Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
The Master of Information Technology (Software Engineering) complements your other information technology qualifications helping you broaden your skill set in a specialised field. Key areas include project and risk management, current industry practices, processes and methodologies and entrepreneurship.
Your studies will combine theory with practical activities giving you the opportunity to network with industry leaders.
Professional recognition
The Master of Information Technology (Software Engineering) 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 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
Both Commonwealth supported (CS) and full fee (FF) places are available for this course. If you would like to apply for a CS place use the SATAC code 1CM099 or the UAC code 823120. If you would like to apply for a FF place you will need to use the SATAC code 1CM599 or the UAC code 873120.
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.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
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 $31,067.20. This equates to $3,883.40 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 a postgraduate degree at CDU?
"Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries"
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
"Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023).
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries"
What will I study?
The core units prepare students with the necessary IT skills so that they are well prepared for work when graduated. The course stresses both the importance of theory and the application of theory in practice through projects and practical exercises.
Course structure
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 |
| Core Units (11 units) | 120cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. HIT137 Software Now |
| Research Units (2 units) | 40cp | Research units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below. PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable) x 2 |
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
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.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HIT234 Database Concepts | CO | HIT137 Software Now | CO |
| HIT391 Machine Learning: Advancements and Applications (replaces HIT363 Enterprise IT Management from 2023) | CO | HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CO |
| PRT581 Principles of Software Systems | CO | PRT582 Software Engineering: Process and Tools | CO |
| PRT551 Project Management, Risk and Reliability | CO | PRT580 Discrete Structures | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| PRT574 Security Assessment in Software Development | CO | PRT585 Software Engineering Practice (20cp) | CO |
| PRT583 Process Development Methodologies | CO | PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable) | R |
| PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable) | R | ||
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.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HIT137 Software Now | CO | ||
| HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CO | ||
| PRT582 Software Engineering: Process and Tools | CO | ||
| PRT580 Discrete Structures | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| HIT234 Database Concepts | CO | PRT585 Software Engineering Practice (20cp) | CO |
| HIT391 Machine Learning: Advancements and Applications (replaces HIT363 Enterprise IT Management from 2023) | CO | PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable) | R |
| PRT581 Principles of Software Systems | CO | ||
| PRT551 Project Management, Risk and Reliability | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| PRT574 Security Assessment in Software Development | CO | ||
| PRT583 Process Development Methodologies | CO | ||
| PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable) | R | ||
Students Commencing in Summer Semester
The Summer Semester Study Plan will be published as soon as it becomes available.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised Bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification.
International entry pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01), the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1) or the ZMPP01 International Masters Preparation Program are eligible for entry.
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 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with 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.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
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 9.
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.
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