Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

 1. Plan, implement and manage the delivery of efficient and effective building surveying strategies over the course of building planning and construction processes in diverse contemporary contexts using independent thinking and judgement; 

 2. Generate creative solutions to a range of complex building surveying problems, considering issues of compliance with relevant codes and standards, performance-based building codes, fire safety design, building construction process, technical and innovative changes, ethics and environmental sustainability (commercial and environmental) with initiative and professional judgement; 

 3. Critically evaluate sources and validity of information and use established processes for information management; 

 4. Advocate building surveying objectives and outcomes effectively to specialist and non-specialist stakeholders using a variety of professional oral and written forms; 

 5. Exemplify collaboration and requisite interpersonal and supervisory skills and characteristics to influence personal work, community and networks; 

 6. Apply personal and interpersonal competencies including organisational and collaborative skills necessary to operate within broad parameters in the immensely divergent and complex global and Australian cultures; 

 7. Advocate, respect and value cultural diversity and indigenous rights and develop capacities and creative solutions to contribute to a sustainable world; and 

 8. Exhibit responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice in collaboration with others and within broad parameters.

Become a building surveyor – with in-demand expertise in building regulations, construction compliance and inspection processes – with a Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying from Victoria University.

Building surveyors are responsible for assessing plans, conducting inspections, issuing building permits such as occupancy permits, and interpreting building and construction regulations for buildings of any size and complexity.

To work in this role, you need knowledge of building legislation and auditing, building codes, sustainable construction techniques and materials, fire-safety design, inspection procedures, building services and professional practice.

By the end of the course, you'll have the expertise to carry out the following tasks:

• Plan, implement and manage the delivery of efficient and effective building surveying strategies over the course of the approval and construction process
• Interpret the appropriate building documentation and regulations

Build on your qualifications

This course is designed as a postgraduate qualification for graduates from the Bachelor of Building Surveying (NBBS) course. Besides these students, the program is also available to graduates from similar disciplines, including, but not limited, to:

• Construction management
• Building design
• Quantity surveying
• Architecture
• Civil/structural engineering.

We welcome graduates from any university in Australia.

An in-demand career

Australia is experiencing a shortage of building surveyors across all states and territories. The average age of qualified building surveyors in Australia is 55 and industry experts state things need to dramatically change.

By completing the Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying course, you'll be well-placed to find work, due to current strong industry demand.

Study in convenient eight-week blocks

Following the overwhelming success of the revolutionary VU Block Model with undergraduate students, from 2021 we started rolling out the Block Model to our postgraduate courses.

From 2021, this course will be delivered in eight-week mode, which means you study two units (subjects) at a time over eight weeks (or one unit at a time over eight weeks for part-time study), rather than juggling several units at once. And with its focused timetables and smaller, collaborative classes, VU’s Block Model gives you more time to connect with your peers, lecturers and industry partners, helping you to build strong professional networks.

The VU Block Model has improved our student results and engagement, and has won multiple international awards for innovation and excellence.

• assess building construction documentation for compliance with building legislations, codes and standards
• communicate with technical professionals such as builders, architects and engineers regarding design objectives. 

Recommended study pattern

To attain the award of Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying students will be required to complete:

• 96 credit points of Core studies

Course structure and units

Year One

• Building Studies - Unit code NBS6001, Credits12
• Building Controls and Regulations - Unit code NBS6002, Credits12
• Building Engineering - Unit code NBS6003, Credits12
• Professional Practice, Planning and Assessment - Unit code NBS6005, Credits12
• Risk Assessment and Human Behaviour - Unit code VQB5611, Credits12
• Scientific Principles for Fire Professionals - Unit code VQB5612, Credits12
• Fire Safety Systems Design - Unit code VQB5641, Credits12
• Performance Codes Methodology and Structure - Unit code VQB5642, Credits12

Award requirements

To attain the award of Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying students will be required to complete:

• 96 credit points of Core studies

Exit points

Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building & Fire Codes.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $28,600

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Victoria University (VU) offers a world-class education to students in Melbourne and beyond. Number 1 in Australia for Employability Skills, VU is the first Australian university to deliver the revolutionary VU Block Model of teaching and learning. It enables students to study one subject at a time, in smaller classes, allowing more one-on-one time with lecturers and greater immersion in each subject. Core to VU is its partnership with industry.

Learn more about VU.

Explore VU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

33

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

33

• Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent in a cognate discipline including but not limited to building surveying, construction management, building design, quantity surveying, architecture, civil/structural engineering; OR
• Completion of the Victoria University Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building and Fire Codes course

A combination of qualifications deemed to be equivalent to any of the qualifications listed in the AIBS Scheme for Level 2 (Limited) Building Surveyor plus minimum five years of approved building surveying experience.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.