About the Programme

Cyber Security and Network Administration gives you the tools to implement, secure, and monitor digital systems and networks so that companies and organisations can keep their operations running in a secure manner.

The programme combines network administration and server administration in both Windows and Linux environments with a clear focus on security. You will learn how to build networks and implement and manage systems as well as penetration testing and risk management. Overall, you get a unique combination of skills that prepares you for a variety of professional roles in cyber security and IT.

Collaboration with local as well as national and international actors will be an important part of the programme. You will take part through study visits, guest lectures and events. In recent years, we have visited Ericsson in Linköping, had guest lectures from the Police, and attended a security conference with Truesec. We also have an annual hacker competition in collaboration with companies in the IT industry where students compete against each other and other universities in Sweden.

The Focus of Your Studies

The courses in the programme give you a holistic view of the field through practical and theoretical system administration courses, network courses, and security courses. The programme also includes courses focusing on administrative security and how cyber security can contribute to a sustainable society.

During the first year of the programme, you gain basic knowledge of information security, system administration, data communication, databases, and programming.

In the second year, you will get deeper knowledge within data communication, network security, and operating systems. The second year also introduces you to IT forensics and the work as a cyber security specialist.

In the third year, you can study abroad or continue to immerse yourself in cyber security, risk management and wireless networks. The education ends with a degree project.

During the programme, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with companies and other organisations to prepare you for your future professional role.

When you finish your studies, you will have a deep knowledge of how digital systems are implemented, monitored, attacked, and protected.

Application period

The programme is given in English and you apply in connection with the international application period (ending in mid-January). You register your application at universityadmissions.se.

Study abroad

If you want to discover the world while you study, there are good opportunities to study for a semester at one of our partner universities. It is best to study abroad in the first semester of year three and there are many foreign universities to choose from. You get the opportunity to study unique courses offered by the partner university and you get credit for your higher education credits, provided you pass the course.

There will also be opportunities to go on shorter international exchanges.

Career Opportunities

Cyber security is an area with a major labour shortage in all industries, both in Sweden and internationally. According to "Cybersecurity workforce gap analysis", there was a shortage of more than 3.4 million cybersecurity workers in the world in 2022. The need is expected to increase by 26% per year worldwide, in Europe the figure is expected to increase annually by 60%.

After completing your studies, you can, for example, work as:

• Cyber Security Analyst/Cyber Security Analyst
• IT Security Specialist
• IT Security Analyst
• Network Security Expert
• Network Technicians
• Network Specialist
• Information Security Specialist
• Cyber Security Specialist
• Red/Blue Team Member
• Cyber Intelligence Specialist
• Cyber Operations Specialist
• Digital Forensics Analyst
• IT Security Architect
• Network Security Administrator
• Network Technician
• Cyber Security Engineer

Further Studies

Three years of study in Cyber Security and Network Administration lead to a Bachelor's degree with the main field of information technology. After your degree, you can continue with master's studies at the University of Skövde. For example, there is a master's degree in Privacy, Information Security and Cyber Security. You also have the opportunity to study further at master's level at other universities, both in Sweden and abroad.