Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design) - 22479VIC

VOCATIONAL

Gain the practical and technical skills to work with civil engineers across infrastructure projects.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$21,500 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 1, 2025. This may result in changes to the program structure, duration, content and fees.

Overview

In this advanced diploma course, you’ll gain the practical and technical skills to work with civil engineers on the design and construction of infrastructure projects.

The Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Civil Engineering Design) also provides a pathway to an engineering degree.

Civil and structural engineering involves the design and construction of roads, airports, railways, buildings, bridges, dams and drainage systems.

You’ll develop skills:

  • using computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings, plans and designs for construction work
  • doing cost estimates and preparing material specifications
  • liaising with construction workers and project managers
  • inspecting completed works to ensure they meet specifications and regulations
  • conducting laboratory and/or field testing of materials, soil and water quality.
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Guaranteed Pathway options available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed? Guaranteed Pathways lets you preference pathway packages so you can secure your place in your goal degree and graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches, including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and simulated work environment.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

As part of your studies in second year, you'll engage in a simulated engineering project.

This involves  a design brief, communication strategies, and demonstrating teamwork.

Many Melbourne consulting organisations visit RMIT to provide seminars about their operations and ask students to contact them about job prospects. We've previously been visited by GHD, SKM, Kingston City Council, and a variety of civil contracting companies.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this advanced diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Year 1

You’ll focus on computer-aided drafting (CAD). CAD units are included in the first year to give you the skills to enter employment at an early stage.

Other core elements of the program include:

  • mathematics
  • structural mechanics
  • materials science
  • environmental issues
  • computer applications
  • surveying
  • estimating.

Year 2

You’ll focus on the design of roads, drains, sewers, and concrete/steel structures.

You’ll round out the program with complementary studies in areas such as hydrology and the mechanics of structures, fluids, site investigation, foundations, and footings, giving you insight into a spectrum of civil and structural issues.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)
Program code: C6162
National curriculum code: 22479VIC
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
C6162
098561A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Plan code
C6162
CRICOS
098561A
View plan
Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)
City Campus
2 years full-time
C6162
098561A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C6162
CRICOS
098561A
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates may work in the public or private sectors, in positions such as:

  • laboratory technician
  • research assistant
  • construction supervisor
  • CAD draftsperson.
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This diploma is fully accredited by Engineers Australia for the Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design). Graduates of the diploma will be eligible for graduate membership of Engineers Australia at the Engineering Associate level.

The School has a very strong Industry Advisory Committee, which is the main link between the diploma and industry. The committee includes members from many major Australian civil engineering consulting companies and government instrumentalities. The committee meets twice a year and provides feedback on the currency of our programs, the changing needs of industry and has provided their input into the design of this diploma.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Option 1:

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design) (plan code C6162):

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

  • Successful completion of Post-Secondary studies in a related field (Certificate II or above)

OR

  • At least 6 months' full-time work experience in a related field as per detailed resume (or part-time equivalent).

Option 2:

Guaranteed Pathway - Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)/Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours) (plan code C6162PATH1):

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

  • Successful completion of Post-Secondary studies in a related field (Certificate II or above)

OR

  • At least 6 months' full-time work experience in a related field as per detailed resume (or part-time equivalent).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathways below to find out more.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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The completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation engineering stream may provide a pathway into this program (certain criteria must be met).

Guaranteed Pathways available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into this degree?

At RMIT we've got your back, with a range study options to help you achieve your goals, no matter your ATAR.

Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages when you apply to RMIT.

If you apply and are successful in gaining a place in a Guaranteed Pathway package, you will progress straight into the Bachelor Degree upon successful completion of the relevant vocational degree (otherwise known as TAFE) first.

With a Guaranteed Pathway package, you can graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You can gain entry to this advanced diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design) you are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours) with two or three semesters of advanced standing (depending on the semester you commence) equivalent to 144 credit points.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$8,000* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$15,750* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information