Diploma of Surveying

Diploma of Surveying - CPP50121

VOCATIONAL

Learn the skills for a career in the surveying, mapping, and geographical information systems (GIS) industries in this practical diploma.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
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

Surveying relies on the collection, management and presentation of information that relates to land surveying, mapping and GIS.

Surveying relies on the collection, management and presentation of information that relates to land surveying, mapping and GIS.

In the Diploma of Surveying, you'll extend your knowledge with increased practice and engagement with digital technologies and surveying tools that map and display information from multiple databases.

These skills are integral to:

  • local, state and national land management programs
  • building and construction projects
  • environmental studies
  • navigational systems
  • emergency situations monitoring.

Please note: This qualification is not related to building surveying.

Why choose the Diploma of Surveying at RMIT?

Work-integrated learning

Interact with industry in a work-integrated learning (WIL) environment to solve real-world problems.

Access industry tools

Learn to develop visualisations and perform computations using the latest software and tools.

Beyond the classroom

Take part in simulated survey activities at our Bundoora campus field station.

What you will study

You will learn to conduct advanced Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data collection and set-out surveys, create engineering drawings, and perform advanced computations.

In the field, you will conduct precision surveys, conduct GNSS surveys, conduct engineering surveys, survey subsurface utility information and undertake site surveys and set-out procedures for building projects 

There is a focus on geodetic surveying, including how to perform geodetic and complex surveying computations. 

In the office, you will become more experienced with capturing new spatial data, developing spreadsheets for spatial data and developing 2D and 3D terrain visualisations engaging in practical and laboratory exercises.

We offer industry exposure through regular seminars with guest speakers, and opportunities to take part in simulated survey activities at our Bundoora campus field station. 

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

Expand all sections

Learning and teaching

In this diploma you will learn through lectures, tutorials, practical and laboratory exercises, work-simulated projects, online and offline learning, and balanced hands-on practice.

Practical work will be completed at the Bundoora campus once a week.

Note: Classes for this course are delivered between the City and Bundoora campuses.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed throughout the semester through a variety of methods, including:

  • practical demonstration of use and skills of equipment
  • spreadsheets and written reports
  • computations, analysis and design
  • computer reports, and correct use of software applications
  • survey plans to industry standards
  • portfolio submission within a wiki environment.

As part of your assessment, you will undertake project work in a work-integrated learning (WIL) 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.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice. As a student enrolled in this qualification you will:

  • undertake and be assessed on structured activities that allow you to learn, apply and demonstrate your professional or vocational practice;
  • interact with industry and community when undertaking these activities; 
  • complete these activities in real work contexts or situations.

In addition, these interactions and the work contexts provide distinctive sources of feedback to you to assist your learning.

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

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.

Through your studies in this diploma, you will learn to:

  • conduct engineering, precision and GNSS surveys
  • perform complex and 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  
  • integrate surveying datasets.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Surveying
Program code: C5416
National curriculum code: CPP50121
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Surveying
City Campus
Full Time 1 Years, Part Time 2 Years
C5416
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 1 Years, Part Time 2 Years
Plan code
C5416
CRICOS
View plan

Please note: this 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

The skills you've gained in this course are integral to roles in:

  • local, state and national land management
  • building and construction projects
  • environmental studies
  • navigational systems
  • emergency situations monitoring.

On completion of this diploma, you’ll be eligible for entry into the Advanced Diploma of Surveying.

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:

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 Diploma of Surveying

This course has pathways available.

Further study

The 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.

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

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

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.

Full fee fee summary

Course nameDiploma of Surveying
Plan codeC5416
National Curriculum code CPP50121
Duration1year(s)
Nominal hours1,300Nominal hours tooltip

Fees shown are indicative only based on 2026 commencement, 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 Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
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
 $19,000.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $373.00
M1657
HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software.
 HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software. $335.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $19,708.00

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: $ per nominal hour ($ total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
 $11,250.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $373.00
M1657
HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software.
 HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software. $335.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $11,958.00

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 ($9,295.00 total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
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
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $0.00
M1657
HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software.
 HP Prime calculator plus Quickclose operating software. $335.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $335.00

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 ($9,295.00 total).

Generated on 30 June 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 Diploma of Surveying (C5416): $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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