Adelaide University
Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Gain an accredited degree in building surveying in only one year of full-time study.
Course overview
Equip yourself for a responsible leadership role in building surveying or establish a solid foundation for further study. Develop a strong understanding of the Australian legal system and key principles of construction law, including the essential legal requirements. Learn how to assess and analyse building structures and material behaviour, apply fire engineering techniques and manage assets within buildings and organisations.
This qualification meets the educational criteria for building surveyor accreditation from the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors.
The Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying is offered as part of a suite of two programs (graduate certificate and graduate diploma). If you decide to exit after completing the first four courses, you will have completed the Graduate Certificate in Building Surveying. You will need to complete the graduate diploma to register as a professional Level 1 Building Surveyor.
Key features
- Acquire the skills to practise as a professional building surveyor in Australia.
- Build a comprehensive understanding of the construction sector and its stakeholders.
- Focus on construction methods, technology, legal frameworks and regulatory codes.
- Learn from world-class industry leaders and academics.
- Enjoy the convenience of fully online, flexible study options.
- Meet the requirements to qualify as a professional building surveyor by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS).
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 48 units comprising eight core courses. Each course is worth six units.
Core courses
Complete 48 units for all of the following:
- Development Regulation
- Fire Technology (UniSA)
- Introduction to Construction Law
- The Constructed Environment
- Building Structures and Materials
- Asset Management and Building Pathology
- Building Surveying (UniSA)
- Advanced Building Surveying (UniSA)
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil 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.
- Completed a Graduate Certificate in Building Surveying from UniSA or equivalent from a recognised University; OR
- Completed a bachelor's degree in built environment, civil engineering, structural engineering, building surveying, quantity surveying, construction management or architecture from a recognised University. Applicants who have completed bachelor's degrees from other relevant disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Gain a strong understanding of the construction industry and its key stakeholders over one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Learn the scientific foundations of building surveying and apply these to the design and operation of building developments.
You’ll graduate equipped with the practical skills to advance in your current role or use this program as a pathway to further education.
Career outcomes
You might perform on-site inspections during construction to ensure adherence to building plans, standards and legal requirements. You might analyse the structural integrity and stability of buildings. Perhaps you’ll assess properties for fire risks to protect occupants and assets.
Careers include the following:
- Building Surveyor
- Building Certifier
Fees and CSP
Estimated student contribution amount per 1.0 EFTSL (48 units) in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.
The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:
- Number of courses you are enrolled in.
- Unit value of courses.
- Funding cluster your courses fall under.
A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.