Nettverk og IT-sikkerhet, toårig utdanning

Higher Professional Degree

Network and IT Security

Study Online or On Campus in Norway

Hands-on IT programme that teaches you how to combat hacking and cybercrime, while using AI tools to address security challenges. The growing demand for IT security offers excellent career opportunities.

Apply now

Online Studies

12 August 2025 More startups

14 October 2025

6 January 2026

10 March 2026

2 year full time | 4 years part time

Full time: NOK 45.000,- per semester
Part time: NOK 22.500,- per semester

State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)

Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger

11 August 2025

2 years full time

NOK 62.000,- per semester
NOK 1.900,- registration fee

State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)

AI in the study programme

How is AI used in the Network and IT Security programme?

You will learn to use AI responsibly to support both learning and research. AI helps you understand complex topics and improve your work, but we emphasize the importance of knowing when and how to use AI effectively.

For example, we allow AI tools like Grammarly for spelling and grammar checking during exams. This way, you develop skills that are directly applicable in the workplace, where AI is becoming an essential part of technological solutions.

How is AI being used in the workplace as a Network and IT Security expert?

AI plays a crucial role in predicting problems, detecting threats, and responding quickly to security challenges. Tools like Splunk, Darktrace, and IBM QRadar use AI to monitor and protect networks.

As a network and IT security expert, you will use such tools to streamline monitoring and manage complex threats. AI helps you tackle the increasingly sophisticated challenges in IT security and network operations.

Why Study Network and IT Security?

As society becomes increasingly dependent on digital technology, there is a growing need for expertise in network and IT security to prevent cyber-attacks and their consequences.The programme covers fundamental security tasks such as risk assessment and vulnerability analysis. 

You will learn to become an independent system administrator capable of implementing effective security measures and conducting IT security investigations. Understanding how software is built and how network traffic can be monitored are key components. After completing the programme, you will be able to work with the installation, operation and optimisation of IT systems and provide support and advice on IT security.

💰 According to SSB, IT security experts in Norway have an average annual salary of approximately 850,000 NOK.

One-year programmes also available

The first year of this two-year programme is identical to the one-year programme in Network and System Administration. However, you can apply directly to this two-year programme and secure your place for two years. Alternatively, you can apply for the one-year Cloud Foundations programme and then move straight into the second year of the two-year Network and IT Security programme.

Career Opportunities

After completing the Network and IT Security program, you can pursue roles such as:

  • Security Officer
  • ICT Security Consultant
  • ICT Coordinator
  • Security Advisor
  • Consultant in advisory agencies in ICT security, communication, and operations
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Ethical Hacker
IT og teknologi er blant de sikreste studievalgen

– IT and technology now one of the safest fields to study

Programme information

Learning outcomes

You will be challenged with authentic, practical, and relevant tasks throughout the program, providing invaluable insights into the challenges and issues prevalent in the field. The first year, mirroring the Network and System Administration program, offers comprehensive training in computer structure, operation, and performance optimization, alongside methods for tailoring technical network solutions.

The second year of the program delves comprehensively into all aspects of security. Students will gain insights into the legal framework surrounding cybersecurity and acquire proficiency in conducting preventive security measures through security routines and risk assessments. The focus then shifts to the utilization of tools for gathering information about networks and systems.

Read more about the study program in our course catalog.

Course structure

First-year:

  • IT Foundations
  • Operating and File Systems
  • Network Infrastructure
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Server Technologies
  • Cloud Computing Foundations
  • Introduction to Information Security
  • Exam Project 1

Second-year:

  • Security and the Law
  • CyberOps
  • Security in the Cloud
  • Programming
  • Databases
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Digital Forensics
  • Exam Project

Extended programme information

School: Noroff Higher Vocational College (Noroff Fagskole)
Application deadline: Continuous admission. Applications are processed in the order they are submitted.
Language of instruction: English online. Norwegian/English on campus
Accreditations: Approved for loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). Accredited by NOKUT.
Degree: Higher Professional Degree
Credits: 120 Credits

Recommended hardware and software

  • A machine that handles virtualization is highly recommended.
  • We do not recommend MAC with M1 processor, as the machine does not handle certain software and virtualizations.
  • At least 16 GIG of RAM and 1TB of fast storage (SSD, NVME, etc.)
  • We do not recommend Apple Silicon processors (M1/M2, etc.) or any ARM (Snapdragon Elite X etc) for your studies due to Virtualization compatibility issues for certain Operating Systems; specifically the lack of ARM based Microsoft Servers that students can use. Intel and AMD CPU's are good options.

Admission requirements

Noroff has ongoing admissions, and applications are processed in the order they are received. The earlier you apply, the earlier you can secure a study place.

To qualify for the program, you must have general study competence or vocational education with a professional certificate. It is also possible to apply based on recognized prior learning.

For international students, depending upon which country you have received your education from, the requirements will differ. Please use this website where you can find the specific requirements for your country at the bottom of the page.

You can read more about admission requirements here.

Financing

All our study programs are approved for loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). You can apply to the Loan Fund for basic support (loan and grant; NOK 151,690) and tuition fees (NOK 77,192).

As an adult student, you can receive loans and grants from the State Educational Loan Fund. This also applies if you work while studying.

As a main rule, you must be a Norwegian citizen to receive support from the Norwegian State Educational Fund. However, foreign citizens may also be entitled to financial support. Check here to see if you are eligible.

You can read more about payment, loans, and grants here. 

Bachelor's Degree Abroad

After two years at Noroff, it is possible to study a third year abroad and obtain a Bachelor's degree. You can apply directly to the third year of a Bachelor's programme at our partner university, the University of South Wales. You can choose from a range of specialisations, including a Bachelor's in Computer Forensics or Computer Security. This option is also available to online students.

Student interviews

Stian Skaanes
The programme is suitable for anyone who wants to learn the field. Stian Skaanes
Simon Kjerrgård Aase
The path from the programme to the industry felt short. Simon Kjerrgård Aase

Our academic staff

Aage Alexander Foss
With increasing threats to data security and privacy, the demand for IT security professionals is high. Aage Alexander Foss, Rector
Janrik Oberholzer
Learn how to think like a hacker and defend your systems from cyber threats with our course. Janrik Oberholzer
Få studieveiledning på Noroff

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Related news

First-year students Rebekka, Ilse, and Malin impressed at the Magnet Summit Capture The Flag competition. Despite having less experience than many of the other participants, they secured a strong placement.

As cybercrime continues to escalate in scale and sophistication, the demand for skilled digital defenders has never been greater. Noroff University College is equipping the next generation to meet this challenge head-on.

For several years, Noroff has maintained a close partnership with Atea, one of Norway’s leading players in IT infrastructure. This collaboration has now led to an exciting new hire: student Marco Høyvang Stormyr has landed a job as a junior consultant.

     

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