Programs

Law and Legal Studies at Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University (CDU) offers a range of law and legal studies courses designed to prepare you for a career in law, government, politics, or business. CDU is known for its flexible study options, allowing you to complete your law degree online or on campus, and full-time or part-time. With over 15 years of experience in delivering online law courses, CDU provides a high-quality education accessible from anywhere. The curriculum includes a unique focus on transnational law, encouraging you to explore legal systems beyond Australia's borders and gain a comprehensive global perspective. CDU also embeds First Nations perspectives into its law programs, reflecting its unique position in the Northern Territory.

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Charles Darwin University equips you with the skills to lead organizations of all sizes with a forward-thinking approach that emphasizes sustainability and positive societal impact. This program goes beyond traditional business competencies, teaching you how to run a business profitably while contributing positively to the economy and environment. You will develop expertise in strategic planning, sustainable business practices, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure. The curriculum includes an applied professional business project and specialist electives tailored to your career aspirations, preparing you for the demands of future-focused businesses.

Master of Education

Enhance your career in education with a Master of Education from Charles Darwin University. This program is designed for education professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of advanced theories and practical skills to improve outcomes for diverse learners. You will develop critical thinking, collaboration, project management, and transformative practice skills, preparing you for leadership, research, and scholarship roles. The degree offers a flexible capstone experience, allowing for professional placement or research activities tailored to your career goals. Study online or on campus and choose a specialization that aligns with your interests.

Master of Emergency and Disaster Management

The Master of Emergency and Disaster Management program equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel as a professional in emergency and disaster response. This comprehensive course leverages the expertise of academics and practitioners in Australia's gateway to Southeast Asia, a region significantly impacted by various disasters. It emphasizes informed practice and research, critically examining issues from multiple perspectives to understand how diverse professional and cultural viewpoints shape disaster management work. You will gain the competence to lead and manage all phases of the disaster cycle, translate academic learning into practical applications, and work effectively in the Asia Pacific region and globally. The program allows for specialization through a wide range of electives, drawing on opportunities both within CDU and at other institutions. It aims to develop your technical, managerial, and leadership capabilities, preparing you for career advancement or a new professional path. The course is available full-time or part-time, with options for on-campus or online study to accommodate different learning needs.

Master of Engineering

Master of Environmental Management

The Master of Environmental Management at Charles Darwin University offers postgraduate education focused on the principles and practices of environmental management, with a particular emphasis on tropical and arid ecosystems. The program equips professionals with knowledge and skills applicable to managing natural resources within their social context. Core units explore the social dimensions of environmental management, while specialist electives allow for tailored learning. Students can choose to study online, on campus, or a combination of both, benefiting from small class sizes and direct access to academic staff. The curriculum is designed to be responsive to the evolving needs of employers and stakeholders, incorporating current research outcomes. Graduates will be prepared to apply academic theories to real-world environmental challenges, developing critical thinking for future-focused solutions. The course provides opportunities to develop practical, technical, and research skills, including fieldwork and potential work-integrated learning projects.

Master of Humanities and Social Sciences

Master of Law and Legal Studies

Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-Registration)

The Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-Registration) is an accredited degree that qualifies you to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. You can choose to study this program online or on campus, full-time or part-time. The course focuses on developing essential critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills for registered nursing, emphasizing evidence-based care and respect for diverse patient contexts, cultures, and communities. It prepares you to provide care within various health, well-being, illness, and disability settings. To complete the degree and become a registered nurse, you will undertake practical training, including three simulation blocks (96 hours in total) and at least 800 hours of supervised clinical placements. These placements occur across diverse healthcare settings and require full-time commitment, including potential night, weekend, and public holiday shifts. Students are responsible for costs associated with clinical placements and simulation blocks, such as travel and accommodation. Reasonable travel to placements is expected, and placements are typically sourced within a 150-kilometre radius of your residence.

Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice)

This Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice) program offers a unique pathway to gain both a Master's degree and practical professional experience. You will develop contemporary knowledge and skills essential for roles like a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA), covering technical and conceptual accounting principles. The course allows you to tailor your studies through options such as a professional placement, applied research specialisation, or electives aligned with your career aspirations. A significant component involves approximately 300 hours of practical work experience over eight to ten weeks in your final semester, where you'll apply your academic learning in a real-world organisational setting. You also have the option to arrange your own placement.

Master of Psychology (Clinical)

This Master of Psychology (Clinical) program is designed for individuals passionate about improving mental health and psychological well-being. It equips you with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary for a career as a registered psychologist in Australia, offering a direct route to the registrar program for Clinical Psychology endorsement. The program combines cutting-edge research with contemporary teaching methods and extensive hands-on clinical training. A key focus is on preparing graduates to be adaptable, skilled, and community-oriented, with a particular emphasis on serving the diverse communities within the Northern Territory. Graduates will gain expertise in various therapeutic modalities, including face-to-face therapy, telehealth, and the use of immersive technologies like virtual reality. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience through coursework, research, and mandatory practical placements, ensuring you are well-prepared for clinical practice upon graduation. The program strongly encourages engagement with local communities, enabling graduates to apply evidence-based practices to support individuals, families, and society effectively. Despite the rigorous nature of the clinical training, students will benefit from a supportive learning environment fostered by expert academic staff, dedicated supervisors, and a vibrant student community.

Master of Public Health

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Charles Darwin University (CDU) is designed to equip you with advanced knowledge and skills to address complex population health issues. You will learn to investigate, critique, and respond to real-world health challenges, both locally and globally. The course offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced professionals at the Menzies School of Health Research, specializing in areas such as Indigenous health, global health, public health practice, and health research. You will develop expertise in core public health disciplines including epidemiology, biostatistics, and various research methodologies. The program emphasizes practical application, enabling you to analyze health data, evaluate interventions, and develop strategies for health promotion, disease control, health systems improvement, and policy development. A significant component of the course involves applying these principles to areas like environmental health and sustainable development goals. You will also have the chance to undertake a supervised research project. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in national and international health services, government ministries, NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and academic institutions. Potential roles include public health leaders, program planners, policy advisors, epidemiologists, and researchers. CDU provides academic support services to assist students with the high level of academic reading and writing required for this course.

Pathway Courses at Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University (CDU) offers several pathway programs designed to help students meet university entry requirements or enhance their study skills. These programs include the Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP), First Nations Pathways to University Programs, and UniBoost. TEP is an alternative route to gain entry into most CDU undergraduate degrees, suitable for those who don't meet ATAR requirements or haven't studied recently. The First Nations Pathways programs provide a culturally safe environment for Indigenous students to prepare for university. UniBoost offers subject-specific and general study skills support for both new and current students.

Postgraduate Short Courses

Charles Darwin University offers Postgraduate Short Courses, including Graduate Certificates, designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers through specialized knowledge and skills. These advanced qualifications are available 100% online and can be completed in as little as six months, offering flexibility for those balancing study with work. Courses cover a range of disciplines such as health, nursing, social work, education, business, IT, policy development, and Indigenous knowledges. Completing a Graduate Certificate can also provide credits towards further study, such as a Graduate Diploma or Master's degree.

Postgraduate Studies at Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University (CDU) offers over 100 postgraduate courses designed to enhance your professional knowledge, specialise in a chosen field, or boost your career prospects. These programs are aligned with industry demands and taught by expert lecturers. CDU provides flexible study options, including online, on-campus, part-time, and full-time modes, allowing you to study in a way that suits your lifestyle. Whether you're looking to advance your career or delve deeper into research, CDU offers a supportive environment to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.

Tertiary Enabling Program

The Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) at Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a pathway course designed to help you gain the academic skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for university study. It serves as a bridging course and can be completed in as little as 16 weeks. TEP offers flexibility, allowing you to study online or on campus, full-time or part-time, with continuous access to learning materials. Successful completion of TEP enables you to apply for most undergraduate courses at CDU, including nursing, law, psychology, and engineering. This program is ideal if you need a refresher on study skills, did not achieve the required ATAR or equivalent, or lack other qualifications for direct entry into undergraduate programs.