BCS Foundation Certificate in Architecture Concepts and Domains

This foundation-level course provides a comprehensive introduction to enterprise and solution architecture. It equips learners with a fundamental understanding of architectural concepts, practices, and subdomains, from business architecture through to security and infrastructure. Participants will explore the importance of alignment between business and IT, and how architecture contributes to designing systems that are efficient, compliant, and cost-effective. Designed for both aspiring and early-career architects, this course lays the groundwork for further certification and practical application in architecture roles.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Define the concept of architecture and describe the different levels it includes
• Distinguish between various types of architecture and their roles in the IT/IS industry
• Understand the strategic business context and the need for business-IT alignment
• Describe architectural precursors such as goals, directives, and constraints
• Explain the process of architecture development and common description frameworks
• Identify and understand the subdomains of enterprise and solution architecture
• Recognise the core activities and artefacts produced within each architectural domain

There are no formal prerequisites for this course. It is accessible to anyone interested in understanding enterprise and solution architecture, regardless of prior experience.

Target audience

This course is aimed at individuals involved in or transitioning into architecture roles, including enterprise, solution, and domain-specific architects. It is also suitable for professionals seeking to broaden their knowledge of architecture domains or begin their certification journey in enterprise architecture.

Core concepts and architecture fundamentals

• Introduction to architecture and its importance in IT strategy
• Levels and types of architecture
• Roles and responsibilities of architects
• Business-IT alignment and strategic value
• Understanding architectural goals, constraints, and guiding principles
• Overview of architecture development methodologies and description frameworks

Enterprise architecture domains

• Business architecture: organisational structures, strategies, and processes
• Applications architecture: systems, integrations, and software services
• Data architecture: data models, governance, and lifecycle
• Infrastructure architecture: networks, platforms, and technology stacks

Specialised domains and solution architecture

• Continuation of infrastructure architecture topics
• Software architecture: structure, design patterns, and principles
• Security architecture: risk, compliance, and control mechanisms
• Solution architecture: combining multiple domains to meet business needs

Exams and assessments

This course includes a BCS Foundation Certificate in Architecture Concepts and Domains exam voucher. The exam is a one-hour, closed-book, multiple-choice assessment via remote proctor. Learners must schedule the exam to take place after the course. The exam voucher expires 12 months after confirmed attendance of the course.

Hands-on learning

Participants will engage in interactive discussions, guided walkthroughs of architecture frameworks, and case-based examples. The course blends theory with practical scenarios to help learners apply foundational architectural thinking in real-world contexts.