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.
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
To enrol as an international student, follow these steps:
Submit an enquiry through our website or contact our admissions team
Provide your academic transcripts and English test results for assessment
Receive your Letter of Offer and accept the offer
Pay your initial tuition deposit
Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your visa application
If you're currently studying in Australia and considering a new course, there are important regulations to be aware of:
6-Month Rule
Under Australian regulations, international students are generally expected to complete at least six months of their principal course before changing providers. If you wish to transfer before this period, you may need a release from your current provider. Release requests are assessed in accordance with applicable regulations and your provider’s policies, and may be granted in certain circumstances (for example, compassionate or compelling reasons).
Yes, we offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer for relevant previous qualifications. Credit transfer depends on the relevance and level of your previous studies and how they align with this course.
Contact our admissions team for a free assessment of your eligibility for credit transfer. Credit transfer may reduce your study duration and overall tuition fees, depending on the outcome of the assessment.
Changes to your course or provider may impact your student visa. You must ensure you continue to meet your visa conditions, including maintaining enrolment in a registered course.
For specific advice about your visa, please contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent/lawyer.
Students studying in designated regional areas may have access to additional visa-related benefits under current government settings.
Lower cost of living compared to major cities
Strong employment opportunities in growing regional economies
As visa regulations can change, students should refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information.
We provide comprehensive support services for international students:
Academic support and tutoring
Career services and employment assistance
Student welfare and counselling
Accommodation assistance
Orientation programs for new students
Support with understanding student visa conditions and compliance requirements