Network and System Administration

Vocational school 1 year Online Studies
Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger

Practical IT education that teaches you network and system management. The program is centered around Microsoft and Unix-based technologies, and infrastructure for network and server management focusing on IT security.

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Sought after expertise

The advancements in technology comes with huge benefits, and Norway is considered one of the most digitized countries in the world. Digitization has streamlined the daily lives of individuals and businesses, and is an important source of economic growth and productivity. The vast majority of functions important to society are now controlled digitally, which also creates vulnerabilities and challenges.

Businesses rely on computer equipment, software and network functions. An error in networks or systems may lead to businesses shutting down. This can cause economic loss, or in the worst case, consequences for health and life.

The operation, configuration and management of computer networks and servers has gone from being specifically for IT companies, to affecting everyone. The need for expertise in network and system administration has never been greater.

I was looking for an education where I can be more hands-on, and I have had a steep learning curve. Erik David Martin, student

Practice as a system administrator

Many different technologies coexist in a larger network. The objective of the course is that you should be able to understand and work to control the flow of information and access to information. This includes using best practice as a system administrator in the configuration of network and servers.

The course covers computer structure and function and how different components can be used to optimize performance. Students gain the required knowledge to understand, build, manage and troubleshoot networks. You learn about general IT security, as well as procedures and methods to be able to tailor technical network solutions to businesses.

Program structure

The program challenges you with real, practical and relevant tasks which give an excellent insight into the challenges and issues you can expect to work with. Heavy emphasis is placed on the mastery of practical skills. Theory is followed by relevant practical work. The teaching combines lectures, online teaching and demonstrations.

The two semesters provide training in computer construction, operation and performance optimization. Students learn methods and techniques to be able to tailor technical network solutions. Both semesters are divided into modules where you concentrate on one topic at a time. The academic year ends with a study project, where you will be able to use the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the year.

Career opportunities

KThere is demand for the expertise gained on this program. After graduation, you can, among other things, work as a network administrator, system administrator or IT administrator.

The IT lectures at Noroff are carefully considered and performed well. I have learned so much over the course of this one year! Even Fosser, student

Responsibilities will vary between large and small businesses. In smaller businesses , you can take on more responsibilities and carry out more extensive tasks. This can be anything from the installation, operation and optimization of servers and clients, to further development of the company's IT systems. In addition, you can provide support and advice to internal staff as well as external customers.

Further studies

Students who have completed the network and system administration course can apply to go directly into the second year of Network and IT security.

After those two years, 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.

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.