Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
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Entry requirements
Applicants for the Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying are required to have:
Completed a Graduate Certificate in Building Surveying from UniSA or equivalent from a recognised University.
OR
Completed a Bachelor 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 degrees from other relevant disciplines will be considered on a case by case basis.
Degree overview
- Develop the knowledge and skills to become a professional building surveyor in Australia.
- Gain a strong understanding of the construction industry and its key stakeholders.
- Focus on building processes and technology, construction law, and building regulations and codes.
- Benefit from flexible study with the program delivered completely online.
- Become a professional building surveyor with a broad understanding of the construction industry.
- Fulfils the requirements for Building Surveyor level accreditation by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Snapshot
Prepare yourself for a responsible leadership role in the field of building surveying or lay the foundations for future study.
You will gain a strong understanding of the construction industry and its key stakeholders. Your studies will focus on building processes and technology, construction law, and building regulations and codes. This qualification fulfils the educational requirements for building surveyor accreditation by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
This qualification is available online only.
The graduate diploma is offered as part of a suite of two programs (graduate certificate and graduate diploma). Each qualification extends to the next. If you decide to exit having completed the first four courses, you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Building Surveying.
What you'll learn
You will gain a strong understanding of the construction industry and its key stakeholders. During your studies you will focus on:
- the complete building lifecycle, including building and asset management and maintenance
- the Australian legal system and the key principles of construction law
- common legal issues experienced on construction projects and the paths available for resolution
- fire technology
- the scientific principles of building surveying in the design and operation of building developments
You will also develop the skills to research and remain up-to-date with developments in construction law throughout your career, and the ability to write on construction law issues.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- assignments and reports
- projects
- examinations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying
You will develop knowledge and understanding in building surveying, and practical skills that you can apply directly to your day-to-day work such as:
- the Australian legal system and key principles of construction law
- assessment and analysis of structures in buildings and the behaviour of the materials used in these structures
- key legal requirements for building surveyors
- fire engineering techniques for design and construction of buildings
- skills and techniques required for management of assets within a building and an organisation
Real-world connections
This qualification has been developed by academics and researchers with strong industry associations, in consultation with our industry partners. The skills and knowledge you develop will have immediate practical application to your everyday working life.
We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Careers to consider:
- building surveyor: ensuring buildings are safe to occupy, energy efficient, accessible and meet all legal requirements as a statutory responsibility; assessing, certifying and inspecting building works; working in design, fire safety, energy efficiency and access solutions; supporting the legal process as educators and expert witnesses
- estimator: compiling cost estimates based on variables such as labour, materials and equipment; working out how much a project is likely to cost and creating budgets; analysing different quotes from sub-contractors and suppliers
- construction planner: developing time plans on construction projects so the project is completed safely, on time and within budget; thinking critically; working with managers and engineers to discuss progress and address issues that arise; organising the stages of construction development
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program meets the AIBS education requirements for a Level 1 unrestricted Building Surveyor.
This program is recognised as meeting the educational requirements for Level 1 Building Surveyor accreditation with The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
“Many notable and iconic structures in Adelaide’s skyline have involved our students and graduates. Our degrees provide students with leadership and technical skills to manage diverse projects, with many opportunities for students to advance and diversify their careers.”
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
