Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design
Learn everything you need to design and manage complex civil construction projects.
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WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?
Complete a two-year, industry-aligned pathway and graduate with both a Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design. Building on your Diploma-level knowledge, this course develops advanced skills in complex design and project coordination, preparing you for senior roles in civil construction and infrastructure projects.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
You will build advanced skills in civil and structural design, including complex modelling, coordination, and design validation. The course focuses on managing design processes, analysing technical data, and applying engineering principles to large-scale projects. You will develop the capability to work within multidisciplinary teams and deliver design solutions aligned with industry standards.
Civil construction is where blueprints become bridges, roads, railways and the infrastructure that hold cities together. Acknowledge Education’s Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design trains you to work at that level, developing your confidence and advanced skills in complex structural and civil projects.
Over two years, you’ll build expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, structural design, risk management, quality systems and project coordination, working toward senior roles as a civil engineering draftsperson or design technician alongside professional engineers on major infrastructure projects.
Once you’ve finished the Advanced Diploma, you’ll gain direct entry into year two of the Bachelor of Construction Project Management with credit for eight units if you wish to pursue further education. Intakes run in January, April, July and September in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
Study Pathways
Course Overview
This qualification prepares you for work as a senior civil works designer or a para-professional designer, who supports professional engineers in the design and construction of infrastructure projects. This course teaches you to perform broad, specialised, complex and technical tasks.
You will be responsible for the design of complex projects to ensure the implementation of clients’ site requirements. You will be required to demonstrate self-directed application of theoretical and technical knowledge and initiate solutions to technical problems or management requirements.
You will develop skills in:
Using computer-aided design (CAD) software including AutoCAD and Revit to produce detailed drawings, plans and designs for construction work
Preparing civil designs
Managing the civil works design process
Construction management to meet the needs of the Australian market
Course Structure
To be awarded this qualification, students must complete 12 units, comprising 5 core units and 7 elective units.
Core Units
BSBPMG632 Manage program risk
BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
BSBWHS616 Apply safe design principles to control WHS risks
RIICWD601E Manage civil works design process
RIIQUA601E Establish and maintain a quality system
Elective Units
BSBPMG531 Manage project time
BSBPMG533 Manage project cost
RIICWD509E Prepare detailed design of urban roads
RIICWD534E Prepare detailed design of civil steel structures
RIICWD535E Prepare detailed design of civil timber structures
RIICWD533E Prepare detailed design of civil concrete structures
RIICWD507D Prepare detailed geotechnical design
Acknowledge Education has enhanced the Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design to reflect the latest nationally recognised training standards and evolving practices within the civil construction and infrastructure sector.
The course supports the development of advanced capabilities in:
managing complex civil works design processes
applying quality systems, risk management and safe design principles
producing detailed civil and structural design solutions
leading technical work, teamwork and project coordination
These enhancements support contemporary industry practices and workplace expectations, ensuring the course remains current, relevant and aligned with professional practice.
Domestic
Pre-requisite: Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII50520)
Entry by interview
International
Pre-requisite: Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII50520)
IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
18 years or older
Completion of Year 12 studies or equivalent
Please see International Student Admission Policy and VET Assessment of Language, Literacy and Numeracy Skills Policy for further information.
You may be able to shorten the length of your chosen course by assessing qualifications obtained from formal studies or training. Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and statements of attainment issued by another registered training organisation will be recognised by Acknowledge Education.
Please see Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer for more information.
Upon successful completion of this course, the types of occupations that you may pursue include:
Civil engineering draftsperson
Civil engineering design draftsperson
Civil engineering technician
For pathway students, upon successful completion of the course, you may be eligible for direct entry into the second year of Acknowledge Education’s Bachelor of Construction Project Management degree, with credit for 8 out of 24 units of study.
January, April, July, September
View all dates here.
Domestic
International
Full Tuition Fee: $24,000
*The Diploma of Civil Construction Design is a prerequisite qualification.
Diploma tuition fee: $15,000
Remaining 9 months tuition fee: $9,000
Enrolment fee: $250
Material fee (including software): $400
View fee list here.
Why Study with AE?
Real outcomes for international students in Australia. We understand your goals and provide pathways to achieve them.
140+ Year Heritage
Multi-Sector Education Excellence
Over 140 years of excellence delivering ELICOS, VCE, VET, and Higher Education across 8 national campuses.
98% Placement Satisfaction
Job-Ready Success
98% student placement satisfaction with programs designed alongside industry partners for maximum graduate outcomes.
Up to 50% course credit
Credit for Prior Learning
Get up to 50% course credit for prior learning in Australia. You may be able to reduce both your tuition and study time.
2 week average to COE*
Seamless Enrolment
Expert onshore support from consultation to CoE issuance, with an average 2-week processing time.
*Processing times may vary depending on document completeness and course availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design is an AQF Level 6 qualification that takes your design skills further. Think complex civil works, technical analysis and project coordination. At Acknowledge Education, you'll learn to apply real engineering principles to the kind of infrastructure projects you'll actually be working on.
The Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design is typically completed in 9 months of full-time study. Classes are delivered on campus approximately 2.5 days per week, allowing you to continue developing advanced technical skills while balancing study with other commitments.
The Diploma of Civil Construction Design focuses on foundational skills such as drafting, design principles and using industry software and is typically completed in 15 months. The Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design builds on this with more complex design, technical analysis and project coordination and is usually completed in 9 months. It's the natural next step if you're ready to move into more advanced technical roles.
You'll study advanced civil and structural design, complex modelling and technical analysis. The Civil Construction Design course focuses on managing civil works design processes, quality systems and safe design principles, while developing your ability to work within multidisciplinary teams on more complex projects.
Yes, the Diploma of Civil Construction Design is a pre-requisite for this course. The Advanced Diploma builds on the foundational knowledge and skills developed in the Diploma, giving you the technical skills and confidence and know-how to progress into more complex design and technical work.
A civil engineering technician supports engineers and project teams by assisting with design, documentation, data analysis and project coordination. These roles are typically office-based, working closely with design and engineering teams to ensure plans are accurate and meet technical and project requirements.
After completing the Advanced Diploma, you may pursue roles such as civil engineering technician or senior draftsperson. The course develops advanced technical and coordination skills, supporting your progression into roles with greater responsibility in construction and infrastructure projects.
This advanced civil construction design course is aligned with nationally recognised training standards and reflects current practices in the civil construction and infrastructure sector. You'll develop skills in advanced design processes, risk management, quality systems and coordination within project teams, supporting real-world application.
Yes, after completing the Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design at Acknowledge Education, you may gain direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Construction Project Management, with credit for 8 out of 24 units of study. This pathway allows you to continue building your skills and progress into higher-level construction and project management roles.