Overview
Open the door for a creative and rewarding career designing buildings with an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) 22477VIC at Victoria University Polytechnic.
You'll become proficient in the design, presentation and documentation process for residential, industrial and commercial buildings. With this qualification and the required industry experience, you will be eligible to register as a drafting practitioner through the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
This course combines hands-on learning, industry projects and theoretical training.
You will develop specialist skills and knowledge in:
- construction technology
- design solutions and producing working drawings
- building codes and compliance
- computer-aided drafting (CAD)
- designing safe and sustainable buildings
- complex project management
- small business planning.
Hands-on learning & industry connections
Everything you learn at Victoria University Polytechnic has direct links to the real world. You’ll learn practical skills through a mix of sketching and design work and training in the latest computer-aided drafting (CAD) software. Classes are held at our new state-of-the-art trades facilities at our Sunshine Campus. Learning with us means you’ll get the hands-on learning to be job-ready when you graduate.
You’ll learn from teachers who have valuable industry contacts and the latest industry-standard skills. You’ll also develop links with industry and professional experience through:
- industry projects
- site visits
- industry simulation activities.
Industry recognition
This course is recognised by the Design Matters National (the peak body for the building design profession) and by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). It is the prerequisite qualification for application to become a registered building practitioner (draftsperson) in Victoria. To be registered with the VBA, you must also have one year of practical industry experience.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses. We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced Victoria University Polytechnic course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backTAFE resources
Application support sessions & campus tours
Attend a trades campus tour and application support session to see where you'll be learning, and find out more about applying to study at VU Polytechnic.
Careers in building design
This course will prepare you to work as a building designer or draftsperson in residential, industrial and commercial areas. After one year of industry experience, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a sole practitioner in Victoria, in Building Design (Architectural) and Building Design (Interior).
Career opportunities for building design professionals are varied. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready for entry-level design positions in the building and architecture industry, and even in engineering.
Employment outlook
Graduates of this course find employment in a range of settings, including working for:
- registered building practitioners
- architects
- builders and building designers
- surveying bodies
- greening bodies
- other design professionals.
Example job titles include:
- building design draftsperson
- architectural technician/drafter/designer
- building contractor
- architect’s assistant
- project administrator
- commercial/residential building designer.
Job prospects are good, with employment for architectural technicians and draftspeople expected to grow strongly over the next five years (Labour Market Insights).
The course is also an excellent pathway to other qualifications in fields such as architecture, building surveying, engineering, project management, town planning, or interior design.
Nationally recognised training
This course is nationally recognised training.
Course structure
The course structure comprises the following core and elective units. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback.
To be awarded the 22477VIC Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), a student must successfully complete a total of twenty (20) core units of competency.
Course structure and units
VU Polytechnic delivers the electives listed in the ‘course structure and units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).
CORE UNITS
Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers
Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.
Learning outcomes
The 22477VIC Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) provides an accredited training program and vocational outcomes for a person to be employed as a building designer or draftsperson.
On completion of the 22477VIC Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) participants will have the skills and knowledge to design and develop architectural working drawings for the construction of residential, commercial and industrial buildings, thereby enabling them to:
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interpret client needs through sketch and design;
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interpret building legislation;
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utilise technology to develop plans and documentation for construction methods and specifications;
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liaise with building surveyors and builders;
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negotiate with local council;
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understand probable cost comparisons, and;
- process contract administration.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: VET
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a government subsidised place or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- government subsidised place pay subsidised tuition fees (the government contributes the rest), and may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee along with any material fees
- full fee-paying place pay the full fee tuition rate (which includes Student Services and Amenities Fee and any material fees).
Calculate your VET course fees.
Find out more about:
- the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
- ways to pay your fees
- important fee dates
- how to apply for a VE/TAFE refund
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
As part of the application process, applicants must complete a Pre-training Review (PTR) and undertake a literacy and numeracy (LN) assessment to determine suitability for admission.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.
Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.
Pathways to further study
On completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry into the following degree and in some cases receive credit for your study:
You will be credited for up to 144 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be credited for up to 120 credit points of study.
Find out more about our study pathways to VU
How to apply
Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.
Available start dates:
- 10 July 2023
Before you apply
Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Apply direct to VU
Apply direct to VU using our admission centre, submit applications for one or more courses, track and save your progress and upload additional information.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now – TAFE
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Contact VU Polytechnic
Please note that if changes to this course occur, VU will notify students as soon as possible.
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
