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The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: Online professional course (20 credits) Study duration: 13 weeks
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Want to learn about cloud computing tools and how they’re used for scripting, GUI design and data analysis? Discover the fundamental concepts of cloud computing and different cloud solutions with our online professional course.    

You’ll explore cutting-edge cloud solutions such as hybrid cloud computing, edge computing and fog computing. You’ll also develop a strong knowledge of various cloud computing technologies, as well as emerging industry trends. 

The course covers a range of exciting topics, including:  

  • current and future issues, restrictions and prospects within cloud operations 
  • standards and procedures used in implementing cloud computing services and infrastructures 
  • how cloud principles and techniques impact equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace 

And upon completion, you’ll have the opportunity to study one of our innovative postgraduate computing courses.  

   

Why we’re great

  • Receive your online professional course certificate from the University of Essex, ranked #12 in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
  • Develop your IT and digital skills.
  • Study 100% online, part-time when it suits you.
  • Gain 20 academic credits on successful completion, transferable to further study on a PG Cert, PG Dip or full Masters degree.
  • Connect with likeminded peers from across the globe.

You’ll study the following topics as part of the online professional course: 

  • introduction to cloud fundamentals and services 
  • understanding cloud architecture and implementing different frameworks 
  • cloud design tools 
  • cloud native technology 
  • hybrid cloud solutions  
  • future trends  

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to complete your qualification when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or in a café.  

Our online professional courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments  
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the module content with fellow students  
  • live Q&A sessions with your tutors  
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team  

To ensure you receive high-quality tutor support, each class is capped at 20 students.  

 

Assessment methods  

You’ll be assessed exclusively through assignments. These include assessed discussion forums, written assignments and journal entries.  

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways:  

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent  
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start  
  • you’ll be able to clearly view your marks in your gradebook whenever you log on to the learning platform  
  • there’s a seven-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work  
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise  

 

Study duration 

Our Cloud Operations and Management online professional course has a study duration of 13 weeks, including a one-week induction to help you settle into online study. 

The Cloud Operations and Management online professional course offers a whole host of opportunities. On successful completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate confirming you’ve achieved 20 academic credits at postgraduate level. This will be beneficial whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or take the first step into a cloud computing role – helping you stand out in a crowded market. 

If you wish to continue your studies and boost your prospects, you could choose additional computing online professional courses. Alternatively, you could progress to the PG Cert Information Technology Management (60 credits); PG Dip Information Technology Management(120 credits) or the full MSc Information Technology Management (180 credits).   

Please note, acceptance onto a postgraduate qualification is subject to meeting the entry requirements of your chosen course.  

No formal qualifications or experience is necessary.  

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency of English is required. If English isn’t your first language, your ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.  

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Full tuition fee:

£1,429 UK / £1,492 International (2025-26) Δ
£1,468 UK / £1,543 International (2026-27) Δ 
 

  • Our online professional courses are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included.  
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you’re a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.    
  • We offer a 14-day moneyback guarantee, so if you decide your course isn’t for you during the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund. Terms and conditions apply.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

What our students say

testimonials

Syed Ahmad -BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

As a member of the first cohort of students taking this course, I’ve been blown away by the benefits.<span class="EOP SCXW102507598 BCX0"...

Read more

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