Overview

The Diploma of Building and Construction covers building theory and practice related to residential, industrial and commercial building. You’ll learn specialist skills in plan interpretation, drafting, estimating, scheduling, cost control and more. Graduate with a qualification that is accredited under the Building Act for builder’s registration.

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

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
  • TAFE Victoria
    TAFE Victoria
Interested in this course?

Find out more about this course and other TAFE courses at one of our on-campus Try TAFE events. Get all the information you need to kickstart your career.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Read and interpret plans
  • Contracts & legal requirements
  • Prepare specifications for all construction works
  • WHS Risk management requirements
  • Manage project quality
  • Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability

Your career opportunities

  • Project Manager
  • Site Supervisor
  • Estimator
  • Contract Administration Manager
  • Builder, residential, industrial, and commercial

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400270102
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

Admissions

Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.

Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent.

Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Other requirements

Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy competencies.

Please note: Students looking to complete the Diploma of Building and Construction must hold the below certifications at the time of enrolment:

  • Level 3 in both literacy and numeracy (working at level 4)
  • Successful completion of Year 10 or equivalent
  • CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card) is required for site visits
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.

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. 

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.

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 must complete 27 units, including 24 core units and 3 elective units.

Major study areas: tendering, planning and scheduling, construction technology and management, contract administration, estimating and plan reading, building codes and standards, construction structural principles, Risk, quality and business finances.

24
Core units
+
3
Elective units
=
Diploma
Indicative nominal course hours: 2148

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Select, prepare and administer a construction contract
Core unit, 50.0 credit points
CPCCBC4003
Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects
Core unit, 60.0 credit points
CPCCBC4004
Produce labour and material schedules for ordering
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC4005
Supervise site communication and administration processes for building and construction projects
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC4008
Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects
Core unit, 50.0 credit points
CPCCBC4009
Apply structural principles to residential and commercial constructions
Core unit, 200.0 credit points
CPCCBC4010
Read and interpret plans and specifications
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
CPCCBC4012
Prepare and evaluate tender documentation
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
CPCCBC4013
Prepare simple building sketches and drawings
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC4014
Apply site surveys and set-out procedures to building and construction projects
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC4018
Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 2 to 9 Type C buildings
Core unit, 22.0 credit points
CPCCBC4053
Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Type B construction
Core unit, 200.0 credit points
CPCCBC5001
Monitor costing systems on complex building and construction projects
Core unit, 60.0 credit points
CPCCBC5002
Supervise the planning of on-site building and construction work
Core unit, 200.0 credit points
CPCCBC5003
Administer the legal obligations of a building and construction contractor
Core unit, 100.0 credit points
CPCCBC5007
Manage construction work
Core unit, 150.0 credit points
CPCCBC5010
Manage environmental management practices and processes in building and construction
Core unit, 150.0 credit points
CPCCBC5011
Apply structural principles to the construction of buildings up to three storeys
Core unit, 300.0 credit points
CPCCBC5018
Apply building codes and standards to the construction process for Class 1 and 10 buildings
Core unit, 18.0 credit points
CPCCBC4001
Select and manage building and construction contractors
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC5005
Manage professional technical and legal reports on building and construction projects
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
CPCCBC5013
Lead WHS risk management
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
BSBWHS513
Manage business risk
Core unit, 60.0 credit points
BSBOPS504
Manage building and construction business finances
Core unit, 50.0 credit points
CPCCBC5019
Elective units
Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points
CPCSUS5001
Prepare specifications for all construction works
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
CPCCBC4015
Manage project quality
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
BSBPMG532

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$18,030

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$13,030

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

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 2024 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. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). 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)

$18,097

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.

  • Portrait   Female Nurse  Scrubs  Hospital Work  Smiling  Happy  Clipboard

    Study this course for free in 2024

    You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. 

    Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.

    There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!

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.

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 in the capped amount for 2024.

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

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$351.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$351.00

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 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
CPC50220
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
3400270102
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
July intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
26-June-2024
Start dates
01-July-2024
Start dates
Location
Start dates
July intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
01-July-2024
Upcoming events
Swinburne Innovation Challenge
26-June-2024