve reliability, efficiency, and scalability while developing practical experience with industry-standard tools and technologies.
Cloud Infrastructure
Develop your understanding of cloud platforms and services, learning how organisations deploy, manage, and maintain modern digital infrastructure.
Automation and Scripting
Explore how automation is used to streamline processes and reduce manual effort. You will develop practical skills in scripting and automated system management.
Containerisation and Deployment
Learn how applications are packaged, deployed, and managed across different environments using modern deployment techniques and container technologies.
Infrastructure Management
Build your knowledge of configuring, maintaining, and monitoring systems that support business-critical services and applications.
Project Management
Gain an understanding of how technical projects are planned, delivered, and evaluated. You will develop professional skills that support successful project delivery within technology-focused organisations.
Work-Based Learning
Apply your knowledge within a professional context through work-based learning activities. This module helps you develop employability skills, explore career opportunities, and understand how DevOps practices are applied in industry.
Each module develops your technical expertise and professional confidence while preparing you for modern DevOps roles. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you can progress to the BSc (Hons) DevOps top-up year or pursue careers within cloud, automation, and infrastructure operations.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
The DevOps pathway includes a dedicated Work-Based Learning module, giving you the opportunity to apply your technical knowledge within a professional context. This may involve a work placement, employer-led project, industry brief, or other work-based activity designed to develop your practical skills and understanding of modern technology operations.
Throughout your studies, you will be supported by the delivery team in identifying and securing appropriate opportunities. The programme also benefits from guest speakers and industry professionals who share their experiences, insights, and advice, helping you understand current technologies, cloud platforms, automation practices, career pathways, and industry expectations.
Where available, students may also have opportunities to attend conferences, exhibitions, and other industry events that provide additional exposure to cloud computing, infrastructure management, automation, and DevOps practices.
How will I learn?
Your learning on the DevOps pathway is built around practical, hands-on activities that reflect how modern organisations develop, deploy, and maintain digital services. You will take part in a blend of workshops, laboratories, tutorials, and group sessions, supported by tutors who bring both academic knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom.
Throughout the course, you will work with industry-standard virtualisation, networking, development, and automation technologies, developing the skills needed to manage infrastructure, collaborate effectively within technical teams, and support modern software delivery. Alongside technical activities, you will build your professional skills through individual projects, collaborative tasks, guided research, and reflective practice.
To support your development, you will also benefit from:
- Weekly drop-in workshops for additional support
- One-to-one tutorials and regular progress reviews
- Online learning resources through Canvas and Microsoft Teams
- Regular feedback and opportunities to improve your work before submission
- A mix of independent study and collaborative learning designed to develop both technical and professional skills
Whether you are building virtualised environments, exploring networking and infrastructure technologies, developing software solutions, or working as part of a collaborative development team, the course is designed to help you learn through practical experience, with support available throughout your studies.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 0 | 288 | 0 |
| Independent | 0 | 912 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 1200 | 0 |
How will I be assessed?
The DevOps pathway includes six modules designed to develop your technical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and professional confidence. Each module is assessed through a combination of practical activities and written assignments, allowing you to demonstrate both your technical skills and your understanding of modern development and infrastructure practices.
Virtualisation is assessed through practical configuration activities and supporting written work, where you will build, manage, and troubleshoot virtualised environments used within modern organisations.
Data Structures & Algorithms includes programming tasks and written evaluation, helping you develop the computational thinking and problem-solving skills that underpin effective software and systems development.
Platforms & Infrastructure (CCNA DevNet) is assessed through practical networking and infrastructure activities alongside written coursework, allowing you to explore how modern platforms are deployed, managed, and automated.
Collaborative Development combines practical project work with reflective and written elements, helping you develop the teamwork, communication, and development practices used within professional technology environments.
Project Management is assessed through planning activities and written coursework, developing your understanding of how technical projects are organised, delivered, and evaluated.
Work-Based Learning is assessed through a professional portfolio and reflective activities that demonstrate your experience, employability skills, and career development throughout the module.
These assessments are designed to help you build a portfolio of technical and professional work that showcases your skills, supports future employment opportunities, and prepares you for progression onto the BSc (Hons) DevOps top-up year.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 0% | 74% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |