UndergraduateComputer Science
Associate Degree of Network Engineering
Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
About this program
The Associate Degree of Network Engineering at Charles Darwin University provides the skills, knowledge and confidence to design, operate and maintain the networks that underpin the infrastructure of industry and government organisations. The course has a strong practical emphasis with extensive opportunities to put theory into practice, and can be studied part-time or full-time, fully online for domestic students or on campus. Graduates may work as a technician, in helpdesk support, or as a network and systems administrator.
Cost & duration
English test scores
Verified cdu.edu.au ↗
Course structure
4 terms of coursework
Successful completion of the Associate Degree of Network Engineering will enable entry into the third 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
- Common Units (2 units): Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107 from 2024)(compulsory)
- Language
- Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100 from 2024)
Core Units (11 units)
- Software Now
- Computing Fundamentals
- Operating Systems and Applications
- Database Concepts (replaces BIS234 from 2019)
- Algorithms and Complexity
- Digital Systems and Computer Architecture (replaces HIT235 from 2026)
- Organisation Network Infrastructure (previously HIT272)
- Network Engineering Applications
- Project Management
- Cyber Security (replaces BIS243 from 2019)
- Electives (3 units): Select units totalling 30 credit points may be selected from undergraduate units offered by the University
Career & PR pathway
Occupations this degree typically leads to, and their skilled-migration list status
Software EngineerANZSCO 261313
On both MLTSSL and CSOL, so it supports the points-tested 189, 190, and 491 as well as the employer-sponsored 482 and 186. Needs an ACS skills assessment, which usually wants the degree plus one to two years of relevant work, or a Professional Year in ICT in place of some of that experience.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Developer ProgrammerANZSCO 261312
On MLTSSL, so it supports the 189, 190, and 491. Assessed by the ACS on the same basis as Software Engineer. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
ICT Business AnalystANZSCO 261111
On both MLTSSL and CSOL, so it supports 189/190/491 and the employer-sponsored 482/186. Common landing occupation for IT and business-analytics graduates.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Systems AnalystANZSCO 261112
On MLTSSL, supporting the 189, 190, and 491, with an ACS skills assessment. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
ICT Security SpecialistANZSCO 262112
The code used for the points-tested 189, 190, and 491 pathways. Newer cyber security specialisations (Cyber Security Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, and others) were split out of this code in 2021 to 2025 ANZSCO updates and sit on CSOL instead; picking the right code matters for which visa applies.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Cyber Security EngineerANZSCO 261315
One of the newer cyber security ANZSCO codes created alongside Penetration Tester, Cyber Security Analyst, and others. Sits on CSOL, which supports the employer-sponsored 482 and 186, but is not currently on MLTSSL or STSOL, so it does not support the points-tested 189, 190, or 491 the way ICT Security Specialist (262112) does.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Computer Network and Systems EngineerANZSCO 263111
On both MLTSSL and CSOL, supporting 189/190/491 and the employer-sponsored 482/186.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Data ScientistANZSCO 224115
A newer ANZSCO code (added 2022) that sits on CSOL only, supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186. Not on MLTSSL or STSOL, so it does not currently open the points-tested 189, 190, or 491, and no state nominates this exact code.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
List membership changes over time and does not guarantee an invitation. See the skilled occupation lists guide and the points calculator before relying on this for a visa decision.
Admissions
Year 12 completion, ATAR approx 60 or equivalent (STAT score of 140 also accepted)
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