Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Computer Science will prepare you to be part of a continually evolving and diverse field, developing new applications and systems to improve the modern world. You will develop skills and knowledge in the technical principles and applications of computer science as well as strengthen your problem solving, decision making and communication skills making you a confident and competent candidate for a role in the IT industry.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities as a computer scientist within the government sector, private companies and non-government organisations in areas such as web design and development, games developer, networking and application development, analyst, consultant, UX specialist, programmer, SEO specialist, database administrator, or business analyst.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Computer Science is accredited by Australia Computer Society at the level of professional practice in ICT and therefore recognised internationally under the Seoul Accord.
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:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
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?
The core units of this program provide students with the necessary computer science skills so that they are well prepared for work when graduated. The program stresses both the importance of theory and the application of theory into practice through projects and practical exercises. Progression into the Bachelor of Science (Honours) is available for suitable candidates or students can progress with a Master of Information Technology.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 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 (20 units) | 200cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 200 credit points as detailed below. HIT137 Software Now |
| Electives (2 units) | 20cp | Elective units totalling 20 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
CUC100 added as an alternative to CUC106.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2021
HIT140 Foundations of Data Science replaces STA101 Statistics 1 from 2021. Students who have already completed STA101 will not be required to complete HIT140.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2020
HIT274 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 HIT274.
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 | HIT140 Foundations of Data Science (replaces STA101 from 2021) | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| HIT226 Mobile Web Structures | CO | HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CU |
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | CO | HIT274 Network Engineering Applications (replaces HIT174 from 2020) | CO |
| HIT237 Building Interactive Software | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| HIT234 Database Concepts (replaces BIS234 from 2019) | CO | Elective | E |
| Year 3 | |||
| HIT365 C Programming | CO | HIT339 Distributed Development (replaces HIT337 from 2019) | CO |
| HIT381 Human Computer Interaction Design | CO | ENG303 Research Project | CO |
| HIT326 Database-Driven Web Applications | CO | HIT333 Cyber Security (replaces BIS243 from 2019) | CO |
| HIT332 Embedded and Mobile Systems | CO | Elective | E |
_____________________________________
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 | ||
| HIT140 Foundations of Data Science (replaces STA101 from 2021) | CO | ||
| HIT137 Software Now | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | CU | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO |
| HIT164 Computing Fundamentals | CO | HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CO |
| HIT172 Operating Systems and Applications | CO | HIT274 Network Engineering Applications (replaces HIT174 from 2020) | CO |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| HIT226 Mobile Web Structures | CO | HIT339 Distributed Development (replaces HIT337 from 2019) | CO |
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | CO | ENG303 Research Project | CO |
| HIT237 Building Interactive Software | CO | HIT333 Cyber Security (replaces BIS243 from 2019) | CO |
| HIT234 Database Concepts (replaces BIS234 from 2019) | CO | Elective | E |
| Year 4 | |||
| HIT365 C Programming | CO | ||
| HIT381 Human Computer Interaction Design | CO | ||
| HIT326 Database-Driven Web Applications | CO | ||
| HIT332 Embedded and Mobile Systems | CO | ||
____________________________________________
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 | |||||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | CU | HIT140 Foundations of Data Science (replaces STA101 from 2021) | CO | ||
| HIT164 Computing Fundamentals | CO | SMA102 Mathematics 1B | CO | ||
| HIT172 Operating Systems and Applications | CO | Elective 1 | E | ||
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | ||||
| Year 3 | |||||
| HIT226 Mobile Web Structures | CO | HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CU | ||
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | CO | HIT274 Network Engineering Applications (replaces HIT174 from 2020) | CO | ||
| HIT237 Building Interactive Software | CO | PMO201 Project Management | CO | ||
| HIT234 Database Concepts (replaces BIS234 from 2019) | CO | Elective 2 | E | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| HIT365 C Programming | CO | HIT339 Distributed Development (replaces HIT337 from 2019) | CO | ||
| HIT381 Human Computer Interaction Design | CO | ENG303 Research Project | CO | ||
| HIT326 Database-Driven Web Applications | CO | HIT333 Cyber Security (replaces BIS243 from 2019) | CO | ||
| HIT332 Embedded and Mobile Systems | 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.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.
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 | 51.85 | 60.35 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 67.95 | 72.95 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 88.05 | 88.00 |
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 7.
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) | 6 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 8 | .0 |
| 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 | 9 | .0 |
| All students | 23 | .0 |
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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