Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)
Overview
Our Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design) gives you the practical skills and knowledge to pursue a career in civil and construction engineering fields. Civil and construction engineering involves the design and construction of roads, railways, buildings, bridges, tunnels, airports, dams, and drainage systems including project management. This course provides real-industry experience and a strong foundation for career success.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Course currently in transition
The course code, title, units, and content may change. Further information will become available on our website, upon enrolment or during your studies.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Skills you’ll learn
- Engineering land surveying
- Quantity surveying
- Project management
- BIM and REVIT specialist
- Timber structure design
- Computer-aided drafting (CAD)2D and 3D
- Hydraulics in Civil engineering for example drainage, rainwater reticulation
Your career opportunities
- Civil drafting
- Technical officer
- Civil Engineering associate
- Quantity surveyor
- Civil foreman
- Construction supervisor
Key codes
Location options
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.
Professional accreditations
Admissions
Satisfactory completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent or work experience.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
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 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.
Course prerequisites
Satisfactory completion of any following VCE Year 11 or 12 (or equivalent) mathematics subject:
- General Maths
- Further Maths
- Maths Method
- Specialist Maths
International equivalent maths topics should include: Arithmetic and number, Geometry, Measurement, Trigonometry, Algebraic manipulation and equations, Graphs and relations, Collecting and analysing numerical data.
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 5.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 4 Upper Intermediate level) with overall 65%, all skills 60%
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 65 with no band less than 15
- Pearson (PTE) minimum score of 42 (no communicative skills less than 36)
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
-
Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Electrical
-
Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Mechatronics Engineering Design)
-
Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Mechanical Engineering Design)
Course structure
To fulfil the requirements for the qualification students must complete a minimum of 1,750 hours of formal training consisting of:
- all 11 core units listed below making up 500 hours
- stream units to a minimum of 1,250 hours.
Your units
| 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 |
|
Apply technical mathematics
Core unit |
MEM23004A |
|
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 |
|
Coordinate engineering projects
Core unit |
MEM22013A |
|
Use computer-aided design (CAD) to create and display 3-D models
Core unit |
MEM30033A |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects
Core unit |
CPCCBC4004A |
|
Plan a complete activity
Core unit |
MEM14005A |
|
Apply engineering mechanics principles
Core unit |
MEM23109A |
|
Apply mathematical techniques in a manufacturing engineering or related environment
Core unit |
MEM30012A |
|
Use workshop equipment and processes to complete an engineering project
Core unit |
MEM30029A |
|
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Core unit |
MSMENV272 |
|
Select and interpret drawings and prepare three dimensional (3D) sketches and drawings
Core unit |
VU22330 |
|
Apply electrotechnology principles in an engineering work environment
Core unit |
VU22472 |
|
Apply principles of strength of materials to engineering problems
Core unit |
VU22474 |
|
Apply scientific principles to engineering problems
Core unit |
VU22475 |
|
Apply fluid mechanic principles in mechanical engineering
Core unit |
VU22479 |
|
Use advanced mathematics for engineering
Core unit |
VU22482 |
|
Apply construction principles to civil engineering works
Core unit |
VU22485 |
|
Apply principles of materials testing to civil engineering applications
Core unit |
VU22486 |
|
Apply surveying for civil engineering projects
Core unit |
VU22487 |
|
Perform measurements and layout tasks on construction site
Core unit |
VU22488 |
|
Produce an advanced engineering design for a reinforced concrete stucture
Core unit |
VU22543 |
|
Apply principles of mechanics to engineering structures
Core unit |
VU22546 |
|
Produce an engineering design for a stormwater reticulation scheme
Core unit |
VU22548 |
|
Produce an engineering design for a sewerage reticulation scheme
Core unit |
VU22549 |
|
Produce an engineering design for a reinforced concrete structure
Core unit |
VU22550 |
|
Apply surveying computations to civil engineering projects
Core unit |
VU22554 |
|
Design timber structures
Core unit |
VU22559 |
|
Produce geometric designs for roads
Core unit |
VU22560 |
|
Apply principles of soil mechanics to civil engineering
Core unit |
VU22562 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$23,180
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$16,290
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$22,000
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$22,000
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.