Construction Law and Dispute Resolution

AIMS
There is now a greater need than ever before for people with knowledge and skills in dispute avoidance and dispute resolution, and this situation will continue to increase due to the developing technical, organisational and financial complexity of today’s projects. Fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, this course provides a comprehensive study of both legal principles and construction contracting procedures. You will study an interactive mix of general legal principles, standard forms of contract and the industry’s contract administration procedures and develop the skills necessary to prevent and resolve construction disputes and offer advice on such matters. Reflecting the diversity of working experience within the industry, the course is designed to appeal to students from a wide range of professional callings, eg. civil engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, building surveyors, building services engineers and solicitors. The sheer breadth of the subject makes postgraduate study the only feasible way of providing the in-depth and systemic understanding of the fundamental issues required to cope with such a constantly changing field.

EMPLOYABILITY
The programme will prepare you for a career as a construction contract consultant, contracts manager, contract administrator, arbitrator, expert witness, adjudicator, mediator, conciliator and claims consultant - you may also choose to pursue doctoral research in this area.
Recent graduates have moved into roles with firms such as Bovis Lend Lease, Carillion, James R Knowles, Botswana Public Works Department, Ethiopian Road Authority, Trett Consulting, ABB Power, Gallifords and Marconi

TYPICAL MODULES MAY INCLUDE:

  • Advanced Project Planning and Control
  • Construction Law Principles
  • Dispute Avoidance
  • Dispute Resolution Principles
  • Dispute Resolution practice & procedures
  • International Construction Law
  • Advanced Issues in Construction Law
  • Forms of Contracts

ENTRY
Normally, you should have a good honours degree or equivalent in a construction, engineering or law-related subject, and at least two years’ appropriate experience. Substantial professional experience can substitute for graduate status.
Graduates from other disciplines (eg. management and business studies) are also welcome to apply.

Course length
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Qualifications

Full-time/part-time