Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering

Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering

POSTGRADUATE

Explore the backbone of cities and countless industries when you study civil engineering.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering has been designed to develop knowledge and skills in civil engineering that will enhance your career prospects in the relevant industries.

Designed for qualified engineers considering specialising in civil engineering, this qualification will help you gain knowledge and skills in this discipline and its related technologies, combined with advanced oral and written communication, teamwork, design, and project management skills.

The curriculum is informed by the industry trends and the capabilities required of an engineering graduate to successfully engage in a professional capacity with the relevant engineering industries of the 21st century.

Why choose the Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering at RMIT?

Industry input

Benefit from our Industry Advisory Committee's expertise and feedback on course content.

Expert educators

Learn from experienced academics with connections to industry and funded research projects.

Tailor your learning

Choose you path and tailor your learning to your personal goals.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to work on a range of engineering projects including major projects such as structure analysis and assessment, stability of earth structures, advanced geotechnical design and mining engineering, and surface and underground transport systems. You will also be capable of working on the planning, assessment and upgrade of infrastructure in a wide range of civil engineering applications.

Please note: this graduate certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

Throughout this graduate certificate, you will develop the skills to describe, investigate and analyse engineering systems and associated issues using systems thinking and modelling techniques.

You will be able to identify and assess risks (including OH&S) as well as the economic, social and environmental impacts of engineering activities. 

You will be able to comprehend and apply theory-based understanding of civil engineering fundamentals, and have a strong grasp on natural, physical and engineering sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer and information sciences, and have the skills to apply systematic approaches to solve engineering problems.

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Learning and teaching

The Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering curriculum has been developed to satisfy the demand for specific skills required by the international industry, and in so doing will provide you with a global passport to learning and work. 

Your learning in this certificate will combine, online, face-to-face and self-directed activities, as well as lectures, tutorials, workshops and labs. 

Assessment methods

Assessment throughout this qualification will vary based on subject requirements. You can expect to undertake assignments and projects, assessed tutorials or presentations, self- and peer-assessment, and technical reports.

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.

This certificate has strong links with industry through its Industry Advisory Committee and through research and teaching collaborations.

Many teaching staff are from local industry or have extensive industry experience and well-developed contact networks, and many are engaged in industry-funded research projects. These attributes, when integrated into teaching and courseware development, ensure that your learning experience is industry-relevant and work-integrated. The Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering has been designed in consultation with a number of industry stakeholders, including the professional body (Engineers Australia),

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

To graduate from this certificate, you must undertake and successfully complete two of the following subjects: 

  • Modelling and Simulation of Engineering Systems 
  • Sustainable Engineering Practice and Design 
  • Innovation and Technology Management 
  • Risk and Project Management 

In addition, you must also choose and successfully complete two of the following: 

  • Infrastructure Planning and Management 
  • Infrastructure Asset Management 
  • Railway Infrastructure 
  • Engineering Geology and Advanced Laboratory Testing 
  • Mining Geomechanics and Civil Tunnelling 
  • Stability of Earth Structures   

Course structure

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

Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering
Program code: GC203
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part time equivalent
GC203
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part time equivalent
Plan code
GC203
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Upon completion of this graduate certificate, you will have established and strengthened knowledge in civil engineering, and will be qualified to pursue a career in this field.

You will be able to pursue roles leading or managing proects to introduce new technologies and operating practices in engineering, operations, management, or consultancy and contribute to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of organisations, and the competitiveness and profitability of business and industry.

You may also choose to undertake further study in the Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering).

Entry requirements and admissions

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

Applicants must have:

  • An Australian Bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in Engineering, Science or Technology with a major in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Engineering Systems, Structural Engineering or Mining Engineering.

OR

  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience.

International qualifications are assessed for parity to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

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

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

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

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.

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering are guaranteed entry into the Master of Engineering (Civil Engineering) and will receive 48 credit points of credit. 

Fees

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Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2025 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2025 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*. 

Full-fee places

  • Full-fee places: AU$18,720* (2025 total).

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*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for 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.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

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.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (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.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

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.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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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