Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
The Associate Degree of Network Engineering provides 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. The course has a strong practical emphasis and you will be given extensive opportunities to put theory into practice.
Study part-time or full-time, and choose to study 100% online (domestic only), or on-campus.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to various career opportunities including roles as a technician, helpdesk support and network and systems administrator.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
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, subject to meeting criteria. 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 in 2025 is AUD $31,688.00. This equates to $ $3,961.00 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 cyber crime 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.
- #2 in Australia for undergraduate learner engagement in computing and IT (GUG 2024)
- Use state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study IT and Network Engineering at CDU?
From dealing with cyber crime 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.
- #2 in Australia for undergraduate learner engagement in computing and IT (GUG 2024)
- Use state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies
Why study IT and network engineering at CDU?
From dealing with cyber crime 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.
- #2 in Australia for undergraduate learner engagement in computing and IT (GUG 2024)
- Use state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study IT and Network Engineering at CDU?
From dealing with cyber crime 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.
- #2 in Australia for undergraduate learner engagement in computing and IT (GUG 2024)
- Use state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies
What will I study?
This two year course covers data networks and their implementation.
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 otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Common Units (2 units) | 20cp | Common units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107 from 2024) (compulsory) Plus either: CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100 from 2024) 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. |
| 160cp | 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.
OURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
CUC100 added as an alternative to CUC106.
OURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 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 enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | CU | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107) | 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 enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107) | CU | ||
| HIT137 Software Now | CO | ||
| HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | 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.
____________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107) | CU | ||||
| HIT137 Software Now | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| HIT164 Computing Fundamentals | CO | CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | CU | ||
| HIT172 Operating Systems and Applications | CO | HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CO | ||
| Elective 1 | E | HIT274 Network Engineering Applications | CO | ||
| Elective 2 | E | Elective 3 | E | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| 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 | ||
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.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from 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 (including One Skill Retake) | 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
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2024
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
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
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
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | <5 | N/P |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | N/P |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/P |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | <5 | N/P |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
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.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
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, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
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.
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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