micro-credential
Computers, Networks
, and IT Security
Do you want to understand how networks really work and put IT security into practice? This micro-credential provides you with a practical foundation in computer architecture, networks, and IT security. You’ll learn how to plan networks, identify risks, and develop effective security strategies. Strengthen your digital skills with this compact and flexible continuing education program.
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The “Computers, Networks, and IT Security” micro-credential teaches you the essential fundamentals of modern IT systems. You’ll learn how computers work, what requirements different operating systems must meet, and how networks are structured. In addition to technical knowledge, you’ll also become familiar with the key concepts of IT security so you can identify risks and develop appropriate protective measures. This micro-credential is ideal for gaining hands-on expertise and getting off to a strong start in the field of IT and network technology.
This micro-credential in the field of “Data, Information Systems, and IT Management” can be earned as part of an existing FERNFH degree program or as a standalone short program designed exclusively to lead to this qualification.
Note: The “Computers, Networks, and IT Security” micro-credential offers applicants to the master’s program in Information Technology who do not have relevant prior academic background an opportunity to meet the required admission prerequisites.
This micro-credential is offered as part of theBusiness Informatics | Bachelor's degree program.
Courses
- Computer Architectures and Operating Systems (3 ECTS, Winter Semester)
- Networks and Distributed Systems (3 ECTS, Summer Semester)
- Computer and Network Security (3 ECTS, Summer Semester)
Skill development
Upon successful completion, students will be able to,
- the types, forms of implementation, and requirements for various operating systems;
- the distinctive features of UNIX and UNIX-like operating systems;
- the principles and paradigms of distributed systems and system applications, and the challenges involved in their implementation;
- various network topologies and network architectures (including the Internet);
- Network protocols, their applications, and the requirements for their design;
- the key aspects and concepts of network security and measures to maintain it.
You are able to,
- classify various computer systems and select them for a specific application;
- to design a task-specific network topology and model your own (small) computer network;
- Analyze risks and threats in IT security;
- to develop a security plan for computer networks.
Duration of the program: 2semesters
Scope: 9 ECTS credits
Level: 6 – Undergraduate
Cost: €475 plus ÖH membership fee
Application deadline: Aug. 17, 2026
Start: September 4, 2026
Application deadlines
01. Jan. 1970
“Recognition of prior learning” toward a micro-credential is only possible for courses that have been successfully completed within the last five years. Examination results from earlier than that cannot be recognized toward a micro-credential. In addition, recognized ECTS credits may not exceed one-third of the total credit hours of a micro-credential.
Conversely, courses from an MC program may also be credited toward a university of applied sciences degree if they were completed within five years prior to the start of the degree program (and if the MC courses are also part of the core, elective, or individualized curriculum of the relevant degree program).
Important:Please note that the exact options and scope of credit transfer may vary depending on the specific degree program. We therefore recommend that you contact the relevant program staff directly for specific details.
During the winter semester, the various application deadlines run from August through October and vary depending on the micro-credential. You can find the latest deadline for applying to your micro-credential on the page for that specific micro-credential.
Micro-credentials are organized through the degree programs at Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH.
The degree program varies depending on the micro-credential. You can find more information on the pages for each micro-credential.
As for the individual courses: Yes. They are structured and organized in such a way that they can usually be completed within the specified timeframe, even during busy periods. Otherwise, you might have to wait until the next academic year for exams to be offered again in your MC subject.
As for the entire MC: No. For example, if we suggest that you take two courses in the winter semester and two in the summer semester, you can also spread them out over four semesters, taking one course each semester. Or you can take even more courses and take a break in between.
The only important thing is that you must complete everything within five years of enrolling in the Micro-Credential.
Micro-credentials are typically worth 5–15 ECTS credits, which generally corresponds to two to five courses. Once you have successfully completed all the courses that make up the learning path, you will receive your micro-credential—in the form of a printed certificate and a digital badge.
Individual courses must have been completed within a 5-year period in order to count toward a micro-credential.
If the MC is earned as part of a degree program, the relevant admission requirements apply. MCs offered as standalone short programs are considered “attendance in individual courses”; no formal admission requirements (e.g., completion of a qualification at a specific ISCED level) need to be met for these.
Subject-specific prerequisites (“relevant qualifications or knowledge”) may be required, and proof of fulfillment may be necessary. You can always find the prerequisites listed directly on the respective MC’s website.