Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design) - 22700VIC

VOCATIONAL

Gain the practical and technical skills to work with civil engineers on the design and construction of infrastructure projects. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$23,000 (2026 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

This course equips you with civil and structural engineering skills and knowledge in the fields of fluids, soil, concrete, CAD, roads, drainage and structures.

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

Through this qualification you'll develop skills in:

  • computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings, plans and designs for construction work 
  • 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.

Why study civil engineering design at RMIT?

Job-ready skills

From computer-aided drafting to designing to 3D printing you'll develop a broad suite of skills using the latest equipment and programs.

Work-integrated learning

Undertake a simulated industry-based engineering project and learn about real-life industry developments.

Led by industry

An advisory committee, made up of leading industry representatives, ensures that this qualification reflects current industry needs and students are work ready.

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

Details

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Learning and teaching

This qualification is taught predominantly face-to-face at our Melbourne City Campus using a variety of learning and teaching approaches, including lectures, seminars,  workshops, presentations, group discussions and simulated work environment. 

You'll have access to online resources through the student portal.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral 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.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

As part of your studies in second year, you'll engage in an engineering project that simulates actual industry conditions and requirements.

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.

This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.

In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.

Throughout this course, you will be required to attend face-to-face classes on campus 3–3.5 days per week.

You can also expect 5 hours of external study per week to complete required reading and assignments.

Year 1

The first year of your studies focuses on computer-aided drafting (CAD), giving 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

In the second year of your studies, you'll focus on the design of roads, drains, sewers, and concrete/steel structures.

You'll complete the course with studies in complementary areas such as hydrology and the mechanics of structures, fluids, site investigation, foundations, and footings. These focused subjects give you insight into a spectrum of civil and structural issues, providing you with the tools to pursue an exciting and specialised civil engineering career.

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: C6190
National curriculum code: 22700VIC
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)
City Campus
Full Time 2 Years
C6190
119171D
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 2 Years
Plan code
C6190
CRICOS
119171D
View plan
Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)
City Campus
Full-time 2 Years
C6190
119171D
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full-time 2 Years
Plan code
C6190
CRICOS
119171D
View plan

Important information for international students

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.

Civil engineering is a high-demand field in Australia, particularly due to the numerous large-scale infrastructure projects underway across the country.

Alternatively, you may choose to pursue further study to articulate to Bachelor of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering.

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This advanced diploma is accredited by Engineers Australia. Graduates will be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia at Engineering Associate level. 

Australia is a signatory to the International Engineering Alliance, also known as the Dublin Accord, for engineering technicians. Graduates of the program will be recognised in all countries that are signatories to the accord.

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)
    OR
  • Successful completion of Post-Secondary studies in a related field (Certificate II or above)
    OR
  • At least 6 months of 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 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 course.

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 course 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.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

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 and further study

A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.

Pathways into the Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)

This course has pathways available.

Further study

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below. Credit may apply which will reduce the total duration of the destination course. See destination course page pathways for full details on entry and credit.

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Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Business

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Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours)

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

You are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours) with three semesters of advanced standing* (equivalent to 144 credit points) when you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design).

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT undergraduate degree.

*Based on full-time study load of 96 credit points per year. Individual circumstances may vary and please be aware that not all courses are offered each semester. These circumstances may affect the total duration of a qualification.

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.

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

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

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.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Fees

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Tuition fees

  • 2026 full-fee place: AU$9,250* 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$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
  • 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.

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 2026 is $373.

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.

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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 2026 is $373. 

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.

Scholarships

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

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

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

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.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions
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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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