Diploma Architecture Full Time

Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

at RMIT University · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

114568A

CRICOS provider code

00122A

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$63,875 total

Per year

A$31,938/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) at RMIT University in Melbourne is aimed at students seeking technical and creative skills for a career in building design. Over two years, you will work through units focused on design principles, construction documentation, sustainability, drafting, and project administration. Students gain hands-on experience using computer-aided design (CAD) software and develop the capacity to prepare working drawings for residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.

Australian advanced diplomas are structured with compulsory and elective units, and you'll study full-time across four semesters. Assessment usually combines project work, assignments, and practical activities. The course links strongly to industry, with opportunities for work-integrated learning where students might complete a professional placement in a design practice, architecture firm, or with a building company in Melbourne. You’ll finish up ready to work with architects and registered building practitioners, not as a registered architect yourself but as a skilled designer and draftsperson.

This course suits people who enjoy both creative and technical work, pay strong attention to detail, and like solving practical design problems. You’ll build project management skills and understand the codes and standards relevant to the Australian construction environment. All students should check the latest details on entry requirements, subjects, and work placement options on RMIT’s official website.

International students can apply and will need to meet the university’s English language requirements, usually through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent tests accepted in Australia. You may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study, and graduates can consider the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after completing their qualification.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Building designer in residential, commercial, or industrial sectors
Architectural draftsperson in architecture or design firms
BIM (Building Information Modelling) technician
Project administrator in construction or property companies
Documentation specialist for building consultancies
Opportunities in Victoria and throughout Australia with design studios, construction companies, and property developers

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) at RMIT University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$63,875 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Building designer in residential, commercial, or industrial sectorsArchitectural draftsperson in architecture or design firmsBIM (Building Information Modelling) technicianProject administrator in construction or property companiesDocumentation specialist for building consultanci...

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