NSA - Network and System Admin
NSA 100 Create web applications (4-0-4)
Develops the skills and knowledge required to create web applications according to technical requirements. Upon completion of this unit, learners will be able to use appropriate tools to create web applications and to create dynamic behavior on web sites.
NSA 101 Install, configure and test a small local area network (4-0-4)
This course equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to plan, design, implement, and manage a small local area network (LAN) that meets business needs. Students will learn to select appropriate hardware, configure network devices, apply IP addressing, and perform network testing and troubleshooting. The course also covers diagnosing network issues, creating effective documentation, and developing network maintenance plans. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning in simulated and lab environments to prepare students for real-world ICT and networking applications.
NSA 102 Develop skills for work organization and management (2-0-3)
Develop the skills and knowledge required to understand the dynamic of an organization, deliver the solutions that matches the clients’ expectations at the same time abiding by socio-economic and political constraints. It applies to individuals who seek to work for an organization that has chain of command and is business with the clients who are not necessarily from the same socio-culture.
NSA 103 Comply with copyrights, ethics, privacy and standards in an ICT environment (1-1-2)
Develop the skills and knowledge required to maintain professional and ethical conduct, as well as to ensure the confidentiality of personal information of stakeholders and exhibiting the professionalism whilst dealing with them. It applies to individuals who to gather information to determine the organization’s code of ethics, and protect and maintain privacy policies and system security.
NSA 104 Administer network server (2-2-4)
This module aims to provide the learners with the knowledge and skills to administer a network server. Learners will gain an understanding of server hardware architecture, enabling them to implement server roles tailored to organizational needs and the ability to compare and classify disaster recovery requirements. They will acquire skills to implement storage solutions, apply security measures to safeguard networked servers, and troubleshoot server issues.
NSA 106 Create simple software programs and develop problem solving skills (2-2-4)
This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to acquire problem-solving abilities, design algorithms, and create simple software programs using a programming language.Topics include, but are not limited to, IPO, flowchart, pseudocode, algorithm, conditional execution, loops, programming language syntax, semantics, and runtime environment.
NSA 108 Manage network routing and switching (1-3-4)
This course develops the practical skills and knowledge required to manage network routing and switching. Students configure and troubleshoot routers and switches, apply IPv4 addressing, implement static and default routes, and verify network connectivity. Emphasis is placed on hands-on lab activities using physical and simulated devices to build secure, reliable, and scalable network solutions.
Prerequisites: NSA 101
NSA 110 Classify Computer Hardware, Network Devices and Protocols (2-2-4)
This unit aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to classify and examine the components, devices, and protocols that underpin modern computer networks. Topics include but are not limited to computer hardware, enterprise network devices, network protocols and architecture.
NSA 111 Administer Network Services (2-2-4)
This unit aims to provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively implement, maintain, and secure network services in diverse computing environments. The unit focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding and implementation practice of network services, including DNS, DHCP, and NAT, to support the seamless operation of network infrastructures. Learners will be able to set up, troubleshoot, secure, and optimize these services to a given specification.
NSA 130 Experience the nature of a network and system administration workplace (0-36-4)
Course delivery and student performance are monitored through regular workplace visits, mentor feedback, and faculty evaluations. As this course runs concurrently with NSA 230, NSA 231, NSA 232, and NSA 233 during the full Fall 2026–10 semester (17 weeks), course observations will focus on ensuring consistency in workplace supervision, competency assessment, and learner engagement across all apprenticeship placements. Faculty mentors document progress, verify competency evidence, and coordinate with workplace supervisors to ensure uniform application of IE Department apprenticeship standards.
NSA 201 Configure enterprise virtual computing environments (2-2-4)
This unit aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to effectively interpret and apply virtualization techniques in server administration, install and configure virtualization host software in enterprise environments, understand virtual network and storage components, and evaluate and implement security techniques to safeguard virtualized infrastructures.
NSA 202 Develop fundamental concepts of cloud services and infrastructure (1-3-4)
This course introduces learners to cloud computing fundamentals using Microsoft Azure. Students explore IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS service models, create and manage virtual machines, and configure storage and database services. Through guided Azure labs, learners gain practical skills in deployment models, resource management, and security, preparing them to implement and manage basic cloud infrastructure.
NSA 203 Manage network security (2-2-4)
This unit aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to understand fundamental network security concepts, identify common threats, implement basic countermeasures, and perform essential network security maintenance tasks.
NSA 204 Manage Linux servers (2-2-4)
This module aims to provide the learner with specialized knowledge and practical skills focused on the effective installation, configuration, and administration of Linux systems. It covers key Linux server components, including directories, files, user accounts, group accounts, network interfaces and bash scripting. Learners will acquire skills to proficiently navigate and manage Linux environments and will be equipped with the expertise needed to tackle real-world challenges in Linux server administration.
NSA 205 Administer wireless networks (2-2-4)
This unit aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to effectively administer wireless networks, encompassing the setup, security, and troubleshooting of WLAN systems, tailored for vocational application in real-world settings.
NSA 207 Manage VLANs and WANs (0-4-4)
This course develops the practical competencies required to configure, manage, and secure Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) using physical networking equipment. Learners will perform hands-on configuration of routers and switches to implement VLAN segmentation, inter-VLAN routing, PPPoE connections, and network monitoring through SPAN. Emphasis is placed on establishing secure, efficient, and scalable LAN–WAN infrastructures by applying authentication protocols, access control measures, and performance diagnostics. Through structured lab exercises, learners gain
NSA 210 Provide Client Support in an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Environment (3-0-3)
This unit aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to liaise with and support clients to manage and resolve problems in an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) environment.
NSA 211 Administer Domain Services (1-3-4)
This course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills to effectively administer, maintain, and troubleshoot domain services in enterprise environments. Learners will develop a strong understanding of domain services and their critical role in network administration. Through guided laboratory work, students will gain experience in managing user accounts, groups, and shared resources, implementing security measures, and troubleshooting issues to maintain a secure and efficient network infrastructure.
NSA 212 Process Threat Data (1-3-4)
This course develops the ability to analyze and process cybersecurity threat data using real network traffic. Students identify, evaluate, and document security incidents through hands-on use of tools such as Wireshark. Emphasis is placed on risk assessment, evidence collection, and applying mitigation techniques to maintain network integrity in simulated workplace environments.
NSA 213 Investigate Emerging Networking Challenges (1-3-4)
This course enables learners to research and evaluate emerging networking technologies and their potential impact on modern network systems. Students investigate current trends such as virtualization, automation, and cloud-driven solutions while developing analytical, communication, and reporting skills. The course emphasizes independent inquiry, evidence-based evaluation, and professional presentation of findings.
NSA 230 Undertake ICT on-job experience (0-36-4)
This 100% apprenticeship course enables learners to gain practical workplace experience in information and communication technology (ICT). Students apply and demonstrate professional skills in real organizational environments by assisting in network operations, system maintenance, and client support tasks under industry supervision. Through continuous workplace engagement and reflective practice, apprentices strengthen their technical competencies, employability skills, and understanding of ICT workplace expectations.
NSA 231 Undertake Network and System Administration On-Job Training and Support (0-36-4)
This 100% apprenticeship course provides learners with workplace-based experience in network and system administration. Apprentices perform authentic, industry-aligned tasks such as configuring cloud services, implementing network security solutions, and supporting system administration functions under mentor supervision. The course forms part of an integrated apprenticeship blueprint with NSA 233 and focuses on applying theoretical concepts in real operational environments, ensuring alignment with NQC vocational standards and the NSA Diploma study plan.
NSA 232 Practice Networks Administration (0-36-3)
This 100% apprenticeship course provides learners with practical, workplace-based experience in advanced network and systems administration. Apprentices apply and integrate ICT skills to configure, manage, and troubleshoot network infrastructures and domain services using real organizational environments. Conducted under the supervision of workplace mentors and faculty, this course forms part of the integrated apprenticeship blueprint with NSA 230. Apprentices demonstrate competency through authentic tasks, performance evidence, and reflective practice aligned with the NQC vocational standards
NSA 233 Practice Systems Administration (0-36-3)
This 100% apprenticeship course develops practical competencies for troubleshooting and resolving systems and network issues in real workplace settings. Apprentices apply systematic troubleshooting methods, diagnose hardware and connectivity problems, utilize diagnostic tools, and document solutions while collaborating within professional IT teams. The course operates under the integrated apprenticeship blueprint with NSA 231 and emphasizes authentic performance evidence aligned to NQC vocational standards.
