Diploma of Engineering Technologies (Civil Engineering)

Overview

This course prepares you to work in the civil engineering and construction industry at a para-professional level. You will learn about civil engineering construction principles and processes, work health and safety, concrete and engineering materials, estimation, land surveying, CAD drawings and BIM. You will develop the ability to carry out mathematical computations enabling problem solving.

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

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Your industry experience

The Diploma of Engineering integrates industry experience through a mix of practical training, real-world projects, and industry collaboration. Throughout the course, you'll apply your learning to industry-linked projects each semester, gaining hands-on experience in real-world scenarios.

Explore Work Integrated Learning

Skills you’ll learn

Concrete and engineering materials testing
Construction principles, processes and estimation
Land surveying
Mathematical computation and problem solving
Oral and written communication
2D/3D CAD drawings and BIM applications

Your career opportunities

Civil drafter
Construction technician
Estimator
Technical assistant

Further education

Associate Degree in Applied Technologies

Location options

Hawthorn

Admissions

Applicants are required to have successfully completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent, or a related Certificate III.

Applicants who have not met the entry criteria through their academic studies can have their work experience considered. Applicants with 12 months of full-time work experience must provide: An employer letter on letter head outlining duration of employment and your role and responsibilities. Alternatively, a position description may also be considered.

Other requirements

Literacy and Numeracy requirements

Learners are best equipped to achieve the outcomes of the courses if they have minimum language, literacy and numeracy skills that are equivalent to level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).

Digital Literacy requirements

use the internet to read, send emails and search for information
basic digital file management
use various software packages e.g. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point), File compression, Microsoft Accessories (Paint, Calculator), Adobe.

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.

Associate Degree of Engineering

Discover more (Associate Degree of Engineering)
Certificate IV in Engineering

Discover more (Certificate IV in Engineering)
Diploma of Engineering Technologies (Mechanical Engineering)

Discover more (Diploma of Engineering Technologies (Mechanical Engineering))

Course structure

To fulfil the requirements for the qualification students must complete a minimum of 900 hours of formal training consisting of:

All 10 core units listed below making up 400 hours

Elective units to a minimum of 500 hours.

Core units

Elective units

Diploma of Engineering Technology

Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 900

Your units

Diploma of Engineering Technology

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Organise and communicate information Core unit	MEM16006A
Interact with computing technology Core unit	MEM16008A
Perform engineering activities Core unit	MEM22001A
Manage self in the engineering environment Core unit	MEM22002A
Select common engineering materials Core unit	MEM30007A
Operate computer-aided design (CAD) system to produce basic drawing elements Core unit	MEM30031A
Investigate advanced technology applications in the manufacturing industry and related industries Core unit	VU22451
Use communication network concepts and practices in manufacturing and engineering applications Core unit	VU22452
Apply scientific principles to engineering problems Core unit	VU22475
Apply technical mathematics Core unit	MEM23004A
Apply technical mathematics Core unit	MEM23004A
Elective units
Apply mathematical techniques in a manufacturing engineering or related environment Elective unit	MEM30012A
Select and interpret drawings and prepare three dimensional (3D) sketches and drawings Elective unit	VU22330
Apply engineering mechanics principles Elective unit	MEM23109A
Use workshop equipment and processes to complete an engineering project Elective unit	MEM30029A

Civil Stream

Units of study	Unit code
Elective units
Apply principles of strength of materials to engineering problems Elective unit	VU22474
Apply construction principles to civil engineering works Elective unit	VU22485
Apply principles of materials testing to civil engineering applications Elective unit	VU22486
Apply surveying for civil engineering projects Elective unit	VU22487
Perform measurements and layout tasks on construction site Elective unit	VU22488

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$11,920

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$8,370

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.

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

22478VIC

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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

22478VIC

Apply directly

Start dates

Location

Last date to apply

Start dates

Location

Start dates

Upcoming events

Swinburne Study Expo (Wantirna)

28-May-2025

Swinburne Study Expo (Hawthorn)

05-June-2025

Swinburne Study Expo (Croydon)

11-June-2025

Overview

Entry requirements

Study structure

Fees & Scholarships

How to apply

Overview

Got questions about a course?

Your industry experience

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Further education

Location options

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

Diploma of Engineering Technology

Civil Stream

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

SSAF fee* ($AUD)