Network and IT Security

Online Studies 2 years Higher Professional Degree

Practical IT education that teaches you to prevent hacking and computer crime. The growing need for IT security competence provides great job opportunities after graduation.

A constant fight against digital attacks

Digital attacks are a real threat to society and businesses. Loss or theft of sensitive data can have catastrophic consequences for companies. Leaking internal documents with market or production plans can have a detrimental effect on a company’s competitive advantage in the market. In the worst case, this can cause substantial economic loss, as well as undermining customer confidence in the company.

The society's increasing dependence on digital technology means that expertise in IT Security is increasingly sought after. This expertise will be crucial for businesses to prevent future cyber attacks.

What I learn during my studies is very relevant to working life. Emil Heyerdahl, student

The study challenges you with real, practical, and relevant tasks. Magnus Sivertsen, student

Assessing risks and vulnerabilities

The foundation of security lies in assessing risks and vulnerability. Companies employ experts to prevent and protect against digital threats, update and safeguard their systems. A professional with the right knowledge and expertise will be able to evaluate and make decisions about measures to be implemented to secure the company. If procedures used to secure evidence are applied in the correct way, the result can be prosecution.

In the context of security, it is important to understand how software is created and how network traffic can be monitored. Many security tools, hacking tools and malicious codes may be encountered in industry. A sound understanding of programing and strategies to prevent unauthorized access is essential for working in IT security. The objective of the course is that you will develop as a system administrator, develop your own programs and be able to conduct an investigation.

Study program structure

The course challenges you with authentic, practical and relevant activities that give a good insight into the challenges and issues you can expect to work with in the future. There is a heavy emphasis on mastering practical skills. The theory is supported by relevant practical work. The teaching combines lectures, online teaching and demonstrations.

The first year of the course is identical to Network and System Administration, and gives training in computer design, operation and performance optimization. You will learn how to customize technical network solutions.

The second year of the course focuses on aspects of security. You will learn how to interpret legislation, and how security prevention operates through security routines and assessing risks. There will also be a focus on tools that can be used to collect information about networks and systems.

Career opportunities after graduation

After completing the course, you can choose a variety of career options such as a security employee, an IT security consultant or an IT coordinator. You also have the option of working as a security advisor or as a consultant in an advice agency regarding IT security, communication and operation.

Areas of responsibility will vary depending on the size of the company. In smaller companies, a person can take more responsibility and more comprehensive duties. This means working with everything from installation, operation and optimization of systems, to further developing the company’s IT infrastructure. In addition, you can guide, support and advise within the area of IT security.

Further studies

It is possible to apply for accreditation of certification for Network and IT security and then take a Bachelor’s degree in either Digital Forensics, Applied Data Science or Cyber Security at Noroff University College, with the option of studying on campus or online. After admission to our bachelor programs, you can apply for exemption for selected courses based on achieved results in Network and IT security. It will be an individual assessment that is regulated by the Universities and University Colleges Act and regulations on crediting and exemptions.

Alternatively, you can apply for the third year of the Bachelor’s degree with our partner university, University of South Wales. You can choose from several different areas of specialization, for example a degree in digital investigation or data security.

Many choose to take CCNA certification through Noroff Accelerate. Our 10-week courses are flexible and effective, designed to fit your everyday life. Cisco's CCNA certifications are among the most recognized in the IT industry, and provide a solid foundation for further careers.

Watch recording of livestream

We recommend watching the latest livestream on Network and System Administration, and Network and IT Security, hosted by Janrik Oberholzer and Justine Moodley 10 March 2023. You can navigate directly to the different programme presentations in the chapter menu.