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.

Get a copy of our course guide

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.

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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

Further education

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Key codes

CRICOS course code

0100906

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400277364

Location options

Hawthorn

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

Engineers Australia

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.

Assess your eligibility for entry to Swinburne

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 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.5
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.

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.

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Mechatronics Engineering Design)

Discover more (Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Mechatronics Engineering Design) )
Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Mechanical Engineering Design)

Discover more (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.

Core units

Stream units

Advanced Diploma

Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 1750

Your units

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)

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

Civil Engineering Design Stream

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.

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

22479VIC

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

22479VIC

Apply directly

Course code

22479VIC

CRICOS code

0100906

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

3400277364

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

Course currently in transition

Are you in high school?

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Further education

Key codes

Location options

International student visa

Professional accreditations

Engineers Australia

Admission requirements

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)

Civil Engineering Design Stream

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

SSAF fee* ($AUD)