Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

Overview

Become familiar with optimal building design and its role in creating new residential, industrial and commercial buildings with the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural). Learn how to produce quality construction plans in both 2D and 3D software. Additionally, you’ll develop business management, problem solving and computer-aided drafting skills. Upon graduation, you’ll receive a recognised accreditation by the Victorian Building Authority – the educational requirement to become a drafting practitioner.

Get a copy of our course guide

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Are you in high school?

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Skills you’ll learn

Problem solving
Construction technology
Design
Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
Project management

Your career opportunities

Drafting practitioner

Further education

Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

Key codes

International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400270194

Croydon VTAC code

3400170194

Location options

Professional accreditations

Graduates meet the academic requirements to register with the BDAV (Building Designers Association of Victoria).

Admissions

Applicants for the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) are likely to include:

students who have completed VCE or equivalent
mature age students seeking employment in building design
qualified tradespeople and practicing building designers wishing to upgrade their qualifications.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.

Learn more about credit

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Learn more about RPL

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)

Discover more (Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building))
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

Discover more (Diploma of Building and Construction (Building))

Course structure

Students are required to complete the 20 core units listed below. There are no electives. Face-to-face and online delivery.

Core units

Advanced Diploma

Indicative nominal course hours: 2086

Your units

Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Provide design solutions for residential buildings Core unit	VU23452
Design sustainable buildings Core unit	VU23447
Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment Core unit	VU23459
Produce preliminary and working drawings for residential buildings Core unit	VU23449
Select construction materials for building projects Core unit	VU23451
Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings Core unit	VU23442
Comply with relevant legislation in the design of residential buildings Core unit	VU23444
Undertake site survey and analysis to inform design process Core unit	VU23441
Research and develop business plans Core unit	BSBESB401
Apply project risk management techniques Core unit	BSBPMG426
Integrate digital applications into residential architectural workflows Core unit	VU23454
Prepare to work safely in the construction industry Core unit	CPCWHS1001
Comply with relevant legislation in the design of commercial buildings Core unit	VU23445
Design safe buildings Core unit	VU23446
Integrate digital applications into commercial architectural workflows Core unit	VU23455
Integrate services layout into design documentation Core unit	VU23448
Manage architectural project administration Core unit	VU23457
Present architectural designs Core unit	VU23456
Produce preliminary and working drawings for commercial buildings Core unit	VU23450
Provide design solutions for commercial buildings Core unit	VU23453
Undertake complex architectural projects Core unit	VU23458

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$32,500

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$18,720

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

Find out more about fees

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

log in to My Financials
check your Australian bank account details are correct
check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
pay using your preferred payment method.

Learn more about paying your fees

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)

$18,838

Learn more about VET student loans

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Learn more about concession rates

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

Learn more about SSAF

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

Learn more about scholarships

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Learn more about scholarships

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents

22627VIC

Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code

22627VIC

Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400270194

Croydon VTAC code

3400170194

Apply through VTAC

Start dates

Location

Last date to apply

Start dates

Location

Start dates

Upcoming events

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Creative

08-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | STEM, Aviation & Health

09-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Social Impact and Innovation

10-April-2025

Overview

Entry requirements

Study structure

Fees & Scholarships

How to apply

Overview

Are you in high school?

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Further education

Key codes

International student visa

Location options

Professional accreditations

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only

VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

SSAF fee* ($AUD)