Diploma of Civil Construction Design
Learn all the skills you will need for a career in the dynamic field of Civil Construction Design.
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WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?
Start your career in civil construction design with practical, industry-aligned skills used in real engineering and infrastructure projects. You will gain hands-on experience using industry-standard software such as 2D/3D CAD and Building Information Modelling (BIM), preparing you for office-based roles such as a Civil Engineering Draftsperson or Design Technician.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
You will develop practical skills in civil design and drafting, including 2D and 3D modelling using CAD and BIM software. The course covers engineering calculations, interpreting technical drawings, and applying civil and structural design principles. You will work on real-world style projects, building the confidence to contribute to design teams in office-based environments.
Important Notice – Course Structure Update
This page contains information for students commencing the Diploma of Civil Construction Design from T1 2026 onwards.
If you commenced this course prior to T1 2026, please refer to your course timetable in the Student Portal or contact Student Services for information about your course structure.
Every road, bridge and infrastructure project starts with someone turning an engineering concept into a detailed, buildable design. Acknowledge Education’s Diploma of Civil Construction Design gives you the confidence and know-how to be that person.
This 15-month civil construction design diploma builds practical skills in 2D and 3D CAD, Building Information Modelling, engineering calculations and structural design technician supporting professional engineers on real infrastructure projects.
Completing the diploma also opens a direct pathway into the Advanced Diploma or straight into year two of the Bachelor of Construction Project Management. Intakes run in January, April, July and September in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
Study Pathways
Course Overview
Kick start your career in the civil construction industry with the Diploma of Civil Construction Design. This qualification prepares you for work as a designer or design paraprofessional who supports professional engineers. The course prepares you to perform tasks involving a high level of autonomy and requiring significant judgement in planning and selecting equipment, roles and techniques.
You will develop site-specific work designs to support the implementation of clients’ site requirements. You will also learn to use 2D and 3D industry software applications, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools, which are essential for designing construction and infrastructure projects.
Course Structure
To be awarded this qualification, students must complete a total of 20 elective units.
Unit availability and combinations may vary from term to term and between campuses, in accordance with training package packaging rules and operational requirements.
Units
MEM23004A Apply technical mathematics
MEM30012A Apply mathematical techniques in a manufacturing engineering or related environment
MEM23007A Apply calculus to engineering tasks
MEM23109 Apply engineering mechanics principles *NEW
MEM30005A Calculate force systems within simple beam structures
MEM30006A Calculate stresses in simple structures
MEM30031A Operate computer-aided design (CAD) system to produce basic drawing elements
MEM30033A Use computer-aided design (CAD) to create and display 3D models
MSL924003 Process and interpret data
MSL925004 Analyse data and report results
BSBINS501 Implement information and knowledge management systems
BSBPMG632 Manage program risk
CPPCOM4001 Manage own work, professional development and ethical behaviour *NEW
BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
CPPBDN6106 Produce building information modelling for building design projects *NEW
RIICWD507D Prepare detailed geotechnical design
RIICWD501E Prepare detailed design of foundations
RIICWD504E Prepare detailed design of environmental controls
RIICWD533E Prepare detailed design of civil concrete structures
RIICWD511E Prepare detailed design of sub-division
Acknowledge Education has enhanced the 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 includes elective units focused on applying engineering principles, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and professional development and ethical behaviour.
These enhancements are designed to support contemporary industry practices and workplace expectations within the building design and construction sector, while ensuring the course remains current, relevant and aligned with professional practice.
Domestic
Entry by interview
International
IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
18 years or older
Completion of Year 12 studies or equivalent
Please see our 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 our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer page for more information.
Upon successful completion of this course, the types of occupations that you will be qualified to seek include:
Civil Engineering Draftsperson
Civil Engineering Design Draftsperson
Civil Engineering Technician
For pathway students, upon completion of the course, you will be granted 10 units credit exemption for Acknowledge Education’s Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII60520), allowing you to complete the Advanced Diploma course in an additional 6 months. Alternatively, you will be eligible for direct entry into the second year of a Bachelor of Construction Project Management, with credit for 7 out of 24 units of study.
January, April, July, September
View all dates here.
Domestic
International
Full tuition fee: $15,000
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 Diploma of Civil Construction Design is an AQF Level 5 qualification that provides foundational skills in civil design, drafting and engineering principles. At Acknowledge Education, the civil construction design course focuses on developing practical capabilities in areas such as CAD, BIM and technical problem-solving for construction and infrastructure projects.
The Diploma of Civil Construction Design is typically completed in 15 months of full-time study. Classes are delivered on campus approximately 2.5 days per week, allowing you to balance study with other commitments while developing practical design and drafting skills.
You'll study civil and structural design principles, engineering mathematics, CAD and 3D modelling and data analysis. The course is aligned with nationally recognised training standards and reflects current industry practices, helping you develop skills in civil works design processes, risk management and working within multidisciplinary project teams.
To work as a civil construction draftsperson, you typically need a qualification in civil construction design or a related field. A Diploma of Civil Construction Design will give you confidence in foundational skills in drafting, design software and technical documentation, preparing you for primarily office-based roles supporting engineers and project teams.
After completing the Diploma, you may pursue entry-level roles such as civil engineering draftsperson or design draftsperson. The course will develop your foundational technical skills in drafting and design, supporting your ability to contribute to construction and infrastructure projects in a professional environment.
Yes, civil engineering plays an important role in supporting infrastructure and construction projects across Australia with the sector showing stable growth. With ongoing development in areas such as transport, housing and public infrastructure, there are a range of opportunities for professionals with relevant technical and design skills in this field.
No prior civil design or construction industry experience is required. You'll need to meet entry requirements such as Year 12 (or equivalent) and English language requirements if applicable. The civil engineer draftsperson course is designed to build your knowledge from foundational concepts through to applied design skills.
The Diploma focuses on foundational skills such as drafting, design principles and using industry software and is typically completed in 15 months. The Advanced Diploma builds on this with more complex design, technical analysis and project coordination and is usually completed in 9 months. Together, they form a structured two-year study pathway from entry-level design skills to more advanced technical capabilities.
Yes, you can continue studying if you’d like to and it suits your career goals. Many students choose to progress to the Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design, which builds on the skills developed in this course. Together, the Diploma and Advanced Diploma form a structured pathway that develops your capabilities from foundational design skills to more advanced technical and coordination roles.
This course is aligned with nationally recognised training standards and reflects current practices in the civil construction and infrastructure sector. You'll develop practical skills in areas such as engineering mechanics, BIM modelling and safe design principles, giving you the confidence to apply your knowledge to real-world projects.