GraduateInformation Technology
Master of Information Technology (Software Engineering)
Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
About this program
CDU's Master of Information Technology (Software Engineering) is built for people who already have an unrelated bachelor's degree and want a fast, structured route into software careers, rather than people who studied CS undergrad. Because Darwin isn't a tech hub the size of Sydney or Melbourne, the course leans hard on remote delivery and flexible timetabling, and a large share of the cohort is international students studying 100% online from overseas while working toward Australian permanent residency pathways in the ICT occupation list.
The degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society at the Professional level and recognised under the Seoul Accord, which matters if graduates want their qualification to carry weight in Singapore, South Korea, or other accord countries later on. Coursework moves from foundational units in discrete structures and algorithms through to process-heavy software engineering units, the kind of project management, risk, and requirements-gathering content that shows up in day-to-day work at mid-sized dev shops more than in FAANG-style interviews.
Two research units close out the degree, which is a distinguishing feature next to some other Australian software engineering masters that are pure coursework. It gives graduates something to point to if they're considering a PhD later, though most treat it as an extended capstone project instead.
Fees & duration
English test scores
Verified cdu.edu.au ↗
Course structure
Study plan in 4 parts
- HIT137Software Now
- PRT580Discrete Structures
- HIT220Algorithms and Complexity
- HIT234Database Concepts
- PRT581Principles of Software Systems
- PRT582Software Engineering: Process and Tools
- PRT583Process Development Methodologies
- PRT574Security Assessment in Software Development
- HIT363Enterprise IT Management
- PRT551Risk and Reliability Management
- PRT585Software Engineering Practice
Research component
- two research units (40 credit points total)
- typically a supervised applied project or minor thesis
- 160credit points
- full-time over 2 years (accelerated trimester options can shorten this)
- on campus at Casuarina or fully online
- trimester intake
Career & PR pathway
Occupations this degree typically leads to, and their skilled-migration list status
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)
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)
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)
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)
Database AdministratorANZSCO 262111
On STSOL and CSOL, which supports the 190 and 491 (not the 189 on its own) plus the employer-sponsored 482/494/186.
Assessed by Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Systems AdministratorANZSCO 262113
On STSOL, supporting the 190 and 491. Also on CSOL, additionally supporting the employer-sponsored 482 and 186.
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
Completion of a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent international qualification. No specific field or GPA/WAM prerequisite is published; CDU's International Masters Qualifying Program offers an alternative pathway for applicants who don't directly meet entry criteria.
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