Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (Professional), majoring in Network Technology, is a four-year professional bachelor's degree at Swinburne University of Technology. It combines ICT theory with practical network technology, industry projects and a 12-month paid professional work placement.

Key benefits include:

• Specialisation in the design, installation and management of complex ICT infrastructure.
• Practical experience using industry-class networking facilities, including 17 network racks and 700 Cisco devices.
• Six industry-linked projects as part of Work Integrated Learning.
• A 12-month paid professional work placement integrated into the Professional Degree.
• Swinburne states that students completing the Network Technology major graduate with four Cisco certifications.
• Development of skills in network security, server configuration, computer communications and stakeholder communication.
• Professional accreditation by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
• Potential exposure to networking, cybersecurity, infrastructure and systems administration.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The course is structured around core ICT knowledge, Network Technology major units, electives and the professional placement.

The published 2026 indicative study sequence includes the following Network Technology units:

Year 1

• Networks and Switching — TNE10006 — 12.5 credit points
• Elective units

The first-year structure also contains core ICT requirements and electives; the exact sequencing can vary according to the student's study plan and advanced standing.

Year 2

• User Experience Design Project — ICT20025 — 12.5 credit points
• Network Routing Principles — TNE20002 — 12.5 credit points
• Elective units

These subjects develop knowledge of network routing, user experience and practical ICT project work.

Professional work placement

• Professional Placement – 12 months
• Total placement component: 100 credit points

The Professional Degree incorporates the 12-month paid placement as a central component of the programme.

Year 4

• Data Visualisation — COS30045 — 12.5 credit points
• Enterprise Network Server Administration — TNE30018 — 12.5 credit points
• Advanced Web Development — COS30020 — 12.5 credit points
• Secure Remote Access Networks — TNE30012 — 12.5 credit points
• ICT Innovation Project — ICT30016 — 12.5 credit points
• Elective unit(s)

The published sequence is described by Swinburne as indicative, and unit offerings may change.

Main subject areas

The programme develops knowledge in areas such as:

• Network configuration
• Network routing
• Network security
• Server administration
• Secure remote access
• Data visualisation
• Web development
• ICT innovation
• Database and data management
• Professional ICT practice

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

Network Technology

The Network Technology major focuses on the design, installation and management of complex ICT infrastructure.

Key areas include:

• Computer networking
• Network switching
• Network routing
• Enterprise server administration
• Network security
• Secure remote access
• ICT infrastructure
• Data visualisation
• Web technologies
• ICT innovation

Programme Highlights

• Four-year Professional bachelor's degree.
• Network Technology major.
• 375 credit points.
• CRICOS code 095881J.
• Hawthorn campus.
• ACS professional accreditation.
• 12-month paid professional work placement.
• Six industry-linked projects.
• Four Cisco certifications associated with the Network Technology major.
• Practical experience with industry-class networking facilities containing 17 network racks and 700 Cisco devices.
• Work Integrated Learning is a guaranteed component of Swinburne bachelor degrees.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne specifically identifies the following career opportunities for the Network Technology major:

• Security consultant
• Information security analyst
• Network administrator
• Systems administrator.

The skills developed can also support professional work involving:

• Network infrastructure
• Enterprise networking
• Server administration
• Network security
• Secure remote access
• ICT support and infrastructure management

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course: Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (Professional), majoring in Network Technology.
• CRICOS: 095881J.
• Current standard duration: 4 years full-time.
• Current total requirement: 375 credit points.
• Current campus: Hawthorn.
• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• International entry requires an ATAR equivalent of at least 80, with overseas qualifications assessed by Swinburne.
• The Professional Degree includes a 12-month paid professional placement and six industry-linked projects.
• The course is ACS accredited.
• Credit transfer and RPL are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• The published study sequence is indicative and may change according to unit availability, advanced standing and exemptions.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this CRICOS-registered programme in Australia will generally need an Australian Student visa (subclass 500), subject to their individual circumstances.

Core visa requirements

Applicants should expect to meet applicable requirements relating to:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a CRICOS-registered course
• Genuine Student requirement
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• English-language evidence where required
• Financial capacity where required
• Health requirements
• Character requirements
• Compliance with Student visa conditions