Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) - 22477VIC

VOCATIONAL

Design from the ground up. Learn the essentials of building design.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

See fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$29,250 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Make your mark in technical positions in building design offices and architectural spaces.

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.

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.

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Guaranteed Pathway options available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed? 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.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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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.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

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.

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 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.

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: C6161
National curriculum code: 22477VIC
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
City Campus
2 years full-time
C6161
099261E
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C6161
CRICOS
099261E
View plan
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
City Campus
2 years full-time
C6161
099261E
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C6161
CRICOS
099261E
View plan

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.

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

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).

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

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.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

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 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 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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

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.

Guaranteed Pathways available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into this degree?

At RMIT we've got your back, with a range study options to help you achieve your goals, no matter your ATAR.

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.

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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 when you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural):

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 into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

Fees

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2023 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.

  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$11,000* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$19,000* 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$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • 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 2023 is $326. 

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.

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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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$29,250.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$58,500.

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.

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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information
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