Program Overview

Diploma of Network Engineering

The Diploma of Network Engineering will prepare students 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.

Key Details

• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Intake: Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
• Locations: Danala - Education and Community Precinct, Online
• Entry Requirements: View full entry requirements
• Credit Points Required: 80
• Course Code: YNENG1

Overview

This course covers key areas of network engineering, including data networks and their implementation. It combines academic studies with practical experience, allowing students to further develop their skill set and provide them with the opportunity to stand out in a competitive industry. Students can also use this qualification to move into other degree programs such as the Bachelor of Information Technology or Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours.

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

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply, visit the relevant university webpage.

Fees

Commonwealth Supported Places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

• Be an Australian citizen who will complete some of the course while resident in Australia.
• Be 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 on the university's webpage.

International Tuition Fees

The annual tuition fee for full-time study in 2026 is AUD $39,392.00, which equates to $4,924.00 per 10 credit point unit. These fees are subject to increases annually.

Why Study IT and Network Engineering at CDU?

• CDU is ranked #2 in Australia for undergraduate learner engagement in computing and IT.
• Students use state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies.
• There are flexible study options, including online, on-campus, part-time, or full-time study.

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 cannot attend classes on campus regularly. Distance learning requires reliable broadband internet access.

Units

A candidate must successfully complete units totaling 80 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

• Common Units: 20cp
  • IAS201 Cultural Capabilities
  • CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR LAL100 Language, Literacy, and Sustainability
• Core Units: 50cp
  • HIT137 Software Now
  • HIT140 Foundations of Data Science
  • HIT164 Computing Fundamentals
  • HIT172 Operating Systems and Applications
  • HIT274 Network Engineering Applications
• Elective: 10cp
  • Select units totaling 10 credit points may be selected from undergraduate units offered by the University.

Study Plan

The recommended study plan provided is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study 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.

Entry Requirements

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 years 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 recognized tertiary preparation courses.
• Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
• Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the specified ranks meet the academic entry requirement for this course.

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.

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, 2025.

Additional Information

• Can offers be deferred? Yes
• Award: Diploma of Network Engineering
• Faculty/College: Faculty of Science and Technology
• Sector: HE
• Area of study: IT and Network Engineering, Engineering

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 recognized 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 who commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2025.