Diploma of Surveying

Diploma: 1 year full-time

Advanced Diploma: 1 year full-time

Learning and teaching

You'll experience lectures, tutorials, practical/laboratory exercises, work-simulated projects, competency-based assessments, online and offline learning and balanced hands-on practice.

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

Diploma

You'll learn how to:

• perform geodetic surveying computations
• plan spatial data collection and validation
• carry out surveying computations
• do a civil site survey and set out procedures
• conduct Global Positioning Systems (GPS), engineering and geodetic surveys
• carry out an engineering surveying project
• create engineering drawings, design roads and railways

• produce maps.

Advanced Diploma

You'll develop further knowledge in drafting, project management, detailed surveying equipment use, remote sensing and quality control.

Areas of study include:

• surveying practice and computing GIS and GPS

• photogrammetry
• legislation and cadastral surveying (title surveying)
• business management
• land management
• communication skills

• occupational health and safety.

We emphasise practical experience and we work with industry-standard equipment.

You'll use various surveying technologies and software for electronic data capture, processing and presentation.

You'll do land development exercises, and you'll learn cadastral surveying in a project environment.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

The full-time program is only 3 days a week so you can work part time in the industry as a paraprofessional.

We also offer industry exposure through regular seminars with guest speakers and opportunities to take part in simulated spatial science and survey activities at our Yarra Bend field station.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Diploma

Diploma graduates find work in the information industry as:

• assistants to land surveyors
• survey technicians
• GIS/GPS operators

• computer draftspersons.

Work is available in areas like:

• land management
• civil and structural engineering

• asset management for local government or mining companies.

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma graduates find paraprofessional work as:

• land and engineering surveyors
• surveying technicians

• drafting technicians.

We produce highly sought-after graduates, due to our strong links with surveying and spatial information industry associations.

Professional recognition and accreditation

You'll be eligible for membership to the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute and the Institution of Surveyors Victoria.

If you graduate from the Advanced Diploma and have practical experience, you'll be eligible for professional certification with the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute.

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

Program entry requirements

Prerequisites

Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 & 4—English (any) and Mathematics (any) or prerequisite units 1 & 2—Mathematical Methods (either).

Selection tasks

Form: Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online.

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the nominated date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

3. Check if you are eligible for a Victorian Government subsidised place. If not you will need to apply for a full-fee place.

4. Check the table below for how to apply.

5. Apply using the appropriate method by the closing date.

Application method

* Some Certificate III and below programs are administered by direct application to RMIT.

Equity access

If circumstances have interrupted or disadvantaged your access to education, RMIT offers equity access schemes that allow selection officers to give applicants extra consideration, which may improve your prospects of studying at RMIT.

Tuition fees vary according to each program.

There are 2 tuition fee types:

• Victorian Government subsidised places where your fee is shared between you and the Victorian Government - if you meet the eligibility criteria

• full fees where you will be responsible for the full cost.

Fee assistance

As a TAFE student you may be eligible for the following:

• TAFE fee concession
• VET FEE-HELP loan scheme.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT Scholarships.

Other fees

You'll need to buy a scientific programmable calculator plus relevant statutes, software licences and handbooks.

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

Once you complete the Diploma of Surveying, you can progress to the Advanced Diploma of Spatial Information Services.

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Spatial Information Services may be eligible to apply for exemptions of up to 2 years in the:

• Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying).

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Engineering (TAFE)

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