DevOps - BSc Hons Degree (Top Up)*
Summary
Build on the foundations developed in the Foundation Degree in DevOps by progressing onto the BSc (Hons) DevOps top-up year. This final year is designed for students who want to deepen their expertise in modern software delivery, infrastructure management, automation, and large-scale systems operations.
Throughout the course, you will explore advanced topics including distributed systems, container orchestration, deployment strategies, and systems analysis. You'll also undertake a substantial independent project, allowing you to investigate a specialist area of interest while demonstrating the technical, analytical, and research skills expected of an honours graduate.
The programme combines advanced technical study with practical application and independent investigation, helping you develop the expertise required to design, deploy, manage, and support modern technology platforms. Upon successful completion, you'll graduate with a full honours degree and be well positioned for specialist DevOps, cloud, infrastructure, and platform engineering roles.
Entry Requirements
To apply for the BSc (Hons) DevOps top-up degree, you must have successfully completed the Foundation Degree in DevOps at Blackpool and The Fylde College.
Applicants must have:
- Successfully completed all Level 5 modules within the DevOps pathway
- Achieved the Foundation Degree in DevOps
This top-up year is available only to students progressing from the Foundation Degree in DevOps.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration / Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
11 Sep 2028
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
/
£0
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The BSc (Hons) DevOps top-up year prepares you for advanced technical and professional roles within software delivery, cloud computing, infrastructure management, and platform operations. Building on the knowledge gained during the Foundation Degree, you'll develop a deeper understanding of modern deployment practices, distributed technologies, and systems management.
Graduates are well positioned for roles such as DevOps Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Platform Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, or Systems Administrator. The combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, and independent research developed throughout the course is highly valued by organisations that rely on scalable, reliable, and secure digital services.
The honours degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study and professional development, supporting progression into specialist technical, leadership, or research-focused roles within the technology sector.
Next steps at B&FC
After completing the BSc (Hons) DevOps top-up year, you'll be prepared to enter professional roles within DevOps, cloud computing, infrastructure management, and platform engineering. You may also choose to continue your academic journey through postgraduate study, professional certifications, or specialist training in areas such as cloud platforms, automation, site reliability engineering, and systems architecture.
Employment Opportunities
This course prepares you for a range of advanced roles within software delivery, cloud computing, and infrastructure operations. Typical job titles include:
- DevOps Engineer
- Cloud Engineer
- Platform Engineer
- Site Reliability Engineer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Cloud Operations Engineer
- Deployment Engineer
These roles focus on developing, deploying, maintaining, and improving the platforms and services that modern organisations rely upon.
Key information
Extra costs and equipment
The software, tools, and technologies required for this programme are available through Blackpool and The Fylde College's specialist computing facilities. Students have access to the same platforms and resources used during taught sessions, workshops, and project work.
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, exhibitions, or visits related to DevOps, cloud computing, and infrastructure technologies. 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?
In this final year of the DevOps degree, you'll build on the knowledge and practical skills developed during your Foundation Degree to explore advanced software delivery, infrastructure management, and platform operations. The modules you study focus on the technologies and practices that underpin modern digital services, helping you develop the technical expertise and professional skills expected of a graduate DevOps practitioner.
DevOps Programming – Develop programming skills used to automate processes, manage infrastructure, and support software delivery.
Container Orchestrations & Deployment – Examine the technologies and approaches used to deploy, manage, and scale applications across modern computing environments. You'll explore how containerised solutions support reliability, flexibility, and efficient software delivery.
Systems Triage – Develop your ability to investigate, diagnose, and resolve issues within complex technology environments. You'll explore techniques used to identify problems, evaluate solutions, and maintain operational performance.
Distributed Systems – Examine how computing resources and services operate across multiple interconnected systems. You'll explore the challenges and opportunities associated with designing, deploying, and managing distributed environments.
Final Project – Undertake a substantial independent project focused on a specialist area of DevOps. This module allows you to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout your studies while developing your research, analytical, and project management abilities.
By the end of the honours year, you'll have developed advanced technical knowledge, professional confidence, and the ability to evaluate complex technology platforms, preparing you for graduate employment or further study.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
The BSc (Hons) DevOps pathway builds upon the professional experience gained during your Foundation Degree, encouraging you to engage with current industry practices, emerging technologies, and professional networking opportunities throughout your final year.
The programme benefits from guest speakers and industry professionals who share their experiences, insights, and advice, helping you understand current trends, technical challenges, and career opportunities within cloud computing, infrastructure management, platform engineering, and software delivery.
Where available, students may also have opportunities to attend conferences, exhibitions, and other industry events related to DevOps, automation, cloud platforms, and infrastructure technologies. These experiences provide valuable exposure to current professional practice, help you build industry connections, and support your transition into graduate employment or further study.
Your Final Project also provides an opportunity to investigate an area of professional interest, allowing you to develop specialist knowledge and demonstrate your abilities through an extended piece of independent work.
How will I learn?
Your learning on the BSc (Hons) DevOps pathway combines advanced technical study with practical, project-based learning. You'll take part in a mix of workshops, laboratories, seminars, and tutorials, with opportunities to apply your knowledge to realistic software delivery, infrastructure, and operational challenges.
As an honours-level student, you'll be expected to take greater ownership of your learning through independent research, critical evaluation, and self-directed study. You'll investigate contemporary technologies, explore specialist areas of interest, and develop the ability to assess complex technical problems using evidence-based approaches. This increased independence reflects the expectations of graduate-level study and helps prepare you for professional roles within the technology sector.
You'll also benefit from:
- Access to specialist computing laboratories and development environments
- One-to-one tutorials and project supervision
- Blended learning using platforms such as Canvas and Microsoft Teams
- Access to industry-standard software and infrastructure technologies
- Regular feedback and opportunities to refine your work throughout the year
This supportive and practical approach helps you develop both the advanced technical expertise and professional skills required for graduate roles within DevOps, cloud computing, and platform engineering. The combination of guided teaching and independent study ensures you graduate with the confidence, knowledge, and analytical ability expected of an honours graduate.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 0 | 0 | 288 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 | 912 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 1200 |
How will I be assessed?
The BSc (Hons) DevOps pathway includes five modules designed to develop advanced technical knowledge, professional practice, and independent research skills. Assessments are designed to reflect the expectations of honours-level study, combining practical application with critical evaluation, analysis, and independent investigation.
In DevOps Programming, you'll explore advanced development techniques used to support automation and modern software delivery. Assessment focuses on your ability to develop solutions, evaluate approaches, and apply programming skills within operational environments.
Container Orchestrations & Deployment examines the technologies used to deploy, manage, and scale applications. You'll investigate deployment approaches and demonstrate your understanding of modern infrastructure and platform management practices.
Systems Triage develops your ability to investigate and resolve complex technical issues. You'll analyse scenarios, evaluate potential solutions, and demonstrate your approach to maintaining effective system performance.
Distributed Systems explores how interconnected technologies operate across multiple environments. Assessment focuses on your ability to evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with distributed computing architectures.
The Final Project is the centrepiece of the honours year, allowing you to investigate a specialist area of DevOps through an extended independent project. You'll plan, research, develop, and evaluate a substantial piece of work, demonstrating the technical, analytical, and project management skills expected of a graduate.
By the end of the year, you'll have produced a portfolio of advanced technical work, research, and professional documentation that showcases your abilities and prepares you for graduate employment, professional certifications, or postgraduate study.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 0% | 0% | 62% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |