Security, Platforms & DevOps

School of Computer Science

Modern software is more than just code – it must be secure, scalable, and continuously available. If you’re interested in what security really means and how to successfully develop and operate robust software solutions throughout their entire lifecycle, the Bachelor’s degree in Security, Platforms & DevOps is the ideal choice for you. Because reliable software is successful software.

Factsheet

Degree: Bachelor of Science FHNW in Computer SCience
Study Track Security, Plaforms & DevOps
Study mode: Part-time/work-study, Full-time and Practice-integrated bachelor's degree program (PiBS)
ECTS points: 180
Next start: 14.9.2026
Language: German / English
Place: FHNW Campus Brugg-Windisch

At a glance

Security by Design: Developing, Testing, and Operating Software Securely from the Start.
Cloud & DevOps in Practice: Building, Automating, and Scaling Modern Platforms.
Hands-On Learning: Building Real-World Applications in Teams – from Day One to Your Bachelor’s Thesis.

Why study this?

The Computer Science Study Track Security, Platforms & DevOps is aimed at students who are passionate about cybersecurity and want to professionally develop and operate secure software themselves.

You use and develop modern (cloud) platforms to operate software in an agile way. You ensure that the software systems that keep our world running are not only reliable and secure, but also continuously evolving – ready to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.

After graduation, you will be in high demand on the Swiss job market: with your skills, you support the software product from development through to operations. With your broad expertise, you break down silo structures within organisations and foster a collaborative environment.

You can enter the workforce directly or deepen your knowledge by pursuing a Master’s degree.

Possible career paths

Security Engineer

You actively protect IT systems and data from threats and security risks.

Platform Engineer

You create the technical foundation for the development and reliable operation of applications.

Dev(Sec)Ops Engineer

You develop, deploy, operate, and maintain software applications in an agile environment.

System Engineer

You ensure the stable and secure operation of IT systems and infrastructures.

Site Reliability Engineer

You ensure the reliability, scalability, and performance of applications through automation, monitoring, and optimisation.

Structure and programme contents

In the Security, Platforms & DevOps programme at FHNW, you acquire solid foundations in computer science with a focus on Security, Perpetual Defense, DevOps, Cloud Nativeness, and the corresponding platforms. From the very first semester, you take specialised modules in these areas. In cross-semester teams, you operate productive software systems alongside attending the respective courses.

The academic curriculum includes foundational subjects such as:

Theoretical and methodological foundations

Theoretical foundations and mathematics
Computer science with a focus on software engineering
Systems engineering and platforms
DevOps fundamentals

Society, Security and Practice

halle
IT Security
Computer Science and Society
English and Intercultural Communication
Practical work on real software products

You learn how to successfully support software throughout its entire lifecycle.

From the first semester onwards, alongside the foundational subjects, you take specialised modules in the field of Security, Platforms & DevOps, such as:

Systems and Information Systems

Information Systems
System Engineering
Advanced System Administration

Security

Software Security Testing
Software Security Labs
Software Exploits

Cloud, Platforms & DevOps

Cloud
Public Cloud Services
Obersvability
DevOps-Grundlagen

A central component of the programme is the development and operation of productive applications over several semesters, carried out in collaboration with industry partners. In the 5th semester, you complete a project assignment in this context, and in the 6th semester, you undertake another project – your Bachelor’s thesis.

Your studies are also complemented by contextual subjects covering topics such as ethics, business, and languages.

Lecturers

You learn from lecturers with experience in Data Science, AI and software engineering, who integrate their applied research and industry projects directly into their teaching. Coaches support you personally in your academic and professional development – from the first modules through to your Bachelor’s thesis.
Most modules are taught by lecturers from the Institute for Data Science, the Institute for Interactive Technologies, and the Institute for Mobile and Distributed Systems.
Mathematics modules are offered by the Institute of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the School of Engineering and Environment. Context modules covering social, economic and language-related topics are attended jointly with students from the School of Engineering and Environment and are taught by the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences.