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
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

View fees
*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$44,750 (2027 total indicative)

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.

Beyond the tools

Construction is about more than completing the physical work on site. It takes building professionals who can plan, coordinate, supervise and manage projects, people and trades from commencement through to completion.

The Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) prepares you for professional roles in the building industry, including building supervision, construction management and project coordination. It can also provide an important qualification supporting a pathway towards builder registration.

This is not a trade qualification. You won’t train to become a carpenter, plumber or other tradesperson. Instead, you’ll develop the knowledge to manage and supervise the qualified tradespeople and specialists who deliver 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.

State-of-the-art facilities

RMIT Trades Innovation Centre

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

The centre 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.

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.

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

Details

How you will learn

This diploma is delivered using a structured blended learning model.

For full-time students

For full-time students, blended learning combines online and on-campus classes to create a flexible and connected learning experience. Typically, students will begin the week with shorter online classes that introduce key concepts, ideas and preparation activities. These sessions provide a foundation for the week and are then built on through face-to-face classes on campus, where students can apply their learning through discussion, problem solving, practical activities, projects and assessment preparation.

In a typical week, full-time students can expect approximately one day of online classes and 2 days of face-to-face classes on campus, depending on the semester timetable.

Online classes

The online component is also an important part of preparing students for the modern construction industry. Building and construction professionals increasingly work across multiple sites, projects and locations, and may not have a traditional office environment. Meetings, project coordination, consultant discussions, document reviews and communication with clients, subcontractors and other stakeholders are often conducted online or remotely.

Being able to communicate professionally, contribute to discussions and work effectively with others in an online environment is therefore an important industry skill. Scheduled online classes provide students with regular opportunities to develop these capabilities while progressing through their course.

Online classes are a planned part of the learning program, and students are expected to attend and actively engage in them live, just as they would with face-to-face classes. Together, the online and on-campus components allow students to build their knowledge progressively while experiencing different ways of communicating, collaborating and working.

Students should plan their work and personal commitments around the published timetable so they can participate in all scheduled online and face-to-face classes.

For part-time and evening students

Part-time and evening students undertake the course predominantly online through scheduled evening classes. This delivery mode reflects many of the same remote communication and collaboration practices used across the construction industry. These scheduled online classes require regular attendance and engagement, while some subjects and learning activities also include face-to-face sessions on weeknights or scheduled Saturdays.

Practical learning

Practical activities are an important part of the diploma for all students, regardless of enrolment option. These activities may be delivered across both the City and Bundoora campuses, depending on the subject and facilities required. Students need to be able to attend either campus when scheduled so they can participate in the practical learning and assessment activities that form part of the course.

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

Industry connections

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

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.

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.

Course structure and plan

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.

RMIT offers 3 modes of delivery for this diploma:

1. Approved students currently working in the construction industry may attend classes 2 days per week, typically Monday and Tuesday, with approximately 20 contact hours per week. Entry to this delivery mode is subject to approval and evidence of relevant industry experience, for example:

  • At least 1 year working as a qualified tradesperson
  • At least 2 years working as a construction labourer
  • Other directly construction-related roles that provide substantial exposure to building and construction activities.

Roles that do not involve direct participation in construction activities, such as truck driving or traffic management, would not normally meet the requirements for this delivery mode.

2. School leavers and students who are not currently working in the construction industry can attend daytime classes 3 days per week, for a total of approximately 20 contact hours per week.

3. Evening delivery is available Monday to Thursday between 5.30pm and 9.30pm. Evening classes are delivered predominantly online; however, some compulsory face-to-face attendance is required. Students must attend campus in person for the Construction Plans & Specifications cluster. The Apply Structural Principles cluster also requires occasional on-campus attendance, including some Saturday sessions.

Students may be able to combine day and evening classes to suit their personal circumstances, subject to class availability, timetabling and any compulsory face-to-face requirements with approval from the academic team.

All students, regardless of delivery mode, are expected to maintain a minimum attendance rate of 85% for their classes. Students who do not meet the 85% attendance requirement may be required to complete an interview with an assessor to demonstrate their knowledge and competency before submitted assessments are accepted for marking or finalised.

Studying this diploma full-time should take approximately 2 years. Students who enrol in fewer classes each semester will take longer to complete the qualification, with a maximum study duration of up to 6 years.

This course is competency-based and is designed to help you develop the practical knowledge, technical understanding and professional skills required to work effectively in the building and construction industry.

Throughout the course, you will learn how to plan, coordinate, supervise and manage building projects, including the work of tradespeople, subcontractors, consultants and other construction professionals. You will develop skills in areas such as construction methods, building codes and standards, contracts, estimating, project planning, compliance, workplace safety and the coordination of construction activities.

You will learn and be assessed by applying this knowledge to realistic construction scenarios, projects and workplace-relevant tasks. The focus is on demonstrating your ability to make informed decisions, interpret construction information, solve problems and manage construction work effectively.

This is not a trade qualification and does not train you to perform the work of individual trades. Instead, it prepares you to understand, supervise and manage the work being carried out across a construction project.

The qualification can also support a pathway towards builder registration, subject to the experience, competency and other requirements of the relevant regulatory authority.

In addition to your vocational skills, you will develop important employability skills including communication, planning, organisation, problem solving, self-management, initiative, leadership and teamwork. These skills will support you to work effectively with clients, tradespeople, consultants and other industry stakeholders and to take responsibility for the successful delivery of construction projects.

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.

You must have:

  • Successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)

    OR

  • Successfully completed post-secondary studies (Certificate II or higher) in a related field (e.g. building, construction, plumbing, etc.)

    OR

  • At least 6 months of full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent) 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

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

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) for Australia: 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 Language Pathways (Academic English) 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.

Expand all sections

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 study courses.

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.

Tuition fees fully covered for eligible students by the Victorian Government.

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

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

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.

Free TAFE fee summary

Course nameDiploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Plan codeC5415
National Curriculum code CPC50220
Duration2year(s)
Nominal hours2,150Nominal hours tooltip

Fees shown are indicative only 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 Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$0.00
Tuition fees fully subsidised under Free TAFE scheme
Tuition fees fully subsidised under Free TAFE scheme
 $0.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
$746.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
 $746.00
M1336
$64.50
Safety helmet with ear muffs $39.00, vest $10, safety specs $10.00, Gloves $5.50. TOTAL $64.50
 Safety helmet with ear muffs $39.00, vest $10, safety specs $10.00, Gloves $5.50. TOTAL $64.50 $64.50
M1845
$51.92
The fee covers the following:, Scale Ruler: $29.89 (kept by student), Drawing Pencil: $11.21 (kept by student), Protractor: $1.80 (kept by student), Eraser: $0.44 (kept by student), Pencil Refill: $2.26 (kept by student), Pencil Case: $6.32 (kept by student)
 The fee covers the following:, Scale Ruler: $29.89 (kept by student), Drawing Pencil: $11.21 (kept by student), Protractor: $1.80 (kept by student), Eraser: $0.44 (kept by student), Pencil Refill: $2.26 (kept by student), Pencil Case: $6.32 (kept by student) $51.92
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $862.42
Includes all fees listed above
 $862.42

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: $18.55 per nominal hour ($39,882.50 total).

Item Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$17,000.00
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
 $17,000.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
$746.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
 $746.00
M1336
$64.50
Safety helmet with ear muffs $39.00, vest $10, safety specs $10.00, Gloves $5.50. TOTAL $64.50
 Safety helmet with ear muffs $39.00, vest $10, safety specs $10.00, Gloves $5.50. TOTAL $64.50 $64.50
M1845
$51.92
The fee covers the following:, Scale Ruler: $29.89 (kept by student), Drawing Pencil: $11.21 (kept by student), Protractor: $1.80 (kept by student), Eraser: $0.44 (kept by student), Pencil Refill: $2.26 (kept by student), Pencil Case: $6.32 (kept by student)
 The fee covers the following:, Scale Ruler: $29.89 (kept by student), Drawing Pencil: $11.21 (kept by student), Protractor: $1.80 (kept by student), Eraser: $0.44 (kept by student), Pencil Refill: $2.26 (kept by student), Pencil Case: $6.32 (kept by student) $51.92
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $17,862.42
Includes all fees listed above
 $17,862.42

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: $8.25 per nominal hour ($17,737.50 total).

Item Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$33,500.00
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
 $33,500.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
$746.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
 $746.00
M1336
$64.50
Safety helmet with ear muffs $39.00, vest $10, safety specs $10.00, Gloves $5.50. TOTAL $64.50
 Safety helmet with ear muffs $39.00, vest $10, safety specs $10.00, Gloves $5.50. TOTAL $64.50 $64.50
M1845
$51.92
The fee covers the following:, Scale Ruler: $29.89 (kept by student), Drawing Pencil: $11.21 (kept by student), Protractor: $1.80 (kept by student), Eraser: $0.44 (kept by student), Pencil Refill: $2.26 (kept by student), Pencil Case: $6.32 (kept by student)
 The fee covers the following:, Scale Ruler: $29.89 (kept by student), Drawing Pencil: $11.21 (kept by student), Protractor: $1.80 (kept by student), Eraser: $0.44 (kept by student), Pencil Refill: $2.26 (kept by student), Pencil Case: $6.32 (kept by student) $51.92
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $34,362.42
Includes all fees listed above
 $34,362.42

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 Cost (AUD) Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
$0.00
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
$0.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
 $0.00
M1336
$64.50
Safety helmet with ear muffs $39.00, vest $10, safety specs $10.00, Gloves $5.50. TOTAL $64.50
 Safety helmet with ear muffs $39.00, vest $10, safety specs $10.00, Gloves $5.50. TOTAL $64.50 $64.50
M1845
$51.92
The fee covers the following:, Scale Ruler: $29.89 (kept by student), Drawing Pencil: $11.21 (kept by student), Protractor: $1.80 (kept by student), Eraser: $0.44 (kept by student), Pencil Refill: $2.26 (kept by student), Pencil Case: $6.32 (kept by student)
 The fee covers the following:, Scale Ruler: $29.89 (kept by student), Drawing Pencil: $11.21 (kept by student), Protractor: $1.80 (kept by student), Eraser: $0.44 (kept by student), Pencil Refill: $2.26 (kept by student), Pencil Case: $6.32 (kept by student) $51.92
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip $116.42
Includes all fees listed above
 $116.42

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: $8.25 per nominal hour ($17,737.50 total).

Generated on 23 July 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 Building and Construction (Building) (C5415): $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
Expand all sections

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 2027 is $386.

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

How your fees are calculated

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.

Learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples