Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) - 22477VIC
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
See fee finder
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 6.0
Duration
Full-time 2 yearsLocation
Melbourne CityFees
AU$28,500 (2022 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Your career as a building designer
Make your mark in technical positions in building design offices and architectural spaces.
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.
Guaranteed Pathway options available
Had your heart set on a degree but didn't get the ATAR you needed?
At RMIT we've got your back with a range study options to help you achieve your goals. Guaranteed Pathways lets you preference pathway packages in VTAC so you can secure your place in your goal degree and graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.
Details
Focus on the practical and technical application of design skills, and create innovative, sustainable designs for domestic and commercial-scale building projects.
Learn about building design from the ground up as you explore topics covering
- innovative and sustainable design
- innovative digital applications
- problem-solving
- structural and construction technology
- project documentation
- architectural project administration
- construction processes
- environmental sustainability and design
- materials technology
- building services
- communicating and working with stakeholders
- associated planning and building regulation codes and standards.
You’ll build the right skills to communicate and work effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including regulatory authorities and a wide range of consultants associated with the design, construction and building services.
Throughout your studies and beyond, you’ll 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 and visiting building sites for analysis and investigation. You’ll also analyse bushfire attack levels, environmental factors, liaise with engineers, quantity surveyors, building surveyors and planning professionals and working to local council codes, by-laws and national regulations.
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, workshops, studios, class and industry presentations and briefs and group discussions.
Throughout your studies you’ll visit sites to give context to your learning and have opportunities to enter industry-led competitions.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research and practical projects.
The Building Practitioners Board requires you to hold an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) in order for you 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'll need to meet the requirements set out in the Building Amendment Regulations 2009 to qualify to register in the category Building Design DP-AD (Architectural).
Graduates of this Advanced Diploma, which is accredited under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, will need to complete 1 year's practical experience supervised by a registered architect, builder or building designer to the satisfaction of the Building Practitioners Board.
During your studies, you will have the opportunity to register as a student member of Design Matters and 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 graduate building designers to work for registered building practitioners, architects and other design professionals in related industries.
This is a 2-year, full-time course with all courses deemed to be core units and compulsory. There are no electives in the program structure.
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.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) | City Campus |
2 years full-time
|
2 years full-time
|
C6161 | 099261E |
Choose a program structure
Program code: C6161
National curriculum code: 22477VIC
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan C6161 - 3200372034
- Guaranteed Pathway package Building Design (Advanced Diploma) / Construction Management (Honours) - 3200311074
- Guaranteed Pathway package Building Design (Advanced Diploma) / Interior Design (Honours) - 3200311094
- Guaranteed Pathway package Building Design (Advanced Diploma)/Project Management (Honours) - 3200311114
- Guaranteed Pathway package Building Design (Advanced Diploma)/Property and Valuation (Honours) - 3200311104
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Career
As a graduate of the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), you have the skills and qualifications to work in a wide range of technical positions in architectural practices and building design offices, including roles such as:
- building designer
- building information modelling (BIM) and computer-aided design (CAD) specialist
- domestic and commercial designer.
As a graduate, your work focus could include:
- digital presentation and architectural documentation of buildings
- architectural modelling and animation
- specialist and technical design areas such as commercial/domestic design and planning
- retail design and documentation
- working as part of a technical architectural team to support a design team or as part of project management.
Graduate ready to make your mark in technical positions in building design offices and architectural spaces.
As a student at RMIT, you have access to a range of career resources specially designed to assist job-seeking students and graduates.
You’re encouraged to participate in the Future Edge and to visit the Job Shop to help build a range of soft and job-ready skills through events and workshops. You can explore Career Hub both to search for volunteer and casual work, and to benefit from an array of resources, workshops and events.
Take advantage of careers fairs, and gain a micro-credential in Networking is Working. You’re eligible for a student membership with Design Matters and will benefit from guidance, advice and contacts through RMIT Mentoring.
Admissions
You must have successfully completed the Certificate IV in Design OR an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification 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 requirements
If you are not studying year 12 in 2020 you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- your personal strengths and attributes relevant to the program
- and details of any related work or voluntary experience
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct 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)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
This course offers pathway into further study at RMIT.
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 and helping you get the degree you want.
Graduates of this course will be eligible for exemptions from the course below, subject to meeting the entry requirements. For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Project Management) (Honours) *Guaranteed Pathway* - VTAC 3200311114
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Project Management) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuation) (Honours) *Guaranteed Pathway* - VTAC 3200311104
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuation) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) (Honours) *Guaranteed Pathway* - VTAC 3200311074
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) *Guaranteed Pathway* - VTAC 3200311094
- Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)
- Bachelor of Architectural Design
- Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design
Guaranteed Pathways
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 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. Find out if you might be eligible.
You are guaranteed entry into one of the following RMIT programs when you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural):
- Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) - you will receive credit (equivalent to 144 credit points)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) (Honours) - you will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 120 credit points)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Project Management) (Honours) - you will receive credit (equivalent to 96 credit points)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuation) (Honours) - you will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points)
For entry into Bachelor of Architectural Design - Upon successful completion of RMIT's Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) you may apply for entry into the Bachelor of Architectural Design. You will be contacted by the Bachelor of Architectural Design with information about attending an interview. Selection will be merit based from the interview and offers will be made to successful applicants. If you are made an offer you will receive 144 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study).
For entry into the RMIT Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design program - Upon successful completion of RMIT's Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) you may apply for entry into the Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design. You will be contacted by the Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design with information about attending an interview. Selection will be merit based from the interview and offers will be made to successful applicants. If you are made an offer you will receive 60 credit points of exemptions. Due to the program structure, the remaining duration of the Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design will remain at 3 years.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT undergraduate programs
Fees
2022 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.
- 2022 government subsidised place: AU$10,500* per annum
- 2022 full-fee place: AU$17,750* 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$315 maximum fee for 2022.
- 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.
Learn more about fees for vocational study.
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.
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.
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.
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 2022 is $315.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$28,500.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$57,750.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.