Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours will allow you to develop your understanding of the underlying principles and applications of software engineering. Additionally, you will gain professional knowledge and skills that will allow you to stand out from the crowd in the digital world.
Study opportunities are also provided to assist students to undertake sought-after industry modules, including Cisco and Microsoft certification.
Career opportunities
Your broad skill set prepares you to move into both small and large organisations, consultancy, startups, government and private companies.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours is accredited by Australian Computer Society at the level of professional practice in ICT and therefore recognised internationally under the Seoul Accord.
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 2024 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 of this program prepares students with the necessary software engineering skills so that they are well prepared for work when graduated.
Course structure
The program stresses both the importance of theory and the application of theory into practice through projects and practical exercises.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 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. 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 (24 units) | 250cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 250 credit points as detailed below. HIT137 Software Now |
| Research Units (2 units) | 40cp | Units totalling 40 credit points selected from research units offered by the University. ENG720 Honours Thesis (20cp) (repeatable unit x 2) |
| Electives Units (1 units) | 10cp | Elective units totalling 10 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. |
| 320cp | 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.
Course Changes from 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.
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 unit 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 | E = Elective | R = Research |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107) | CU | CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology or LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | 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 |
| Elective | E | PMO201 Project Management | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| HIT226 Mobile Web Structures | CO | HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CO |
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | CO | HIT238 The Mobile Paradigm | CO |
| HIT237 Building Interactive Software | CO | HIT274 Network engineering Applications | CO |
| HIT234 Database Concepts | CO | HIT372 Organisation Network Infrastructure | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| HIT374 Enterprise Network Engineering | CO | HIT339 Distributed Development | CO |
| HIT381 Human Computer Interaction Design | CO | PRT582 Software Engineering: Process and Tools | CO |
| HIT326 Database-Driven Web Applications | CO | HIT333 Cyber Security | CO |
| PRT581 Principles of Software Systems | CO | PRT580 Discrete Structures | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| ENG720 Honours Thesis (repeatable) (20CP) | R | ENG720 Honours Thesis (repeatable) (20CP) | R |
| PRT583 Process Development Methodologies | CO | PRT585 Software Engineering Practice (20CP) | CO |
| HIT365 C Programming | CO | ||
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 unit 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 | E = Elective | R = Research |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology or LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | CU | ||
| HIT137 Software Now | CO | ||
| HIT140 Foundations of Data Science (replaces STA101 from 2021) | CO | ||
| PMO201 Project Management | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107) | CU | HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity | CO |
| HIT164 Computing Fundamentals | CO | HIT339 Distributed Development (replaces HIT337 from 2019) | CO |
| HIT172 Operating Systems and Applications | CO | HIT274 Network Engineering Applications (replaces HIT174 from 2020) | CO |
| HIT237 Building Interactive Software | CO | HIT372 Organisation Network Infrastructure | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| HIT234 Database Concepts (replaces BIS234 from 2019) | CO | HIT238 The Mobile Paradigm | CO |
| HIT235 Digital Systems and Computer Architecture | CO | HIT333 Cyber Security (replaces BIS243 from 2019) | CO |
| HIT226 Mobile Web Structures | CO | PRT582 Software Engineering: Process and Tools | CO |
| Elective | E | PRT580 Discrete Structures | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| HIT374 Enterprise Network Engineering | CO | ENG720 Honours Thesis (repeatable) (20CP) | R |
| HIT381 Human Computer Interaction Design | CO | PRT585 Software Engineering Practice (20CP) | CO |
| HIT326 Database-Driven Web Applications | CO | ||
| PRT581 Principles of Software Systems | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||
| ENG720 Honours Thesis (repeatable) (20CP) | R | ||
| PRT583 Process Development Methodologies | CO | ||
| HIT365 C Programming | CO | ||
Entry requirements
Quota
Assumed Knowledge:
Stage 2 Mathematical Methods or equivalent.
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 70*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate IV 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 147.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course of at least 12 months duration.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
* 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 Foundation English A and B; and
- successfully complete FSP010 Mathematics with Calculus;
are eligible to apply.
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. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
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, 2023
| 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.
Assumed knowledge
Stage 2 Mathematical Methods or equivalent.
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 8.
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, 2023.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023) | 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.
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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