Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) - CPC50220

VOCATIONAL

Learn about the planning, coordination, and control of medium-rise and wide-span building projects.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder
*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora
Trades Innovation Centre
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$21,750 (2026 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora

Construction is not just about building sites, but about building a bigger picture: the planning, coordination, and control of a project from inception to delivery.

In this diploma, you'll examine the principles, techniques and regulations of the building and construction industry for all types of medium-rise and wide-span buildings up to 25 metres high.

This practical curriculum incorporates hands-on work and project-based learning. You'll experience many aspects of building projects and understand how they all relate to each other. You’ll go on site excursions to gain hands-on field experience which will include visits to residential and commercial construction projects.

Why choose the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) at RMIT?

Beyond the classroom

Assignments are designed with real or simulated industry conditions and include site visits, field exercises, and workshops.

Flexible learning

Choose from day or evening classes to work around your work or life commitments.

Further your education

Graduates have the option to continue further studies in construction, project management, or property services with RMIT.

Danielle, Diploma of Building and Construction student, using a drill on a mock building site

Meet Danielle

Studying the Diploma of Building and Construction has helped Danielle open doors to exciting job prospects in the building industry.

*Students require a Construction Induction Card (CPCWHS1001 Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry) to take part in required site visits and or/associated assessment.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

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State-of-the-art facilities

RMIT’s Trades Innovation Centre is a cutting-edge facility offering the latest in skills training and technology for students and industry.

The 1,700 square metre modular design features adaptable spaces, including a 2.5-metre-deep sand pit, double-height workshop ceilings, and a three-storey training rig that mimics building construction for real-world experience.

Divided into ‘trade zones’, this allows students to gain hands-on experience while observing other trades, fostering a deeper understanding of how different trades intersect and work together.

Details

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This diploma emphasises project-based learning.

Your assessment will be based on real or simulated industry conditions, and your studies will include site visits, field exercises, and workshops.

Some practical components may be delivered at the Bundoora campus.

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.

This diploma has been developed in response to industry needs, and it is recognised by building and construction industry organisations.

RMIT offers 3 modes of delivery for this diploma:

  • Students currently working in industry may attend classes 2 days per week (typically Monday and Tuesday), with approximately 20 contact hours per week.
  • School leavers and those not working in industry can attend daytime classes 3 days per week, to a total of approximately 20 contact hours per week.
  1. Evening classes for school leavers and those not working in industry run Monday to Thursday between 5.30pm and 9.30pm.

Students are able to mix day and evening subjects according to personal circumstances and class availability.

Studying this diploma full-time should take approximately 2 years. Enrolling in fewer classes will result in a longer study duration of up to 6 years.

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.

You'll learn all aspects of the building industry, including:

  • project planning, management, estimation and monitoring
  • structural principles (residential and commercial)
  • occupational health and safety requirements
  • thermal principles
  • building regulations
  • building services.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Program code: C5415
National curriculum code: CPC50220
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
City Campus
Full Time 2 Years, Part Time 4 Years
C5415
103765J
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 2 Years, Part Time 4 Years
Plan code
C5415
CRICOS
103765J
View plan
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
City Campus
Full-time 2 Years, Part-time 4 Years
C5415
103765J
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full-time 2 Years, Part-time 4 Years
Plan code
C5415
CRICOS
103765J
View plan
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Bundoora Campus
Full Time 2 Years, Part Time 4 Years
C5415BU
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
Full Time 2 Years, Part Time 4 Years
Plan code
C5415BU
CRICOS
View plan

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates of this diploma can explore career paths in:

  • building and construction labouring, supervision and management
  • estimating and purchasing
  • contracts administration.

You may also find employment in other related fields, either on a building site or in a head office environment.

Jobs and Skills Australia projects that work opportunities for architectural, building and surveying technicians are set to increase by 4.1% to 2028.

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 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

OR

Successful completion of post-secondary studies (Certificate II or higher) in a related field (e.g. building, construction, plumbing etc); 

OR

At least 6 months’ work experience in a related field (e.g. building, construction, plumbing etc).

If you are applying for a packaged pathway option, please note that they are available at both the City and Bundoora Campus. If you are interested in attending Bundoora, you can apply to the City offering either via VTAC or Direct and transfer prior to enrolling.

All applicants

Please note: Students required to hold a Construction Industry White Card (CPCWHS1001 Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry) in order to take part in mandatory site visits and or/associated assessments.

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

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

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

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course 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 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

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) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

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 Building and Construction (Building)

This course has pathways available.

Further study

The Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.

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You can gain entry to this diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study courses.

You are guaranteed entry with credit into one of the following RMIT programs when you successfully complete the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building):

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

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, 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

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

Which fees are covered by Free TAFE?

If you are eligible, Free TAFE for priority courses pays the tuition fees for your whole course. However there are still some additional expenses that you will be required to pay including the Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF), any material fees and any other non-tuition costs associated with your course.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

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.

  • 2026 government subsidised place: AU$8,250* per annum
  • 2026 full-fee place: AU$16,500* 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$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
  • 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.

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.

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 2026 is $373.

Materials fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

Find materials fees for this 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. 

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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 2026 is $373.

Material fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

Find materials fees for this course

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.

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
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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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