Qualification Overview 

This is a 40-week full-time, open-entry programme based on the internationally recognised curriculums for CompTIA A+ and Network+, Microsoft MTA, MCTS and MCITP for Windows Server 2008, and GNU/Linux subjects.

What is open-entry?

Open-entry means essentially anyone may enroll in this course as no prior knowledge of computer engineering is required. However, while we will teach you computer engineering from the beginning, you must have an understanding of the Windows operating system and word processing skills. It is also essential to have access to a computer and the Internet for after hours study and practical assignments.

Qualification Outline 

This programme will provide you with a comprehensive range of knowledge and practical skills in demand by industry employers. Some of the topics include:

• Computer assembly and hardware maintenance and troubleshooting
• Computer peripherals set-up and maintenance
• Operating system installation, configuration and optimization
• Implementation and configuration of software virtualisation
• Implementation and configuration of Ethernet LAN networks
• Installation of secure wireless network technologies
• Subnetting, Supernetting, IPv4 and IPv6 configuration
• Cisco switch and router installation and IOS configuration

Students will use virtual machines extensively throughout the course and learn how to create, configure and network them. Each student will build networks of computers with different operating systems on a single physical system. Virtual machines are a core part of cloud computing, enabling businesses and service providers to efficiently respond to customer demands for high availability and redundancy.

These subjects are complemented with a broad range of computer engineering and network administration subjects from several specialist computer engineering NZQF unit standards.

Qualification Structure & Delivery

The Diploma in Computer Systems & Network Administration combines two qualifications delivered over two 18-week semesters by tutors who are specialists in their respective fields. Each semester is divided into two terms of nine weeks with a one-week holiday between terms. The total study time is 40 weeks.

In the first Diploma semester we deliver the computer systems engineering subjects including the CompTIA subjects for A+,Network+ Microsoft MTA certification. See the Certificate in Computer Systems Engineering page for details of the first semester.

In the second Diploma semester we deliver the computer network administration subjects, including Microsoft specific subjects for MCTS and MCITP certification, See the Certificate in Computer Network Administration page for details of the second semester.

We have also added new Cisco Network Subjects for 2012

This course also delivers a range of specialist Cisco subjects. They will provide you with yet another set of knowledge and skills to give you a competitive edge in the workplace. Routers, switches and study guides are available for students who wish to extend their studies to gain Cisco certifications, such as:

• Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

More details about Cisco subjects available on the Certificate in Computer Network Administration page.

You can also check out your career path options on the Microsoft ICT Curriculum Road Map 2010.

A more detailed list of the programme content is published in the Electec College Course Information booklet which we will mail to you as part of the College Information Pack. You may request this information by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.