Course Overview

About This Course

Progress your career as a building designer or draftsperson with this advanced qualification from TAFE Queensland. This course meets some of the technical requirements for you to apply for a Building Design - Low Rise or Building Design - Medium Rise licence. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as building and surveying technicians grew very strongly over the past five years and is expected to see stable growth in the future. Employers are looking for qualified candidates who are reliable, work well in a team, and have a strong work ethic. In this course you will learn specialist skills in building design for residential and small-scale commercial projects. You will learn to understand client needs to develop building design concepts and create sustainable design solutions. Utilising a suite of software programs for computer-aided drafting (CAD) and presentation, you will produce and present drawings and models. Our industry-expert teachers will ensure you develop the theoretical and practical skills to produce high quality work that complies with occupational health and safety and building code requirements. Successful completion of this course will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to enter the building design industry. It also provides some of the key requirements for applying for your Low Rise and Medium Rise Building Design licences in the future.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Fee-Free TAFE $0 · Concession $11,040-$13,335 · Subsidised $12,580-$14,870 · Full Fee $17,700-$19,995

Duration

1 year full-time (3 days/week on campus) or up to 2 years part-time (2 days/week); online 1 year full-time or up to 2 years part-time

Intakes

27 Jan 2027 (on campus); 06 Oct 2026 and 27 Jan 2027 (online)

Study Mode

On campus with some online (80%/20%) or Online virtual classroom (100% online via Zoom)

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students:

Skills Check required after application submission; recommended benchmark levels are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 in Digital Technology
Entry requires completion of CPP40115 Certificate IV in Building Design Drafting, CPP40121 Certificate IV in Residential Drafting, 52757WA Certificate IV in Residential Building Drafting, or demonstrated relevant vocational experience
Selection criteria also recommend completion of Year 12, sound literacy/numeracy, and computer skills

International Students:

English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent)
Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study
International students under 18 applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Draftsperson
Building Designer

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Australian Institute of Building (AIB)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units14 units

BSBESB402

Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and comply with legal and risk management requirements of the business or new business venture, including negotiating, creating and planning for legal contracts used within the business, where required.

CPCCBC4015

Prepare specifications for all construction works

This unit of competency specifies the skills and knowledge required to prepare clearly understood specifications for construction works that may range from an outline to a more detailed specification

CPPBDN5101

Produce digital 3-D models of building designs

CPPBDN5102

Produce compliant designs for Class 1 and 10 buildings

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to produce compliant designs for Class 1 and 10 buildings as defined by the National Construction Code (NCC).

CPPBDN5103

Produce compliant designs for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to produce compliant designs for Class 2-9 buildings to a maximum floor area of 2000m2, except construction Type A buildings.

CPPBDN5104

Prepare drawings for planning and building approval for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to prepare drawings that comply with planning and building approval requirements for Class 2-9 buildings to a maximum floor area of 2000m2, except construction Type A buildings as defined by the National Construction Code (NCC).

CPPBDN5105

Evaluate construction materials and methods for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to evaluate traditional, contemporary and emerging construction materials and methods for the design of Class 2-9 buildings to a maximum floor area of 2000m2, except construction Type A buildings.

CPPBDN5106

Determine compliance requirements for Class 2-9 buildings up to two storeys

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to determine compliance requirements for the design of Class 2-9 buildings to a maximum floor area of 2000m2, except construction Type A buildings.

CPPBDN5107

Manage contracts for small-scale building design projects

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to manage contracts for small-scale building design projects involving residential, commercial and industrial projects up to 2,000m² floor area.

CPPBDN5110

Inspect and assess sites to inform the design process

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to examine building design project sites and surveyor's drawings to identify contours and measurements, existing conditions, structures, features and services and neighbourhood characteristics.

CPPBDN5111

Produce rendered animations of 3-D models of small-scale building designs

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to produce rendered and animated fly-bys and walk-throughs of three-dimensional (3-D) models for small-scale residential, commercial and industrial building design projects to a maximum floor area of 2000m2, except construction Type A buildings.

CPPBDN6106

Produce building information modelling for building design projects

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to develop building information modelling (BIM) for residential, commercial or industrial building design projects.

CPCWHS1001

Prepare to work safely in the construction industry

This unit of competency specifies the mandatory work health and safety training required prior to undertaking construction work. The unit requires the person to demonstrate personal awareness and knowledge of health and safety legislative requirements in order to work safely and prevent injury or harm to self and others. It covers identifying and orally reporting common construction hazards, understanding basic risk control measures, and identifying procedures for responding to potential incidents and emergencies. It also covers correctly selecting and fitting common personal protective equipment (PPE) used for construction work.

CPPBDN5109

Recommend sustainability solutions for small-scale building design projects

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to research global best practice and legislative requirements for environmental sustainability of building designs to a maximum floor area of 2000m2, except construction Type A buildings.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements for the Diploma of Building Design?

Entry into this program requires that you have completed CPP40121 Certificate IV in Residential Drafting or a related course.

Does this course help me obtain a Building Design licence?

Yes, this course meets some of the technical requirements for you to apply for a Building Design - Low Rise or Building Design - Medium Rise licence.

What are the fees for this course?

Fees vary depending on your study mode and eligibility. For on-campus study, concession fees range from $13,335, subsidised fees range from $14,870, and full fees are $19,995. For online study, concession fees are $12,580, subsidised fees are $11,040, and full fees are $17,700. International students pay $29,700 for on-campus study.

Can I study this course online?

Yes, the course is available via online virtual classroom, which is 100% online and delivered in real time via a scheduled timetable using programs like Zoom. Full-time online students should expect up to 6 x Zoom sessions plus approximately 18 hours of self-directed study per week.

Are there university pathways available after completing this diploma?

Yes, TAFE Queensland's partnerships with Australia's top universities means you may be credited for your time with us if you decide to upgrade your qualification. Graduates of the Diploma of Building Design may be eligible for advanced standing/credit in relevant university degree programs.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $50,000 to $65,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $80,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $80,000 to $100,000 per year

Career Paths

Building DesignerArchitectural DraftspersonResidential Building DesignerBuilding Design TechnicianDrafting Practitioner

Key Skills

Computer-aided design (CAD) using AutoCAD, Revit, and ArchiCADBuilding Information Modelling (BIM) techniquesProduction of 2D and 3D construction drawings and plansInterpretation and application of the National Construction Code (NCC)Sustainable and energy-efficient building design

Full Course Overview

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