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:

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Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

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.

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

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.

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 2-D and 3-D 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.

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

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

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.

Details

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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.

Some practical components may be delivered at the Bundoora campus.

Assessment methods

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

  • Practical demonstration of use and skills of equipment
  • Sspreadsheets 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 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.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

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 2-D and 3-D 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
1 year
C5416
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year
Plan code
C5416
CRICOS
View plan

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.

Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services (Surveying) or equivalent. 

or

Minimum one year full time (equivalent) of relevant work experience in the Land Surveying Industry. 

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

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

Pathways

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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.

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.

Successful completion of the Diploma of Surveying guarantees entry into the Advanced Diploma of Surveying.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Fees

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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.

  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$11,000* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$18,750* 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

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • 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.

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 2025 is $365.

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.

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.

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.

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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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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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