Diploma of Civil Construction Design (old)
04/07/2025 2026-05-29 5:10Diploma of Civil Construction Design (old)
Diploma of Civil Construction Design
AQF Level: 5
NATIONAL Code: RII50520

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Why Study Diploma of Civil Construction Design?
Step into a high-level paraprofessional role with this nationally recognised qualification (RII50520). Designed for individuals who support professional engineers, this Diploma equips you with the advanced technical, managerial, and planning skills required to lead complex infrastructure projects. For eligible students, this training is delivered with South Australian Government funding. Upon successful completion, participants will be issued a Diploma of Civil Construction Design by Alliance College (RTO: 0137).
Learning Outcomes
By completing the Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII50520), students will develop the technical knowledge and practical drafting skills required to support civil engineering and infrastructure projects. They will learn to produce accurate drawings, models, and technical documentation for structural and civil components using industry-standard software such as AutoCAD and Revit. Students will also gain the ability to interpret engineering plans, specifications, and survey data, apply mathematical and design principles, and contribute to project planning, safety, and compliance requirements. Graduates will be prepared to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams as Civil Engineering Draftspersons or Technicians under the guidance of engineers and senior designers.

Delivery mode
Face-to-face (classroom-based training and Industry Exposure Days) and self-directed
Study Mode
On Campus
Campus Location
- Adelaide (Engineers Australia accreditation pathway)
- Sydney
Course duration
64 weeks (including 14 weeks of holiday)
Intake Date
January, April, July and October
Participant Course Fee (Subsidised)
$669.00 AUD
Participant Concession Fee
$670.00 AUD
Incidental Fee
NIL
Course Brochure
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue roles including Civil Engineering Draftsperson, Civil Design Draftsperson, Civil Engineering Design Draftsperson, Civil Construction Supervisor, and Senior Civil Works Designer within the civil construction and infrastructure industry.

Study Pathways
UEE62111 – Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology
MEM80112 – Graduate Diploma of Engineering and/or Bachelor of Engineering
Industry Exposure Days
Industry Exposure Days are structured professional practice activities designed to help students connect classroom learning with civil construction design practice. Activities may include industry excursions, guest speakers, practical training days, engineering reflection reports, additional unit activities, site-based learning, simulated workplace activities and capstone-related professional practice tasks.
Students must accumulate evidence for at least 30 approved Industry Exposure Days across the program. Attendance, punctuality and professional behaviour are important because students are representing Alliance College during industry activities.
Entry Requirements
Eligibility for Subsidised Training:
- To be eligible for a government-subsidised training place in this course, you must live or work in South Australia and be:
- An Australian or New Zealand citizen; OR
- A permanent Australian resident; OR
- A holder of an eligible visa (Check the Skills SA website for the full list of eligible visa subclasses).
Academic Entry Requirement:
- Students must be at least 18 years of age.
- Students must pass the Alliance College Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) assessment or provide approved equivalent evidence.
- Students must have satisfactory completion of Year 12 or AQF Level 5 or equivalent.
- A mathematics background is strongly recommended due to the technical mathematics, engineering mechanics, CAD, BIM, design and calculation requirements of the course.
Please note: Eligibility for a subsidised place may be subject to an assessment of your previous qualifications and current training status. Contact our Admissions Team to start your Upfront Assessment of Need (UAN).
RPL and Credit Transfer:
- Alliance College offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT) in accordance with College policy. However, students seeking the Engineers Australia accreditation pathway must follow the approved packaged program structure submitted to Engineers Australia.
- A maximum of 50% Credit Transfer is permitted. All Credit Transfer units must exactly match the units offered within the approved program structure; equivalent or substituted units will not be accepted for accreditation purposes.
- Each application will be assessed individually to ensure the student can still meet the required program outcomes, unit sequencing, professional practice exposure, capstone evidence, and Engineers Australia Stage 1 Engineering Associate expectations.
Course Requirements
General Requirements:
- A suitable Microsoft Windows laptop is required.
- Mac computers and iPads are not suitable for this course because required CAD/BIM software may not operate correctly.
- Minimum laptop specification: i5 CPU or higher, 16 GB RAM, reliable Wi-Fi, microphone and camera.
- A dedicated GPU is recommended.
- Personal email address
- Mobile phone
- Microsoft Office suite of programs (provided by college)
- Home access to the internet, with good speed to be able to do conference video calls
- Teams software installed
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Steel-cap safety boots are required. Students can place an order through Alliance College or purchase their own.
- Long sleeve tops, long pants and PPE may be required for Industry Exposure Days.
- A valid White Card is required for relevant practical and industry exposure activities. If not already held, it is included in the course (CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry).
Included Resources:
- Students are provided with an Alliance College email account. This provides access to Microsoft Office and Autodesk software where applicable. White Card training is included where required. Students who miss their scheduled White Card session must reschedule and may be required to pay applicable resit or rescheduling fees.
Subjects
20 UNITS MUST BE COMPLETED
at least two (2) must be chosen from Group A
at least two (2) must be chosen from Group B
at least four (4) must be chosen from Group C
at least four (4) must be chosen from Group D
Elective Subjects: Group A (Management)
Elective Subjects: Group B (Drafting)
Elective Subjects: Group C (Engineering)
Elective Subjects: Group D (Maths/Science)
Elective Subjects: Other
Key Skills Developed
Diploma of Civil Construction Design
Designing civil construction plans and documentation
Applying technical and project management skills
Collaborating with engineers and managing design processes
Assessment Methods
Diploma of Civil Construction Design
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