Course Overview

About This Course

The Diploma in Building Studies is a one-year program that prepares you for university study while exploring a career in the construction industry. It introduces the core principles of building alongside communication skills and cultural competence.
You complete eight courses, building knowledge in construction along with the skills for entry-level roles in the industry. The first six months cover low-rise construction and land surveying, an introduction to construction management, structures, and construction economics and procurement, building an understanding of construction technology through the components of low-rise buildings, land surveying, and real-life case studies.
Later study covers digital construction fundamentals, and you can tailor the diploma with an elective course.
Teaching is by industry professionals, with exposure to modern practice using digital technologies including virtual reality, and you begin learning how to plan, schedule and coordinate building projects.
On completion you can enrol directly in the Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours), so the diploma works as a taste of the field without committing to a full bachelor degree.
The program totals 48 units — 42 units of core courses and 6 units of program electives — over one year at the Adelaide City Campus, with February and July intakes.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Domestic Students

Tuition Fee

Commonwealth Supported

Duration

1 year full-time

Intakes

February, July

Study Mode

Full time or part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students
Prerequisite: None
Assumed knowledge: None
SATAC code: ADP111
Entry scores:
• 2027 guaranteed entry — Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based): 50
• 2027 guaranteed entry — Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based): C, C, C
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
• Secondary education (Year 12) — Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) — Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate III (AQF level 3) or higher.
• Higher education study — Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.
• Work and life experience — Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR Qualify for special entry
ATAR profile (2026 Semester 1 intake, ATAR-based offers):
• Highest rank to receive an offer — ATAR 62.35, selection rank 67.5
• Median rank to receive an offer — ATAR 48.8, selection rank 56.65
• Lowest rank to receive an offer — ATAR 44.4, selection rank 53.7

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

With further study, you could pursue the following careers:
• Construction manager
• Construction planner
• Estimator
• Quantity surveyor
• Building surveyor
• Contract administrator
• Site manager

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units11 units

ARCH1010

Structures

BLDG1000

Introduction to Construction Management

BLDG1001

Construction Economics and Procurement

BLDG1002

Low-rise Construction and Land Surveying

ARCH1009

Construction Science and Materials

BLDG1004

Construction Communication and Digital Construction Fundamentals

ARCH1006

Environmental Design and the Sensory Body

ARCH2007

Digital Design Communications

ENGI2003

Engineering Project Management

INTE1002

Interiors Construction

PROJ2002

Project Management Methodologies and Concepts

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the Diploma in Building Studies at Adelaide University?

The estimated total course cost for the Diploma in Building Studies is AU$49,000, which consists entirely of tuition fees with no additional non-tuition fees.

How long does the Diploma in Building Studies take to complete?

The Diploma in Building Studies has a duration of 52 weeks, delivered at the Adelaide City Campus in Adelaide, South Australia.

What field of education does the Diploma in Building Studies fall under?

The Diploma in Building Studies falls under the broad field of Architecture and Building (04), with a narrow field of Building (0403) and a detailed field of Building Construction Management (040303).

Where is the Diploma in Building Studies taught?

The Diploma in Building Studies is taught at Adelaide University's Adelaide City Campus, a location owned and operated by the provider, in Adelaide, South Australia.

Does the Diploma in Building Studies include a work component or foundation studies?

No, the Diploma in Building Studies does not include a work component or foundation studies, and it is not a dual qualification.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

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