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104 weeks
On campus (100% on-campus, 0% online). All units delivered face-to-face at TAFE Queensland South Bank campus; some practical sessions at Mount Gravatt campus.
Full time / Part time / On-campus · Full time: 4 days per week; Part time: 3 days per week
25 Jan 2027
Course Overview
Where You Can Study
Brisbane
66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Student Information
Tuition Fee
$7,880 - $15,755 per year (part-time $7,880/yr; full-time $15,755/yr)
Eligibility
Domestic Students:
International Students:
Assumed Knowledge (all applicants):
English Language Proficiency Standards (International Students):
Other:
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Professional Body
Engineers Australia (EA)
Accreditation Status
AccreditedSkills Assessor
Engineers Australia
Course Content
Engineering Mathematics 1
In this unit, students will develop the fundamental mathematical knowledge and the skills to apply that knowledge at a level that will enable them to function effectively as para-professionals in the civil engineering domain. Students will become familiar with the mathematical operations involved in solving problems associated with basic algebra, matrix algebra, geometry, trigonometry, functions and their graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions and basic statistics.
Engineering Fundamentals
In this unit, students will be introduced to the fundamental elements of a broad range of engineering disciplines including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic. Students will be introduced to the elements of research, calculation, drawing and reporting, appropriate to engineering practice and compliant with current Australian Standards.
2D CAD Modelling
This unit explores different modes of visual communication used in illustrating design ideas. This unit is intended to provide a sound basis on which to develop further understanding of one of the most commonly used drafting packages in the Civil design industry. During the project work an introduction to drafting and its requirements in the industry that will prove relevant to the overall course.
Engineering Practices
This unit provides students with an introduction to the key skills necessary to undertake engineering studies, including communication, academic writing, researching, critical analysis, quality control and assurance, teamwork, reflection and referencing with use of the APA Referencing Style. Furthermore, this course will introduce students to fundamental engineering practices including sustainability, concrete mix design, professional recognition and the requirements for ongoing profession development. Students will continue to build and develop these skills as they progress through other units of the Civil Engineering course.
Work-based learning
Engineering Surveying
This Unit combines theory and practical sessions to provide students with an understanding of the basic principles of Traditional Surveying and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applicable to typical civil engineering projects promoting the development of the knowledge and skills needed to gather, interpret, and use surveying and GIS data. Opportunities are provided for students to learn how to operate equipment commonly used to undertake levelling, location and setting out surveys. Techniques associated with modern survey/digital terrain operations will be explored. These may include uploading and downloading between a total station and computer, along with an introduction to GPS and GIS systems.
Civil Design and Drafting
This unit explores different modes of visual communication used in illustrating design ideas. This unit is intended to provide a sound basis on which to develop further understanding of one of the most commonly used drafting packages in the Civil Design industry. During the project work an introduction to drafting and its requirements in the industry that will prove relevant to the overall course.
Engineering Mechanics
This unit introduces students to the concepts of material science, dynamics, work and energy, simple machines, engineering statics, properties of sections, mechanics of simple structural elements and determinacy and indeterminacy. The engineering science curriculum of this unit is fundamental to later stages of the course.
Engineering Mathematics 2
This unit provides students with the skills required at Engineering Technologist level to solve mathematical problems typically encountered in a civil engineering design office. Students will learn to critically appraise problems and identify possible solutions as part of the process involved in achieving a satisfactory resolution to a problem. Topics include: vectors, matrix algebra, calculus, and statistics.
Geoscience
This unit provides students with an understanding of the processes underlying the formation of rocks and the cycle of change that leads to the development of the different classifications of soils. Students will develop an understanding of the use and relevance of the different types of rocks and soils that are available to the civil engineering team as a resource or as a foundation material. Students will use soil-testing laboratory equipment and perform relevant calculations to determine the strength of cohesive and non-cohesive soils.
Municipal Engineering
In this unit students will learn, understand and apply the fundamentals of municipal engineering design including: - an introduction to Municipal Engineering including infrastructure, asset management, operations and legalities associated with local government operations. - an introduction to the design of water supply infrastructure systems including storage, trunk, reticulation and re-use networks and demands, - an introduction to the design of waste water infrastructure systems including gravity, vacuum and low pressure sewerage networks and demands, pump stations and treatment systems. - an introduction to the design of storm water drainage systems for rural and urban catchments including the design of cross drainage and longitudinal drainage systems.
Road Design
In this unit, students learn the requirements of road design and how to perform the calculations associated with road alignments, both horizontal and vertical. Students also learn aspects of design associated with intersections at grade. In undertaking all design and document presentation associated with this course, students will develop expertise in the use of current Civil Design Computer Application Software.
Engineering Project Management
The Civil Engineering industry requires graduates to be able to work within a project environment with other professionals and respond to the project's stakeholder in an ethical and efficient manner. This course provides students with an understanding and application of the attributes required in the planning, management, organisation and administration of civil and structural engineering projects. Emphasis on the successful delivery of projects in accordance with the knowledge areas described in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) is taught.
Construction and Estimating
The Civil Engineering industry requires graduates to possess a suite of skills to work towards planning and execution of a civil engineering construction estimate. This course holds prominence in the areas of modern construction methodologies, ability to read and interpret construction drawings, prepare quantity take-offs and associated cost estimates, and understanding tender submission requirements. Emphasis is placed on construction cost, time management, and basic understanding of contractual needs for the successful execution of a construction tender. These construction management theories correlate with current industry practices, guidelines and standards.
Engineering Project
This unit merges completed and co-requisite units covered in this course, building on the basic concepts and fundamental principles of engineering planning, analysis, design, compliance, management, scheduling and documentation. In this unit you will undertake the detailed documentation of a multi-faceted civil engineering project involving physical infrastructure taking into consideration technical compliance, economic, environmental, social and ethical standards. 'Physical infrastructure' includes all types of structures, foundations and earthworks, transport and reticulation systems, and utilities. The teaching emphasis in this unit is on project-based learning where specific topics necessary for meeting project milestones are delivered as necessary within the context of a large simulated project. In addition, this unit enables students to synthesise elements of theoretical and practical learning acquired across other units in the course. Students in small teams will research available information commensurate with a professional approach to conceptualising, designing and documenting to standards applicable to a modern civil engineering project. The teaching format of this unit is based on lectures and tutorials delivered by selected staff in areas of speciality as appropriate.
Building Information Modelling
This unit introduces students to the fundamental aspects of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Engineering (DE). BIM provides a powerful combination of true collaborative processes and the use of intelligent 3D software to an asset to ensure that it is built and managed efficiently. DE involves the asset's graphical and non-graphical elements and attributes being stored and managed together in a central digital location. Sub topics throughout the unit may include a BIM Execution Plan, project collaborative approaches, clash detection, construction timelining, project viewpoints, client animations and project take-offs using relevant BIM and DE standards and 3D software.
Structural Design and Modelling
This Unit introduces students to the concepts of limit states design in structural engineering and the development of Australian Standard-based design skills appropriate to a para-professional role in the design of structural engineering elements such as steel members to AS4100 and concrete members to AS3600 as part of the engineering design team. Students will begin the course by further developing expertise in basic structural analysis and extend this to applications in structural design. Code compliant design detailing using the Revit software platform will form the basis of the drafting/modelling requirement of this unit.
Environmental Engineering
This unit explores how humans interact in the environment, specifically examining how the built world interacts and integrates into the environment. Students will examine the scientific concepts that underpin the systems that protect the environment from human development. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the impact our built world has on our ecosystem, biodiversity and Australia's commitment to sustainable development. These environmental theories are linked to practical application of our built world, specifically looking at how these theories correlate to legislation and our management of resources including water, wastewater and solid waste.
Common Questions
Yes. TAFE Queensland's Associate Degree in Civil Engineering is accredited by Engineers Australia at the level of Engineering Associate. This professionally-accredited program is also recognised in Canada, Ireland, Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States of America through the Dublin Accord, greatly improving your global mobility.
Yes. TAFE Queensland has negotiated university degree pathways with some of Australia's top universities, providing you with credit exemption of up to 1.5 years when you enrol in a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program. Partner universities include Queensland University of Technology (QUT Precedent List), Griffith University (GU Credit Precedent Database) and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ Credit Calculator).
Yes. Engineers Australia requires the completion of a work-based learning unit (WBL003) that comprises 240 hours of industry professional practice placement. This unit carries 0 credit points and is completed alongside the rest of the course.
The annual indicative cost for domestic students is $7,880 (part time) to $15,755 (full time) per year, and for international students it is $26,720 per year. These are indicative fees for one year of full-time study; fees will vary based on selected units and study load. FEE-HELP assistance is available for all units of study in this course.
Yes. Holders of the HED006 Graduate Certificate in Civil Engineering Fundamentals from TAFE Queensland are eligible for advanced standing of 4 units (40 credit points), with exemptions from CEA1111, CEA1112, CEA1113, and either CEA1114 or CEA1216. Applicants with a relevant TAFE Queensland qualification will automatically have their advanced standing applied.
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