Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) - CPC50220

VOCATIONAL

Learn about the planning, coordination, and control of medium-rise and wide-span building projects.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder

*Free TAFE course

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$21,500 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora

Overview

Construction is not just about building sites, but about building a bigger picture: the planning, coordination, and control of a project from inception to delivery.

In this diploma, you'll examine the principles, techniques and regulations of the building and construction industry for all types of medium-rise and wide-span buildings up to 25 metres high.

This practical curriculum incorporates hands-on work and project-based learning. You'll experience many aspects of building projects and understand how they all relate to each other. You’ll go on site excursions to gain hands-on field experience which will include visits to residential and commercial construction projects.

Why choose the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) at RMIT?

Beyond the classroom

Assignments are designed with real or simulated industry conditions and include site visits, field exercises, and workshops.

Flexible learning

Choose from day or evening classes to work around your work or life commitments.

Further your education

Graduates have the option to continue further studies in construction, project management, or property services with RMIT.

Danielle, Diploma of Building and Construction student, using a drill on a mock building site

Meet Danielle

Studying the Diploma of Building and Construction has helped Danielle open doors to exciting job prospects in the building industry.

*Students require a Construction Induction Card (CPCCWHS1001A Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry) to take part in required site visits and or/associated assessment.

Animated student holding qualification

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 is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

3D render of RMIT's Trade Innovation Centre, a large grey warehouse with a delivery depot and large white water tanks.

State-of-the-art facilities

RMIT’s Trades Innovation Centre is a cutting-edge facility offering the latest in skills training and technology for students and industry.

The 1,700 square metre modular design features adaptable spaces, including a 2.5-metre-deep sand pit, double-height workshop ceilings, and a three-storey training rig that mimics building construction for real-world experience.

Divided into ‘trade zones’, this allows students to gain hands-on experience while observing other trades, fostering a deeper understanding of how different trades intersect and work together.

Details

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This diploma emphasises project-based learning.

Your assessment will be based on real or simulated industry conditions, and your studies will include site visits, field exercises, and workshops.

Some practical components may be delivered at the Bundoora campus.

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 diploma has been developed in response to industry needs, and it is recognised by building and construction industry organisations.

RMIT offers three modes of delivery for this diploma:

  • Students currently working in industry may attend classes two days per week (typically Monday and Tuesday), with approximately 20 contact hours per week.
  • School leavers and those not working in industry can attend daytime classes three days per week, to a total of approximately 20 contact hours per week.
  • Evening classes for school leavers and those not working in industry run Monday to Thursday between 5.30pm and 9.30pm.

Students are able to mix day and evening subjects according to personal circumstances and class availability.

Studying this diploma full time should take approximately two years. Enrolling in fewer classes will result in a longer study duration of up to six years.

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

You'll learn all aspects of the building industry, including:

  • project planning, management, estimation and monitoring
  • structural principles (residential and commercial)
  • occupational health and safety requirements
  • thermal principles
  • building regulations
  • building services.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Program code: C5415
National curriculum code: CPC50220
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
City Campus
2 years full-time
C5415
103765J
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5415
CRICOS
103765J
View plan
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
City Campus
2 years full-time
C5415
103765J
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5415
CRICOS
103765J
View plan
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Bundoora Campus
2 years full-time
C5415BU
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C5415BU
CRICOS
View plan

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

Career

Graduates of this diploma can explore career paths in:

  • building and construction labouring, supervision and management
  • estimating and purchasing
  • contracts administration.

You may also find employment in other related fields, either on a building site or in a head office environment.

Jobs and Skills Australia projects that work opportunities for architectural, building and surveying technicians are set to increase by 4.1% to 2028.

Entry requirements and admissions

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

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

OR

Successful completion of post-secondary studies (Certificate II or higher) in a related field (e.g. building, construction, plumbing etc); 

OR

At least 6 months’ work experience in a related field (e.g. building, construction, plumbing etc).

Guaranteed packaged pathway options

  • Guaranteed Pathway - Diploma of Building and Construction/Bachelor of Project Management (Honours) (plan code C5415PATH1)
  • Diploma of Building and Construction/Bachelor of Property Development, Investment and Valuations (Honours) (plan code C5415PATH2)
  • Diploma of Building and Construction/Bachelor of Construction Management) (Honours) (plan code C5415PATH3)

If you are applying for a guaranteed packaged pathway option, please note that they are available at both the City and Bundoora Campus. If you are interested in attending Bundoora, you can apply to the City offering either via VTAC or Direct and transfer prior to enrolling.

All applicants

Please note: Students required to hold a Construction Industry White Card (CPCCWHS1001A Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry) in order to take part in mandatory site visits and or/associated assessments.

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.

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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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages in VTAC.

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.

Successful completion of the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) will provide Guaranteed entry into the following programs:

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You can gain entry to this program 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.

You are guaranteed entry with credit into one of the following RMIT programs when you successfully complete the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building):

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

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$7,750* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$16,000* 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.

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.

Materials fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

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.

Material fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

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