Overview

Become familiar with optimal building design and its role in creating new residential, industrial and commercial buildings with the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural). Learn how to produce quality construction plans in both 2D and 3D software. Additionally, you’ll develop business management, problem solving and computer-aided drafting skills. Upon graduation, you’ll receive a recognised accreditation by the Victorian Building Authority – the educational requirement to become a drafting practitioner.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
Meet us at Open Day

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Skills you’ll learn

  • Problem solving
  • Contruction technology
  • Design
  • Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
  • Project management

Your career opportunities

  • Drafting practitioner

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400270194
Croydon VTAC code
3400170194
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.

Location options

Professional accreditation 

Graduates meet the academic requirements to register with the BDAV (Building Designers Association of Victoria).

Admissions

Applicants for the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) are likely to include:

  • students who have completed VCE or equivalent

  • mature age students seeking employment in building design

  • qualified tradespeople and practicing building designers wishing to upgrade their qualifications. 

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:

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 is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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.

Course structure

Students are required to complete the 20 core units listed below.  There are no electives. Face-to-face and online delivery.

20
Core units
=
Advanced Diploma
Indicative nominal course hours: 2086

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Undertake site survey and analysis to inform design process
Core unit
VU22454
Apply structural and construction technology to the design of residential buildings
Core unit
VU22455
Apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings
Core unit
VU22456
Comply with relevant legislation in the design of residential buildings
Core unit
VU22457
Comply with relevant legislation in the design of commercial buildings
Core unit
VU22458
Design safe buildings
Core unit
VU22459
Design sustainable buildings
Core unit
VU22460
Integrate services layout into design documentation
Core unit
VU22461
Produce preliminary and working drawings for residential buildings
Core unit
VU22462
Produce preliminary and working drawings for commercial buildings
Core unit
VU22463
Select construction materials for building projects
Core unit
VU22464
Provide design solutions for residential and commercial buildings
Core unit
VU22465
Integrate digital applications into architectural workflows
Core unit
VU22466
Present architectural designs
Core unit
VU22467
Manage architectural project administration
Core unit
VU22468
Undertake complex architectural projects
Core unit
VU22469
Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment
Core unit
VU22470
Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
Core unit
CPCCWHS1001
Undertake small business planning
Core unit
BSBSMB404
Apply project risk management techniques
Core unit
BSBPMG415

2023 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$29,260

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$16,850

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 2023 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 only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

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.

VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)

$16,788

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 2023 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$326

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$326

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2023 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.

Representatives and agents
22477VIC
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.

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
3400270194
Croydon VTAC code
3400170194
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
March intake
Location
Croydon
Last date to apply
21-January-2024
Start dates
26-January-2024
March intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
21-February-2024
Start dates
26-February-2024
Start dates
Location
Start dates
March intake
Location
Croydon
Start dates
26-January-2024
March intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
26-February-2024
Upcoming events
Swinburne Innovation Challenge
29-November-2023