Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
The Associate Degree of Network Engineering will provide you with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to design, operate and maintain networks that play a crucial role in the infrastructure of industry and government organisations.
Study opportunities are also provided to assist students to undertake sought-after industry modules, including Cisco and Microsoft certification.
This course was designed in consultation with and is supported by network engineering industry leaders.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $29,616.00. This equates to $3,702.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study IT and network engineering at CDU?
From dealing with technology-related crimes to software engineering and data collection, an IT degree at CDU is tailored to industry demand. You'll graduate with the technical and analytical skills to future-proof your career across multiple sectors.
- #4 Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Use state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies
Why study IT and Network Engineering at CDU?
From dealing with technology-related crimes to software engineering and data collection, an IT degree at CDU is tailored to industry demand. You'll graduate equipped with the technical and analytical skills to future-proof your career across multiple sectors.
- #4 Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Use state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies
What will I study?
This two year course covers data networks and their implementation. The course has a strong practical emphasis and students are given extensive opportunities to put theory into practice.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Associate Degree of Network Engineering will enable entry into the third year of Charles Darwin University's Bachelor of Information Technology or Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours.
This course is available externally by distance learning for those who are not able to attend classes on campus on a regular basis. Distance learning requires reliable broadband internet access.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Common Units (2 units) | 20cp | Common units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability (compulsory) Select Common Units to find out more about individual units and advanced standing options. |
| Core Units (11 units) | 110cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 110 credit points as detailed below. HIT137 Software Now |
| Electives (3 units) | 30cp | Select units totalling 30 credit points may be selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. |
160 | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (160cp)
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 200 level, or higher.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 10 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in an Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma AQF Level 6 course award.
Course Changes from 2022
CUC100 added as an alternative to CUC106.
Course Changes from 2020
HIT374 Network Engineering Applications replaces HIT174 Network Engineering Concepts as a core unit from 2020. Students who have already completed HIT174 will not be required to complete HIT374.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
♦ ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
♦ maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
♦ check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU |
| HIT164 Computing Fundamentals | CO | HIT137 Software Now | CO |
| HIT172 Operating Systems and Applications | CO | HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CO |
| Elective | E | HIT274 Network Engineering Applications | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| HIT234 Database Concepts (replaces BIS234 from 2019) | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | CO | HIT333 Cyber Security (replaces BIS243 from 2019) | CO |
| HIT374* Enterprise Network Engineering (replaces HIT174 as a core unit from 2020) | CO | HIT372 Organisation Network Infrastructure (previously HIT272) | CO |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
*Students who have completed HIT174 do not need to complete HIT374.
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
♦ ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
♦ maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
♦ check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability | CU | ||
| HIT137 Software Now | CO | ||
| HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability | CU | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| HIT164 Computing Fundamentals | CO | HIT274 Network Engineering Applications | CO |
| HIT172 Operating Systems and Applications | CO | HIT333 Cyber Security (replaces BIS243 from 2019) | CO |
| Elective | E | HIT372 Organisation Network Infrastructure (previously HIT272) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| HIT234 Database Concepts (replaces BIS234 from 2019) | CO | ||
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | CO | ||
| HIT374* Enterprise Network Engineering (replaces HIT174 as a core unit from 2020) | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ||
*Students who have completed HIT174 do not need to complete HIT374.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
~Air Force: Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman
~Army: Corporal, Lance Corporal, Private
~Navy: Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Seaman
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
CDU is a growing university and encourages people to grow as well. There are a lot of options and flexibility when it comes to study and the staff have always been helpful and supportive in making my dreams come true.
Sami
I have decided to stay in Darwin because I found an amazing job here. I wouldn’t be exposed to this variety of roles and experience anywhere else in Australia.
Srijana
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 6.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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Learn about information technology at CDU
Kalyani is from India studying a Master of Information Technology (Information Systems and Data Science) at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC or TAS.
UAC
UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC or UAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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