Viewing Course History

The information below is relevant from 09/03/2015 to 03/03/2024
Click Here to view current information

CU65 - Bachelor of Building Design

Overview

Course Overview

This course produces graduates capable of designing, documenting and providing contract administration for residential and commercial buildings.

Career Information

Building designers provide design solutions for residential and commercial buildings and work for design, architecture, planning, building or engineering firms, government departments, and corporations with a large building portfolio.

Course Details
Duration 5 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 144
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Undergraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) BBldgDes
AQF Level Level 7: Bachelor Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,312
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $25,279.5
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,944
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $24,279
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,520
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $35,370
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,296
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,016

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 2 - 2026

Online

Term 1 - 2026

Online

Term 2 - 2025

Online

Term 1 - 2025

Online

Term 2 - 2024

Online

Term 1 - 2024

Online

Term 2 - 2023

Online

Term 1 - 2023

Online

Term 2 - 2022

Online

Term 1 - 2022

Online

Term 2 - 2021

Online

Term 1 - 2021

Online

Term 2 - 2020

Online

Term 1 - 2020

Online

Term 2 - 2019

Online

Term 1 - 2019

Online

Term 2 - 2018

Distance

Term 1 - 2018

Distance

Term 2 - 2017

Distance

Term 1 - 2017

Distance

Term 2 - 2016

Distance

Term 1 - 2016

Distance

Term 2 - 2015

Distance

Term 1 - 2015

Distance

Term 2 - 2014

Distance

Term 1 - 2014

Distance
Show All

International Availability

Term 2 - 2026

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2026

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2018

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2018

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2017

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2017

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2016

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2016

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2015

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2015

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2014

Distance

Term 1 - 2014

Distance
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 66 | ATAR 66
Entry Requirements

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
  • An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Assumed Knowledge
Domestic students - Assumed Knowledge - English (4, SA), and Maths A or B (4, SA)
Security Requirements
No information available at this time
Health Requirements
No information available at this time
Fees and Charges
Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards CC01 - Associate Degree of Building Design
Exit Awards CC01 - Associate Degree of Building Design
Accreditation
  • Professional Practice: Core
    Building Designers Association of Australia

    The CU65 Bachelor of Building Design is accredited by the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA). Completion of this award satisfies the educational requirements for the Building Design - Open Licence issued by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).
  • Professional Practice: Core
    National Association of Building Designers

    The CU65 Bachelor of Building Design Course is accredited by the Building Designers Association of Queensland (BDAQ)/ National Association of Building Designers (NABD). Completion of this award satisfies the educational requirements for a Building Design - Open Licence issued by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

Residential School Requirements

No Residential School for this course.

Practicum/Work Placement

Not applicable

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 75
2023 84
2022 90
2021 89
2020 85
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Demonstrating honesty and integrity in academic and professional practice, as expected by a respected member of the profession.
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Being reflective with personal behaviours in relation to professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive feedback or criticism from lecturer/unit coordinator/supervisor/mentor/fellow students.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Complying with CQUniversity policies and procedures.
  • Complying with the policies and practices of businesses or organisations.
  • Complying with rules and regulations of relevant accreditation and licensing bodies.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Demonstrating effective communication skills in a range of emerging environments, including the online domain.
  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual, group or workplace.
  • Establishing rapport with clients in the delivery of projects and responding appropriately to clients, supervisors and other professionals. 
  • Understanding and communicating with various relevant mediums (plans and sketches for example) with both the public and other professionals.
  • Holding presentations to a range of stakeholders, including academics, industry professionals and fellow students.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions: eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries, a range of body movements and gestures.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course, as well as during practical placements.
  • Extending communications skills to a range of emerging environments, including the online domain.
  • Competently and appropriately constructing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
  • Expressing complex and detailed information and knowledge into a logical and legible report, in a timely manner that meets professional standards and clearly communicates the intended message.
  • Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form that meets legal and professional requirements.
  • Accessing a computer for your studies, and having basic computer knowledge and skills to engage in the on-line learning environment that may include completing relevant on-line assessments and participating in on-line forums or responding to emails.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Applying theoretical knowledge, research evidence, policies and procedures related to professional practice.
  • Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in projects and services.
  • Producing accurate, concise and clear documentation which meets legal requirements.
  • Demonstrating competency in applying appropriate mathematical knowledge and skills to make precise calculations.
  • Demonstrating effective use of numeracy skills to make accurate interpretation of data.
  • Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve problems in a wide range of projects.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Accurately using instruments for measurements.
  • Having sufficient auditory ability to be capable of hearing warnings when on site.
  • Interacting effectively with stakeholders including clients, members of the community, tradespeople and other members of the engineering team.
  • Using a computer and other tools.
  • Being able to climb a ladder or steep stairs, walk along scaffolding and traverse a construction site.
  • Ability to listen effectively, process and apply verbal information (eg interactive client briefings)
Relational Skills

  Examples are:

  • Ability to collaborate with different team colleagues and a wide range of stakeholders maintaining positive working relationships with them for timely delivery of milestones of a construction project.
Reflective Skills

  Examples are:

  • Reflecting past experience or learned lessons of past projects to issues, cases and situations of current construction projects and modifying the practice during the project.
  • Reflecting on one's own behaviours, including but not limited to time management and communication, and modifying these behaviours to improve related outcomes.
Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in activities related to the course and professional experience.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Transporting field equipment during the data collection phase of projects.
  • Manipulating instruments in tests and measurements.
  • Using knobs and dials in equipment used for field data collection.
Interpersonal Engagement

   Examples are:

  • Relating positively and effectively to a wide variety of business (construction), clients and community stakeholders.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

   Examples are:

  • Demonstrating sufficient computer knowledge and skills to engage in the on-line learning environment that may include completing relevant on-line assessments (e.g.quizzes).
  • Participating in Zoom on-line sessions, responding to emails and using MS Teams to answer assessment tasks.
Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Apply a sound understanding of the coherent body of knowledge and the underlying principles and concepts, fundamental to and in the context of building design and related disciplines.
  • 2. Identify, review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesize knowledge and apply technical and creative thinking skills to solve problems within the context of building design and related practice and/or scholarship.
  • 3. Justify and communicate building design principles, ideas and advice in collaborative contexts with professionals, paraprofessionals and the general community
  • 4. Exercise professional judgement when identifying and responding to cultural, ethical and social issues.
  • 5. Evaluate information and synthesise relevant issues in building design and other contexts as a basis for independent lifelong learning.
  • 6. Learn and work independently and collaboratively in practice and reflect upon feedback to identify and enact self improvements.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
Number of units: 24 Total credit points: 144

Students study the course by distance education. Progression is based on an assumed maximum loading of 12 units of credit. Students should note prerequisite requirements and unit availability when formulating and nominating their study load for the year. Units are offered annually. It is suggested that units be studied as shown in the recommended course study schedule. The loading may be varied to balance work and family commitments. If assistance is required, contact the Course Advisor. Students should actively seek employment in the building industry.

Prospective students should note that exemptions from units within the course may be given where their previous study at AQF certificate IV level or higher and relevant industry licensing fully meets the learning outcomes of a unit. Students should not enrol into a unit where they are seeking an exemption.

Note: Refer to the More Details tab for the link to the recommended course study schedule.

Exit or interim awards

After completing levels 1 and 2 within the course, students may exit with or apply for an interim award of the CC01 Associate Degree of Building Design. Formal application must be made to the Course Advisor to initiate the process.

Level 1 - 8 compulsory units

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BLAR11032 Structural Forms & Analysis
BLAR11033 Building Materials 1
BLAR11039 Building Law & Regulations
BLAR11043 Building Systems and Services 1
BLAR11045 Built Environment 1
BLAR11049 Built Environment Communication and Skills
BLAR11050 Residential Construction
BLAR11051 Construction Legislation 1

Level 2 - 8 compulsory units

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BLAR12036 Building Design 1
BLAR12041 Building Materials 2
BLAR12050 Contract Documentation
BLAR12052 Geotechnical Studies
BLAR12053 Professional Practice
BLAR12054 Structural Design Processes
BLAR12055 History and Theory of Building Design
BLAR12057 Commercial Construction

Level 3 - 8 compulsory units

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BLAR13035 Building Contract Administration
BLAR13037 Building Design 2
BLAR13044 Building Systems and Services 2
BLAR13046 Built Environment 2
BLAR13051 Design Documentation
BLAR13052 Spatial Design Theory and Application
BLAR13053 Urban Design and Development
BLAR13054 Complex Construction

More Details

Articulation and Credit Transfer

To be eligible for a credit transfer, students must have completed relevant study at Certificate IV level or above within the past 10 years. Please refer to the Credit Transfer/RPL website for further information. Students can apply for direct credit against CQUniversity units, if equivalent tertiary level study has been completed. Students must supply relevant documentation (study guides, unit profiles, etc) to do this. If your study was undertaken more than 10 years ago, you may not be eligible to apply for this as credit.

Computing Requirements

It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that would include but not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.

Degree with distinction

Students, who achieve an overall GPA of 6.0 and above at the completion of the course, based on their first attempt of the units, will be awarded a degree with distinction.

Study Schedule

To assist with unit selection, refer to the recommended course study schedule found here.