Associate of Science in Network and Systems Administration

Network and Systems Administration Programme

The programme focuses on computer network planning, design, implementation, and management. Its comprehensive curriculum covers networking technologies, protocols, architecture, security, and troubleshooting, as students gain hands-on experience in network installation and management. Graduates have a good track record of acceptance into prestigious ICT programmes at top universities in Hong Kong.

Apply Now

Programme information

Faculty Science and Technology
Programme Associate of Science in Network and Systems Administration
Programme code AScNSA
Campus Tai Wai
QF level 4
Duration 2 years
Credit units 63 CUs
Award type Associate Degree  
QR Ref/
Validity period
17/000299/L4
01/09/2017 - 31/08/2029

This programme is accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications.

Programme Leaflet

Programme Leaflet of the NSA programme in 2024-25

Enquiry

For enquiries, please contact Faculty of Science and Technology (Telephone No: 2707 3232 or Email: uowchk-fst@uow.edu.au).

Applications can be submitted by the following methods:

Online Application
UOWCHK Admission Application Portal
(for all applicants with DSE/ NON-DSE / other qualifications, or mature applicants)

Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes (E-APP)
(for HKDSE 2024/25 only)

By Post / In Person (Application Form)

 Click here for more information on admissions procedures.

No programme specific entry requirement.  Please refer to General entry requirements

Fees

Application Fee

HK$150

Application fee is payable when applicants are invited for interviews.  Application fee can be paid by the following methods:
  1. By direct deposit at any branch of the Hang Seng Bank or ATM transfer (Bank Code: 024) (A/C number: 359-300001-004)
  2. OR
  3. By Octopus Card at the College Office

Tuition Fee

HK$1,900 per credit x 63 Credits unit required for Programme Completion
= HK$119,700 (Total tuition fee for two years)

Other Fee

A Graduation Fee of HK$400 will be charged upon enrolment in a programme.

Financial Assistance

Students enrolled in self-financing Bachelor/ Associate Degree / Higher Diploma programmes are eligible to apply for financial assistance from the following sources:

Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-Secondary Students (FASP)

Provides means-tested financial assistance to needy full-time students pursuing locally-accredited, self-financing post-secondary education programmes at the level of associate degree, higher diploma or degree. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to needy students so that no eligible students will be denied access to post-secondary education because of lack of means.

Enquiries:       2152 9000
Website:         Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-Secondary Students

Non-means Tested Loan Scheme for Post-Secondary Students (NLSPS)

The NLSPS is used to complement the Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) to provide loan(s) to eligible students to settle tuition fees of locally-accredited, self-financing full-time post-secondary education programmes at the level of associate degree, higher diploma or degree

Enquiries:        2150 6222
Website:          Non-means Tested Loan Scheme for Post-Secondary Students    

Continuing Education Fund (CEF)

Some of the AD programmes or course(s) in the AD programmes are included in the list of reimbursable courses for CEF purposes.

The CEF subsidizes students over 18 years of age with learning aspirations to pursue continuing education and training courses.

Eligible applicants enrolling in courses on/after 1 April 2019 will be reimbursed 80% of the course fee on the first $10,000 and 60% on the second $10,000, subject to a maximum sum of HK$20,000 (whichever is the less), on successful completion of a reimbursable course.

Eligible applicants enrolling in courses on/after 1 August 2022 will be reimbursed 80% of the course fee for the first HK$10,000 subsidy and 60% of the course fee for the remaining HK$15,000 subsidy, subject to a maximum sum of HK$25,000 (an increase of the CEF subsidy ceiling from $20,000 to $25,000), on successful completion of a reimbursable course.

Students should pay attention to the eligibility criteria from the Continuing Education Fund before submitting the application.

Enquiries:        3142 2277
Website:          Continuing Education Fund

Programme structure and outcomes

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs) are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this programme will be able to:

PILODescription
1. Use a range of tools, programming languages, methodologies, and quantitative skills to undertake computer systems development work;
2. Apply appropriate knowledge and skills and work responsibly in the design, installation, and configuration of secure computer systems and networks;
3. Practise in an ethical and professional manner, and apply safety and health measures at work;
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using English and Chinese in a culturally diversified workplace; 
5. Examine the major socio-political, cultural and economic issues affecting information systems development in the local, national, regional and international contexts; and 
6. Relate the major ideas in arts and humanities, science and technology to the study of Information Technology.

Main subject areas

  • Networking administration
  • System administration
  • Computer programming
  • Computer security
  • Languages and general education

Programme study flow

Programme structure

To qualify for this award, a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 63 credit units by satisfactory completion of the following core courses.

Course Code Course Name
Programme Core (21CUs)
AST10201 Computer Organization
AST20105 Data Structures and Algorithms
AST20302 Router Technology
AST20401 Database Systems and Design
AST20306 System Administration
AST20307 Network Administration
AST21105 Object-Oriented Programming and Design
Programme Core Elective - Sem B, Year 2 (3CUs)
AST20203 or
AST20114 or
AST21115
Internet Security or
Data Communication Theory or
Calculus
Broad-Based Knowledge (24CUs)
AST10106 Introduction to Programming
AST10111 Basic Calculus and Linear Algebra
AST10114 Critical Thinking and Ai Literacy
AST10304 Introduction to Computer Network
AST21111 Discrete Mathematics
AST21119 Ethics in Technology
AST21206 Globalization and Sustainability
CGE23216 Environment and Technology
Generic Skills (15CUs)
CGE1000* / CGE1500 English for Academic Studies A/B
CGE1200**# Practical Chinese
CGE2003 English Professional Communication Skills for Technology
CGE10413 Hong Kong Society
CGE26515 Understanding Contemporary China

Please visit the General Education page for more details.

*   Students whose DSE score of English Language is below 3 are required to complete this course

** Students who are non-Chinese literate can take a course among the core General Education courses in lieu of CGE1200 Practical Chinese at the recommendation of Programme Leaders and approval by the Chairman of Academic Board

# CGE1800 / CGE1900 Introduction to Spanish / French for non-Chinese speaking students only

Further Studies Pathways

The table below is not exhaustive and only aims to show some examples of the bachelor's degree programmes offered by UGC-funded institutions and University of Wollongong, Australia which have admitted our past graduates. Our graduates also articulate to various overseas degree programmes offered in Hong Kong.

University of Wollongong, Australia

UOW College Hong Kong

City University of Hong Kong

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Computer and Data Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Electric and Communication Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Information Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Hong Kong Baptist University

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing and Information Systems
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Information Engineering

The Education University of Hong Kong

  • Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Secondary) in Information and Communication Technology

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Computing and AI

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering

The University of Hong Kong

  • Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Management

 

Career prospects

The programme aligns with the growing demand for networking specialists in the Innovation and Technology sector, providing excellent career prospects.  Graduates can expect promising career prospects in the field of computer networking and related industries. They can pursue roles such as network administrators, system administrators, IT support specialists, network engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and database administrators. Additionally, the programme provides a solid foundation for further studies in computer science or related disciplines, opening pathways to research, academia, and advanced technology roles.

 

Programme introduction video