Certificate in Cloud Architecture - South East Technological University

This module aims to equip students with a comprehensive theoretical and practical appreciation of best practices in cloud architecture. We make extensive use of Amazon Web Services (AWS) throughout the module.

You will learn how to design and deploy secure and robust cloud computing infrastructure and applications. Lab exercises will guide you through the set-up of a wide variety of components and services on the AWS global infrastructure. In these exercises you will be exposed to such topics as performance, availability, security, monitoring and maintenance, fault tolerance, cost effectiveness, automation, messaging and notifications, database management, microservices, load balancing, event-driven scaling, and geographic considerations.

SETU Waterford is a member institution of AWS Academy and this module is based on high-quality authorised AWS curriculum material. On completion of this module, students are actively encouraged and supported to take the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam

Indicative Content
• Introduction: What is Cloud Computing?; leveraging cloud computing; cloud economics
• Cloud Infrastructure: Compute; Storage; Networking
• Scalability: Event-driven scaling; Load Balancing; Monitoring
• Cloud storage and databases SQL and NoSQL options; short and long term storage; performance, reliability, availabilty and cost
• Design for Highly Available, robust application deployment Account configuration; network configuration; security; application routing and geographic considerations
• Cloud Security Identity and Access Management; logging & monitoring; securing & encrypting data; authentication; key management; attack mitigation
• Serverless Architectures
• Cloud Architecture best practices Design principles; reliability; performance; cost optimisation; automation

This course is comprised of one 10-credit module. On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:

Demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge and skills related to the use of cloud-based platforms, storage and networking infrastructure.
Compare and contrast leading approaches to data storage in the cloud.
Propose and justify scalable, robust and cost-effective configurations for deploying software applications to the cloud, in ways that meet the varying requirements of such applications.
Evaluate emerging technologies and integrate this knowledge with recommended best practices to design and deploy cloud architecture solutions.
Implement secure practices for optimum cloud deployment and maintenance.

Applicants will normally require an Honours Degree in Computing or equivalent. The course is targeted at IT professionals who would participate in the programme on a part-time basis and complete the programme over two years.

Applicants who don't currently meet the entry requirements may be able to advance their applciation using the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism. RPL allows candidates to make a case that they do meet entry requirements through a combination of formal certified learning and learning through experience (most typically work experience). RPL applications must be made by filling out (please type) the word document RPL form and submitting it along with supporting documents such as academic certificates and transcripts etc.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English. Please see our English Language Requirements for details.