Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
The Diploma of Network Engineering will prepare you for entry-level network engineering roles by providing the skills and knowledge required to design, operate and maintain networks that play a crucial role in the infrastructure of industry and government organisations.
Your coursework will cover key areas of network engineering, including data networks and their implementation. You will combine academic studies with practical experience allowing you to further develop your skill set and provide you with the opportunity to stand out from the crowd in a competitive industry.
You can also use this qualification to move into our other degree programs such as the Bachelor of Information Technology or Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours.
Study opportunities are also provided to assist students to undertake sought-after industry modules, including Microsoft certification.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to entry-level roles in network systems, helpdesk support, information technology and telecommunications.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
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 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?
This one year course covers the essentials of data networks and their implementation. The course has a strong practical emphasis and students are given extensive opportunities to put theory into practice.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Diploma of Network Engineering will enable entry into the second 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 80 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 (5 units) | 50cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 50 credit points as detailed below. HIT137 Software Now |
| Elective (1 units) | 10cp | Select units totalling 10 credit points may be selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. |
80cp | 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 2022
CUC100 added as an alternative to CUC106.
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.
Course Changes and Transitional Arrangement from 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.
Course Changes and Transitional Arrangements - 2016
Students who have completed HIT272 and one of the BIS243, PMO201 or HIT274 should NOT complete STA101.
Students who have not completed HIT272 nor either BIS243, PMO201 or HIT274 should complete STA101 and one elective.
Students who have completed HIT272 and not completed BIS243, PMO201 or HIT274 should complete STA101.
Students who have completed one of BIS243, PMO201 or HIT274 but not HIT272 should complete STA101.
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: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | E = Elective |
| 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 |
| Elective | E | HIT274 Network Engineering Applications (replaces HIT174 from 2020) | 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.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107) | CU | ||
| HIT137 Software Now | CO | ||
| HIT140 Foundations of Data Science (replaces STA101 from 2021) | CO | ||
| HIT274 Network Engineering Applications (replaces HIT174 from 2020) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | CU | ||
| HIT164 Computing Fundamentals | CO | ||
| HIT172 Operating Systems and Applications | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ||
Students Commencing in Summer Semester
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | E = Elective |
| 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 | HIT140 Foundations of Data Science (replaces STA101 from 2021) | CO | ||
| Elective | E | HIT274 Network Engineering Applications (replaces HIT174 from 2020) | 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.
- Defence 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
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.
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 5.
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) | 8 | .0 |
| 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 | 8 | .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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