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Software engineering course
Postgraduate Coursework

Master of Information Technology (Software Engineering)

Key details

Duration

2 year/s full-time
4 year/s part-time
2 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

160

Course code

SITSE1
SATAC/UAC codes

Overview

The Master of Information Technology (Software Engineering) complements your current degree helping you broaden your skill set in the field of software engineering.

The course focuses on software engineering and its effects in the modern world. You will explore the impacts of software engineering in course and project work. 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 ICT Professional 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 $31,688.00. 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.

Menzies Public Health Julie

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 2024)
  • Top 100 university globally for quality education
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
group-students

Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?

Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).

  • Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Menzies Public Health Julie

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 2024)
  • Top 100 university globally for quality education
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
group-students

Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?

Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).

  • 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 of this program will allow you to explore a range of software engineering concepts. Specialist elective units will allow you to explore complementary areas of interest through an industry placement unit, or a research thesis unit.

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 typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units
(12-13 units)
160cp

Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below.

HIT137 Software Now 
HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity
HIT234 Database Concepts
HIT391 Machine Learning: Advancements and Applications (replaces HIT363 Enterprise IT Management from 2023)
PRT581 Principles of Software Systems
PRT582 Software Engineering: Process and Tools
PRT583 Process Development Methodologies
PRT585 Software Engineering Practice (20cp) 
PRT574 Security Assessment in Software Development
PRT580 Discrete Structures
PRT551 Risk and Reliability Management

Plus either:
Practice Experience Option
PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) (new from 2024)
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) (new from 2024)

Or:
Research Project Option
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable) x 2

 160cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)

 

2024 - Course Changes and Transitional Arrangements
From 2024, the course structure has changed as follows:

  • Research units have been moved to the core unit requirements
  • Increase in the core unit requirement from 11 units (120cp) to 12-13 units (160cp)
  • New Practice Experience Option and units PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) and PRT840 IT Thesis have been introduced

Transitional Arrangements

  • Students that have already completed Part A of the PRT820 Master Thesis MUST enrol and complete Part B of PRT820
  • From 2024, students will have the option of completing either the Professional Experience or Research option

Any student who believes they may be disadvantaged by these changes should contact the course coordinator for assistance.

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 UnitR = Research
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
HIT234 Database ConceptsCOHIT137 Software Now CO
HIT391 Machine Learning: Advancements and Applications (replaces HIT363 Enterprise IT Management from 2023)COHIT220 Algorithms and ComplexityCO
PRT581 Principles of Software SystemsCOPRT582 Software Engineering: Process and ToolsCO
PRT551 Project Management, Risk and ReliabilityCOPRT580 Discrete StructuresCO
Year 2
PRT574 Security Assessment in Software DevelopmentCOPRT585 Software Engineering Practice (20cp)CO
PRT583 Process Development MethodologiesCOPRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable)
CO
PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable)
CO  

Top of Page

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 UnitR = Research
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  HIT137 Software Now CO
  HIT220 Algorithms and ComplexityCO
  PRT582 Software Engineering: Process and ToolsCO
  PRT580 Discrete StructuresCO
Year 2
HIT234 Database ConceptsCOPRT585 Software Engineering Practice (20cp)CO
HIT391 Machine Learning: Advancements and Applications (replaces HIT363 Enterprise IT Management from 2023)COPRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable)
CO
PRT581 Principles of Software SystemsCO  
PRT551 Project Management, Risk and ReliabilityCO  
Year 3
PRT574 Security Assessment in Software DevelopmentCO  
PRT583 Process Development MethodologiesCO  
PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable)
CO  

Top of Page

Students Commencing in Summer Semester

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in Summer Semester and enrolling in a standard full time 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.

Legend:CU = Common UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
    HIT137 Software NowCO
    PRT551 Project Management, Risk and ReliabilityCO
Year 2
HIT234 Database ConceptsCOHIT220 Algorithms and ComplexityCO  
HIT391 Machine Learning: Advancements and Applications (replaces HIT363 from 2023)COPRT580 Discrete StructuresCO  
PRT581 Principles of Software SystemsCOPRT582 Software Engineering: Process and ToolsCO  
Year 3
PRT574 Security Assessment in Software DevelopmentCOPRT585 Software Engineering Practice (20cp)CO  
PRT583 Process Development MethodologiesCOPRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable)
CO  
PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable)
CO    

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 ModuleA 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 ProficiencyA 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 moduleA 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

Nikki Govan

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 student Srijana Ghimire standing against a backdrop of a national park in the Northern Territory

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

Nikki Govan

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 student Srijana Ghimire standing against a backdrop of a national park in the Northern Territory

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

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Master of Information Technology (Software Engineering)
Faculty/College
Faculty of Science and Technology
Sector
HE
Area of study
IT and Network Engineering, Engineering

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

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 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.

SATAC/UAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
UAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
1CM099
823120
Casuarina campus (FF)
1CM599
873120
Online (CSP)
1CM099
823120
Online (FF)
1CM599
873120
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
0101693

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