Course content
8 modules. Open a module to see what it covers.
1 Introduction to Cloud ComputingObjectives · topics · practical exercise
This module introduces the concept of cloud computing and explains how cloud technology has transformed the way individuals and organisations access computing resources and digital services.
Learning objectives
By the end of the module, learners should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of cloud computing.
- Identify the major characteristics of cloud computing.
- Differentiate between traditional IT infrastructure and cloud computing.
- Explain the major cloud service models.
- Identify common applications of cloud computing.
Topics covered
- Introduction to Cloud Computing
- Evolution of Cloud Computing
- Characteristics of Cloud Computing
- Benefits and challenges of cloud computing
- Traditional IT vs. Cloud Computing
- Cloud deployment models:
- Public Cloud
- Private Cloud
- Hybrid Cloud
- Cloud service models:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Introduction to Microsoft Azure
- Common cloud computing use cases
Practical exercise
- Identify cloud services learners already use in everyday life.
- Classify examples into IaaS, PaaS and SaaS.
- Create a basic Microsoft/Azure account where available.
- Explore the Microsoft Azure website and Azure services catalogue.
Expected outcome
Learners will understand the fundamentals of cloud computing and be able to explain how Azure fits into the modern cloud ecosystem.
2 Microsoft Azure FundamentalsObjectives · topics · practical exercise
This module introduces the Microsoft Azure platform, its global infrastructure, resource organisation and core management concepts.
Learning objectives
Learners should be able to:
- Explain what Microsoft Azure is.
- Navigate the Azure portal.
- Understand Azure regions and availability concepts.
- Explain subscriptions, resource groups and resources.
- Identify major categories of Azure services.
Topics covered
- Introduction to Microsoft Azure
- Azure global infrastructure
- Azure Regions
- Availability Zones
- Azure subscriptions
- Resource Groups
- Azure Resources
- Azure Portal
- Azure Marketplace
- Azure services and service categories
- Azure Resource Manager (ARM) concepts
- Azure management options
Practical exercise
- Sign in to the Azure portal.
- Explore the Azure dashboard.
- Create a resource group.
- Search for different Azure services.
- Examine the properties and settings of an Azure resource.
Expected outcome
Learners will be able to navigate the Azure portal and understand how Azure resources are organised and managed.
3 Azure Compute ServicesObjectives · topics · practical exercise
This module focuses on Azure computing services used to host applications, websites and workloads in the cloud.
Learning objectives
Learners should be able to:
- Explain cloud-based computing.
- Identify common Azure compute services.
- Create and configure a basic Azure Virtual Machine.
- Understand basic VM configuration and management.
- Explain the difference between virtual machines and serverless/container-based computing.
Topics covered
- Introduction to Azure Compute
- Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)
- VM sizes and configurations
- Operating system selection
- Virtual machine storage
- Network interfaces
- VM security basics
- Starting, stopping and managing VMs
- Azure App Service
- Azure Functions
- Introduction to containers
- Azure Container concepts
Practical exercise
- Create a basic Azure Virtual Machine where the available training environment permits.
- Configure basic VM settings.
- Connect to the virtual machine.
- Start, stop and restart the VM.
- Explore Azure App Service as an alternative application-hosting solution.
Expected outcome
Learners will understand Azure compute services and demonstrate the ability to deploy and manage a basic cloud-based computing resource.
4 Azure Storage and DatabasesObjectives · topics · practical exercise
This module introduces Azure storage services and basic cloud database concepts, focusing on how organisations store, retrieve and manage data in the cloud.
Learning objectives
Learners should be able to:
- Explain cloud storage.
- Identify major Azure storage services.
- Create and configure basic storage resources.
- Understand different types of cloud storage.
- Explain the role of databases in cloud applications.
Topics covered
- Introduction to Azure Storage
- Azure Storage Accounts
- Blob Storage
- File Storage
- Queue Storage
- Table Storage
- Storage redundancy concepts
- Data access and security
- Introduction to Azure databases
- Relational vs. NoSQL databases
- Azure SQL Database
- Basic database management concepts
Practical exercise
- Create an Azure Storage Account.
- Create a Blob Storage container.
- Upload and manage files.
- Explore storage access settings.
- Create or explore a basic Azure SQL Database environment where resources permit.
Expected outcome
Learners will be able to create and manage basic Azure storage resources and understand how cloud applications store and access data.
5 Azure NetworkingObjectives · topics · practical exercise
This module introduces the fundamentals of networking in Azure and how cloud resources communicate securely with one another and with users.
Learning objectives
Learners should be able to:
- Explain basic networking concepts.
- Understand Azure Virtual Networks.
- Identify basic Azure networking components.
- Explain public and private connectivity.
- Apply basic network security concepts.
Topics covered
- Networking fundamentals
- IP addresses
- Public vs. private IP addresses
- Azure Virtual Network (VNet)
- Subnets
- Network Interface Cards (NICs)
- Network Security Groups (NSGs)
- Azure DNS
- Load balancing concepts
- Internet connectivity
- Basic network security
- Introduction to VPN concepts
Practical exercise
- Create an Azure Virtual Network.
- Create a subnet.
- Explore IP address configurations.
- Create and examine a Network Security Group.
- Apply basic inbound/outbound security rules.
- Connect a cloud resource to a virtual network.
Expected outcome
Learners will understand the fundamentals of Azure networking and be able to configure a basic virtual network environment.
6 Azure Identity, Security and GovernanceObjectives · topics · practical exercise
This module introduces Azure identity and access management, cloud security principles and basic governance practices.
Learning objectives
Learners should be able to:
- Explain identity and access management.
- Understand Microsoft Entra ID.
- Explain authentication and authorization.
- Apply the principle of least privilege.
- Identify common cloud security risks.
- Understand basic Azure governance concepts.
Topics covered
- Cloud security fundamentals
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Users and groups
- Authentication
- Authorization
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Principle of least privilege
- Multi-factor authentication concepts
- Azure Key Vault introduction
- Azure Policy
- Resource locks
- Security best practices
- Shared responsibility model
Practical exercise
- Explore Microsoft Entra ID.
- Create or examine users and groups in a training environment.
- Assign basic Azure roles.
- Explore Role-Based Access Control.
- Create a simple Azure Policy or examine an existing policy.
- Review security settings for deployed resources.
Expected outcome
Learners will understand the foundations of Azure identity, access control, security and governance and be able to apply basic security practices to cloud resources.
7 Azure Monitoring, Cost Management and AdministrationObjectives · topics · practical exercise
This module introduces the tools and practices used to monitor Azure resources, manage cloud costs and maintain an efficient Azure environment.
Learning objectives
Learners should be able to:
- Explain why cloud monitoring is important.
- Monitor the health and performance of Azure resources.
- Understand basic Azure alerts and metrics.
- Identify factors that influence cloud costs.
- Apply basic cost-management practices.
- Perform basic resource administration.
Topics covered
- Azure monitoring concepts
- Azure Monitor
- Metrics and logs
- Alerts
- Resource health
- Activity logs
- Azure Service Health
- Azure Cost Management
- Pricing concepts
- Budgets and cost alerts
- Resource optimisation
- Resource tagging
- Azure Advisor
- Basic Azure administration and troubleshooting
Practical exercise
- Monitor an Azure resource using Azure Monitor.
- View metrics and activity logs.
- Create a basic alert where available.
- Explore Azure Cost Management.
- Create a budget or examine cost-management settings.
- Apply tags to Azure resources.
- Review recommendations using Azure Advisor.
Expected outcome
Learners will be able to monitor Azure resources, identify basic operational issues and apply fundamental cloud cost-management practices.
8 Azure Deployment Project & CapstoneObjectives · topics · practical exercise
The final module integrates the knowledge gained throughout the programme into a practical Azure project. Learners will plan, deploy, secure and present a simple cloud-based solution.
Learning objectives
By the end of the module, learners should be able to:
- Plan a basic Azure cloud solution.
- Select appropriate Azure services for a given scenario.
- Deploy and configure basic cloud resources.
- Apply basic networking and security principles.
- Monitor deployed resources.
- Document and present a cloud solution.
Topics covered
- Cloud solution planning
- Azure architecture basics
- Selecting appropriate Azure services
- Resource groups and resource organisation
- Compute and storage integration
- Basic networking
- Identity and access management
- Security considerations
- Monitoring
- Cost awareness
- Troubleshooting
- Documentation
- Cloud project presentation
Practical exercise: Capstone Project
Learners will develop a simple cloud solution such as:
Option A: Cloud-Hosted Website
- Create a resource group.
- Deploy a basic web application.
- Configure storage where required.
- Apply basic security settings.
- Monitor the application.
- Document the deployment.
Option B: Cloud File Storage Solution
- Create an Azure Storage Account.
- Configure Blob Storage.
- Upload and organise files.
- Apply appropriate access controls.
- Monitor the storage resource.
- Present the solution.
Option C: Basic Cloud Infrastructure
- Create a resource group.
- Deploy a virtual machine.
- Configure basic networking.
- Apply security rules.
- Monitor the VM.
- Demonstrate basic administration.
Expected outcome
Learners will demonstrate the ability to plan and deploy a basic Azure cloud solution while applying fundamental concepts of compute, storage, networking, security, monitoring and cost management.
