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:

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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

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.

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.

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.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

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.

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.

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.

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

This includes two practical days per week at the Bundoora campus, and two days per week of online study. 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
0.5 years full-time
C6175
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time
Plan code
C6175
CRICOS
View plan

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.

Successful completion of the Diploma in Surveying or equivalent.

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

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

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.

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 course/s below.

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

Successful completion of the RMIT Advanced Diploma of Surveying guarantees entry into the following programs: 

Fees

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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$11,000* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$17,000* 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.

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.

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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. 

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.

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