Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) - 22627VIC

VOCATIONAL

Learn the essentials of sustainable building design.   

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 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$30,500 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Make your mark as an architectural technician, working in building design offices and architectural practices.

Focus on the practical and technical application of design skills, and create innovative, sustainable designs for domestic and commercial-scale building projects with the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) based in Melbourne. 

Learn about building design from the ground up as you explore topics covering

  • innovative and sustainable design
  • industry-specific digital applications
  • problem-solving through drawing
  • construction technology and building processes
  • project documentation
  • architectural project administration
  • construction processes
  • materials technology
  • building services
  • communicating and working with a variety of stakeholders and consultants
  • associated planning and building regulation codes and standards.
A wide shot of a classroom setting inside an RMIT building with students sitting at desks, working on laptops

Draw, design and build

Explore techniques from freehand drawing to digital design as you learn about the presentation, documentation and architectural workflow processes for building projects.

Why study architectural building design at RMIT?

Real-world experience

Assignments include client briefs focused on delivering real-world outcomes that meet local council codes, by-laws and national regulations.

Access industry tools

Develop your 3D visualisation and modelling skills to produce buildings and spaces using industry-standard software.

Professional recognition

This qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.

Learn best-practice in building design

You will build the important ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including regulatory authorities and a wide range of consultants associated with design, construction and building services.

Throughout your studies and beyond, you will have opportunities to contribute to the ongoing development of the building industry and the built environment.

Day to day, you can expect to be involved in working to client briefs, preparing architectural drawings and building specifications. You will visit building sites to investigate, record and analyse site conditions and environmental factors to inform the design and establish bushfire attack levels. You will be required to liaise with engineers, quantity surveyors, building surveyors and planning professionals while also working to local council codes, by-laws and national regulations.

Animated student holding qualification

Guaranteed Pathway options available

Know where you're headed? 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

Learning and teaching

Learn from industry-experienced teaching staff as they guide you through the design process in professional studio environments.

Study in state-of-the-art facilities at RMIT’s city campus, learning through lectures, studio work and presentations, group discussions and industry guest presentations that occur throughout the program.

Throughout your studies you will visit sites to give context to your learning and have opportunities to enter industry-led competitions.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes drawing folio submissions, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research, case studies and practical projects.

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.

The Building Practitioners Board requires you to hold an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) to register to practice as a building designer in the state of Victoria.

If you plan to register as a building practitioner and practice as a sole practitioner, you will need to meet the requirements set out in Victorian Building Authority (VBA) guidelines for registration in the category of Building Design DP-AD (Architectural).

Graduates of this advanced diploma will need to complete two years of practical experience supervised by a registered architect, registered builder (Unlimited) or a registered building designer, architectural, prior to applying to the Building Practitioners Board for registration to practice as a sole practitioner.

During your studies, you will have the opportunity to register as a student member of Design Matters and and the Building Designers Association of Australia: BDAA to enjoy member benefits and professional development events alongside industry practitioners.

The Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) is a state-accredited and nationally recognised qualification that enables graduates to work for registered building practitioners, architects and other design professionals in related industries.

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.

This is a 2-year, full-time course with all subjects deemed to be core units and compulsory.

In your first year of the Advanced Diploma you will study residential briefs that will develop your understanding of building design, construction techniques and technologies, building and related legislation requirements, documentation techniques and standards, space planning, materials and properties, historic periods and contemporary styles. The program is underpinned by the principles of sustainability.

Visual technology and communication skills underpin the presentation aspects of working as a building designer. You will work with computer-aided design (CAD), Revit, Photoshop and other industry-standard software applied to your project work.

In your second year you will deepen your knowledge of residential design, study commercial design, construction and documentation and develop a complex architectural building as a capstone project.

You'll develop your 3D visualisation and modelling skills to produce buildings, spaces and situational relationship and hone your presentation skills for both concept and finished presentations.

Students can expect to attend 21 hours of classes over four days to five days, and complete approximately 21 hours of additional self-directed study and research per week.

Course structure

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

Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
Program code: C6188
National curriculum code: 22627VIC

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
City Campus
2 years
C6188
114568A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years
Plan code
C6188
CRICOS
114568A
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
City Campus
2 years
C6188
114568A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years
Plan code
C6188
CRICOS
114568A

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

Career

As a graduate of the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), you have the skills and qualifications to work on a diverse variety of project types in a wide range of technical positions. Roles in architectural practices and building design offices include:

  • building designer
  • building information modelling (BIM) and computer-aided design (CAD) specialist
  • documentation specialist for domestic and commercial projects.

As a graduate, your work focus could include:

  • digital presentation and architectural documentation of buildings
  • architectural modelling and animation
  • residential and commercial design and planning
  • retail design and documentation
  • working as part of a technical architectural team.

As a student at RMIT, you have access to a range of career resources specially designed to assist job-seeking students and graduates.

Entry requirements and admissions

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

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

All applicants must submit the selection task.

Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway into the course will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.

All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.

Guaranteed packaged pathway options
  • Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)/Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) (plan code C6188PATH1)
  • Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)/Bachelor of Project Management (Honours) (plan code C6188PATH2)
  • Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)/Bachelor of Property Development, Investment and Valuation (Honours) (plan code C6188PATH3)
  • Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)/Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) (plan code C6188PATH4)

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

Semester 1, 2025

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants
VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
November round (Non-year 12 applicants only) 1 November 2024
December round (Current year 12 applicants only) 13 December 2024
January rounds (All applicants) 1 January 2025
February rounds (All applicants if places are available) 28 January 2025
Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 7 February 2025

Selection task requirements

Folio

Draw a representation/s of a building in Melbourne that impresses you in terms of the building’s architectural characteristics. 

Write a maximum of 30 words (in your own handwriting) to explain what it is that impresses you about the building you have chosen. 

Your submission must be a single A3 page in landscape format and include the following: 

  • Drawing/s of your selected building and 30-word explanation. 
  • Your full name & application number. 
  • Title of the program for which you are applying. 
Submissions instructions

Upload your task response as a single PDF (maximum size 10MB).

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

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.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (396kb PDF) along with your application.  

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

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 60 (with minimum of 10 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 16 in Speaking and 19 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 50 (with no communication band less than 42)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 169 with no less than 162 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) Advanced Plus 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.

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.

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

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

Upon successful completion of this program, you may be eligible to undertake further study in BP250 Bachelor of Architectural Design with credit, subject to each programs entry requirements.

You are guaranteed entry into the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Design

Alternatively, you can gain entry 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 into one of the following RMIT programs with credit when you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural):

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

Fees

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$11,250* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$19,500* 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.

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.

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.