Professional Degree in Network and System Administration
Online
Associate Degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
NOK 62,000 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
* oslo, bergen, stavanger: 62,000 NOK/semester | online studies: full time - 45,000 NOK/semester, part time - 22,500 NOK/semester
Key Summary
The demand for skilled system administrators has never been greater. You will learn how to manage and operate data networks and servers, and how to use AI tools to monitor networks, predict issues, and strengthen IT security.
Why Study Network and System Administration?
Norway is one of the most digitised countries in the world, driving economic growth but also creating vulnerabilities and challenges. This programme provides insight into IT security and methods for tailoring technical network solutions.
You will learn about computer architecture, and performance optimisation and gain essential skills in understanding, building, managing and troubleshooting networks. After completing the programme, you will be able to work on installing, operating and optimising servers and clients, developing IT systems and providing support to internal and external users.
According to SSB, database administrators and system administrators in Norway earn an average annual salary of about 850,000 NOK.
A two-year programme is also available
After this one-year programme, many are ready for employment. For those who wish to continue their training in IT security, there is a seamless transition to the second year of the Network and IT Security programme.
AI in the study programme
How is AI used in the Network and Systems Administration programme?
You will learn how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used responsibly to support both learning and research. AI helps students understand complex topics and improve their work, but we ensure they also learn when and how to use AI in an ethical and responsible manner.
For example, in exam contexts, we only allow AI tools like Grammarly to check spelling and grammar. This ensures that students develop skills needed for real-world jobs, where AI is becoming an essential part of technological work.
How is AI being used in the workplace as a Network and Systems Administrator?
AI is already influencing how network and systems administrators work, particularly in IT security and network operations. AI tools make it easier to predict issues, detect threats, and respond quickly. In practice, tools like Splunk, Darktrace, and IBM QRadar use AI to monitor and protect complex networks.
In our programme, students gain hands-on experience with such tools, preparing them well for the challenges they will face in the workplace. AI not only helps streamline workflows but is also an important tool for managing the increasingly sophisticated threats in today’s IT environment.
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.
Course structure
Subjects on Network and System Administration
- IT Foundations
- Operating and File Systems
- Network Infrastructure
- Linux
- Microsoft Server Technologies
- Cloud Computing Foundations
- Introduction to Information Security
- Exam Project 1
Students on the programme will encounter authentic, hands-on challenges that reflect the practical and relevant tasks they can expect to encounter in their professional endeavours. The study year is designed to provide training in the intricacies of computer structure, operation and performance optimisation, as well as providing methodologies for customising technical network solutions.
Each semester is divided into modules, allowing students to concentrate on a single subject. The year culminates in a comprehensive study project, which provides a platform for the application of the knowledge and skills acquired in the various subjects covered in the curriculum.
After completing the Network and System Administration programme, you can pursue roles such as:
- Network Manager
- System Administrator
- ICT Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Virtualisation specialist
- Database administrator
- Network or system consultant