Advanced Diploma of Surveying

Advanced Diploma of Surveying - CPP60121

VOCATIONAL

Extend your career in the surveying, mapping, and geographical information systems (GIS) industries.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

Fee finder

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

In the Advanced Diploma of Surveying, you will gain the educational and practical training necessary to extend your career in the surveying, mapping, and geographical information systems (GIS) industries.

Surveying is an integral part of local, state and national land management programs, building and construction projects, environmental studies, navigational systems and monitoring of emergency situations.

You’ll use cutting-edge technologies and software and take part in land development exercises. You will also learn cadastral surveying.

Throughout this diploma, you will develop the capacity to conduct an advanced global navigation satellite system, control and monitor complex engineering surveying structures.

You’ll design a spatial project plan, and learn how to apply quality control measures to the spatial information services industry. You will also act as a surveying team leader for your major project, conduct research into an issue, and present your findings.

Why study the Advanced Diploma of Surveying at RMIT?

Use industry tools

Undertake fieldwork using the latest technologies and software and take part in land development exercises.

Work placement opportunity

Gain real-world experience through student placements and employment facilitated by RMIT through A Life Without Limits.

Dedicated facilities

Benefit from surveying and geospatial sciences facilities in the Bundoora Campus offering a variety of environments and access to urban spaces.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

Throughout your studies, you will participate in lectures, tutorials, practical and laboratory exercises, online and offline learning, and balanced hands-on practice.

This advanced diploma features practical classes situated at RMIT's surveying and geospatial sciences facilities in the Bundoora Campus offering a variety of environments and access to urban spaces.

Theory and computer-based classes are conducted at the Melbourne City campus and use specialised labs and industry-standard software.

Assessment methods

In the Advanced Diploma of Surveying, learning and assessment are integrated. You will be assessed throughout the semester through various methods including:

  • group work and action-learning based projects
  • practical demonstrations of skills and equipment
  • spreadsheets and written reports
  • computations, analysis and design
  • computer reports and the correct use of software applications
  • survey plans to industry standards
  • portfolio submission within a wiki environment.

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.

You are encouraged to investigate part-time work as a paraprofessional in the surveying industry while you study.

Consulting Surveyors VIC represents private land surveying businesses throughout the State of Victoria that have a database of members available to consult on their website.

RMIT has  strong industry partnerships through our Industry Advisory Committee and regular visits to workplaces to get feedback on the industry’s training needs.

We facilitate student placements and employment through A Life Without Limits and invite industry partners to give presentations.

We also host industry events for the Surveying and Spatial Science Institute (SSSI), Surveying Task Force Inc., and the Land Surveying Commission of SSSI.

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.

This advanced diploma requires study approximately 4 days a week for one semester.

This includes blended practical and theory classes. You may also need additional time for assignments and study.

In the Advanced Diploma of Surveying, you will:

  • manage project risk 
  • conduct advanced GNSS control surveys 
  • conduct identification surveys 
  • use advanced 2D and 3D computer aided drafting techniques 
  • conduct advanced remote sensing analysis 
  • develop 2D and 3D terrain visualisations 
  • conduct complex engineering set-out surveys
  • monitor engineering structures.

Throughout your studies, you’ll develop the capacity to:

  • conduct precision surveys
  • conduct GNSS surveys
  • conduct engineering surveys
  • perform complex surveying computations 
  • perform geodetic surveying computations
  • conduct geodetic surveys
  • design basic engineering structures
  • survey subsurface utility information
  • produce maps for land management purposes
  • develop subdivision survey designs
  • compile and check survey plans
  • capture new spatial data
  • develop spreadsheets for spatial data
  • develop 2D and 3D terrain visualisations
  • undertake project work
  • undertake site surveys and set-out procedures for building projects. 

As part of your studies, you will undertake a major project involving responses to real-world surveying problems. You will conduct research into your chosen issue, undertake fieldwork, and present your findings.

Course structure

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

Advanced Diploma of Surveying
Program code: C6175
National curriculum code: CPP60121
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Surveying
City Campus
Full Time 6 Months
C6175
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 6 Months
Plan code
C6175
CRICOS
View plan

Please note: this advanced diploma 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.

Career

RMIT’s strong links with industry associations mean graduates are highly sought after.

On completion of the advanced diploma, many students find full-time jobs in the industry as a surveying technician/party leader.

You may be employed in the surveying industry as an assistant to a land surveyor, survey technician, survey field party leader, GIS/GPS operator, or computer draftsperson.

You may initially work in areas such as land management, civil and structural engineering, or asset management for local government or mining companies.

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 a Diploma of Surveying (CPP50116 or CPP50121).

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

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

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 Surveying

This course has pathways available.

Further study

The Advanced Diploma of Surveying provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.

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 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.

Learn more about international credit transfers

Fees

Fee Type

The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.

Government-subsidised training for citizens, permanent residents and some visa holders.

If you are not eligible for a government subsidised place, you are considered a full fee paying student.

Tuition fees fully covered for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students and Youth Justice referrals in a government subsidised place.

Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.

Skills First fee summary

Course nameAdvanced Diploma of Surveying
Plan codeC6175
National Curriculum code CPP60121
Duration0.5year(s)
Nominal hours830Nominal hours tooltip

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

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

You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.

Item Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$11,500.00
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
 $11,500.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
$186.50
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
 $186.50
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $11,686.50
Includes all fees listed above
 $11,686.50

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($5,934.50 total).

Item Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$17,500.00
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
 $17,500.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
$186.50
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
 $186.50
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $17,686.50
Includes all fees listed above
 $17,686.50

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).

Item Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$0.00
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
 $0.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
$0.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
 $0.00
Material feesmaterial fees tooltip
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
N/A
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $0.00
Includes all fees listed above
 $0.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($5,934.50 total).

Generated on 23 July 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information

If eligible, you may be able to defer your tuition fees for this course through a VET Student Loan (VSL)

VET Student Loan cap for Advanced Diploma of Surveying (C6175): $19290

Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.

Learn about eligibility for VSL

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

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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