Network and Systems Administration

Network and Systems Administration

  • Study facts
    • Prog. Code
      PNSA
    • NQF Level
      5.1
    • Credits
      60
    • Valid from
      H24
    • Version
      1.2
    • Study mode
      Full-time, Part-time
    • Program manager
About the programme

Network and Systems Administration is a professional degree study program that provides candidates with a solid platform and competence within general ICT terminology and common ICT services, such as operating and file systems, network configuration, both Linux-based and Microsoft-based server installation and administration, and cloud services. The program also introduces the students to information security, so candidates are aware of important elements within IT security.

The increase in use of different forms of ICT equipment and Internet in all aspects of today’s society, have led to organizations and businesses being dependent on their computer equipment, software and networks always functioning and as optimal as possible. The result, if any of these elements should not function optimally, could be delays or a complete stop in production, distribution, deliverance, and communication between different sections or of mass information. This could possibly mean great economical losses for the organizations and businesses, their customers or even society.

The study program is aimed towards everyone that are interested in ICT and wants a practical and hands-on education with promising work prospects within the field. The study programme is suitable for candidates without previous experience in the field of study, and as further education for people with prior upper secondary education, vocational education or work experience within IT or ICT.

Learning Environment

The digital classroom
All students at Noroff have access to a digital classroom, referred to as the learning platform. Here the student can access relevant academic and practical information about the study programme. The learning platform also contains learning content, activities, delivery deadlines, work requirements and assessments for every course.

Online
Online studies are flexible since students can study from anywhere and at their own pace according to the academic progression and scheduled deadlines. Students access their learning material for each course through the learning platform. Discussion and message platforms are used for communication between fellow students and teachers.

Campus
As part of the campus community, students will have access to on-site teachers, guest lecturers, and other students during their learning journey. Campus students study in modern working environments and have access to professional equipment used for practical training.

After graduation

Vocational education at Noroff can expand career opportunities and lay lifelong learning foundations. Throughout the programme, students will familiarise themselves with key competencies relevant for industry employment. Students who graduate with a higher professional degree may be eligible to enter one of our partner universities. 

Career opportunities 
After graduation, the candidate is qualified for employment as:

  • IT Consultant
  • IT Support Engineer
  • Network Consultant
  • Network Administrator
  • IT Associate

Further studies

After graduation, the candidate qualifies for the Network and IT Security programme for a higher professional degree.

Learning Outcome

The Norwegian Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (NQF) defines the levels of qualifications in the Norwegian educational system. These levels describe what a learner knows, understands, and can do as a result of a learning process. Categories in NQF are defined as:

Knowledge: Understanding theories, facts, principles, procedures in the discipline, subject area and/or occupation.
Skills: Ability to utilise knowledge to solve problems or tasks (cognitive, practical, creative and communication skills).
General Competence: Ability to independently utilise knowledge and skills in different situations.

After graduation from this programme, students have acquired the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate:

  • has knowledge of common concepts, theories, security models, processes and tools that are used to manage ICT systems 
  • has knowledge of processes, roles and tools that are used to manage and drive ICT projects 
  • has knowledge of processes and interactions between software and hardware 
  • has knowledge of on-premises versus cloud environments and the general differences in management 
  • has insight into relevant rules and regulations, standards, agreements and quality requirements in computer networks, systems administration and ICT industry 
  • has a knowledge of the ICT industry and is familiar with the need for secure and reliable computer networks and systems that facilitate the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data 
  • can update their own knowledge within ICT 
  • understands the importance of and place for the ICT disciplines in a societal and value-creation perspective
Skills

The candidate:

  • can apply knowledge to problems related to implementing, configuring, and managing different components in an ICT environment 
  • masters relevant tools and techniques to create and manage networking services in an ICT environment 
  • masters relevant Microsoft/Linux-based tools and techniques to create and manage servers, file systems and domain services in an ICT environment 
  • masters relevant tools and techniques to create and manage common cloud-based services in an ICT environment 
  • can find information and material that is relevant to different vocational issues in ICT 
  • can study configurations on a local computer network to identify issues and measures for improving performance and availability
General Competence

The candidate:  

  • understands the ethical principles that apply in the ICT industry 
  • has developed an ethical attitude necessary in relation to sensitive information and responsibilities within the ICT industry 
  • can carry out installations and implementations of networks, cloud services and Microsoft/Linux-based services in accordance with project specifications 
  • can build relationships with their peers, also across subject areas within the ICT field, in addition to clients
  • can develop work methods, products and/or services of relevance to ICT 
Course Overview
Course code Course name Semester Weeks Hours Credits
FI1AMIT75 IT Foundations 1 5 210 7.5
FI1AMOF75 Operating and File Systems 1 4 168 7.5
FI1AMNI10 Network Infrastructure 1 7 294 10
FI1AMLI75 Linux 2 5 210 7.5
FI1AMMT75 Microsoft Server Technologies 2 5 210 7.5
FI1AMCC05 Cloud Computing Foundations 2 4 168 5
FI1AMIS75 Introduction to Information Security 2 5 210 7.5
FI1AMP175 Exam Project 1 2 4 168 7.5
Total 39 1638 60
Course Models
Network and Systems Administration
CourseCourse type2024 Autumn2025 Spring
Core course
7.5
Core course
7.5
Core course
10
Core course
7.5
Core course
7.5
Core course
5
Core course
7.5
Core course
7.5
Teaching and Learning

Noroff offers an engaging and student-active learning experience that prepares candidates for professional working life through unique and industry-relevant teaching and learning activities governed by the current learning outcomes. Teaching and learning engage students in the learning process by promoting a holistic understanding of the different issues and challenges relevant to the subject areas. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, students will develop lifelong learning skills. 

Activities can vary for campus and online delivery and are composed of theoretical and practical approaches, providing students with the best possible outcome for each course. Noroff distinguishes between teacher and student-led activities. Both are equally important and tailored to each course’s educational approach. Teaching and Learning activities used in the courses are outlined in the course descriptions. 

For all online studies, English is the primary language for teaching. English can also be used as the teaching language on some campuses.

Work Requirements and Assessment

Assessment impacts the student’s learning significantly and concludes if the student has achieved the intended learning outcome and, if so, at what level. Assessments include summative and formative methods depending on the content of the learning outcome of each course.

A course usually consists of one or more work requirements. The most common is compulsory course assignments that assess the acquired competencies outlined in the course learning outcomes. Course assignments are assessed as Passed/Failed or graded from A to F, after which verbal or written feedback is provided. Tests can also evaluate students’ achievements and are usually used in combination with compulsory assignments.

Online studies may also require students to deliver one or more compulsory module assignments during a course. This is to follow up and support the online students’ learning path. Module assignments can be used as learning activities for campus students.

Work requirements and assessment methods for each course are described in the course descriptions.

Equipment Requirements

Information about equipment requirements is available on our webpage (Link to webpage for the programme)

Online students are required to purchase and maintain their equipment.

Admission requirements

There are three ways to meet the admission criteria and be enrolled as a student: 

1. By upper secondary education (videregående skole) 

  • Higher education entrance qualification from Norway or abroad 

2. By Norwegian vocational upper secondary education  

  • Documented vocational qualifications diploma (yrkeskompetanse) within Dataelektronikerfaget, Automatiseringsfaget, IT-driftsfaget og IT-utviklingsfaget etc.
  • Documented craft certificate (fag og svennebrev) within: Automatiker, dataelektroniker, IT-driftstekniker, IT-utvikler etc. 

3. Prior learning and work experience   

More Information about admission requirements is available here: https://www.noroff.no/sok/opptakskrav