Graduate Diploma in Construction Law (189AA)

You’re currently viewing the 2022 version of this course

Overview

Award title	Graduate Diploma in Construction Law
Year & campus	2022 — Parkville
CRICOS code	075333C
Fees information	Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date
Study level & type	Graduate Coursework
AQF level	8
Credit points	50 credit points
Duration	6 months full-time or 12 months part-time

The construction law program has been tailored to give construction lawyers and professionals in building, construction, engineering and associated industries the legal knowledge to take the next step in their careers. Working with lecturers who are leaders in their fields, and fellow students from Australia and around the world, students have a unique opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of this specialised area of law and its interaction with the commerce and practice of the industry.

Links to further information

law.unimelb.edu.au

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• a degree in Law (LLB, JD or equivalent) at honours standard or equivalent leading to admission to legal practice; or

• a degree in Law (LLB, JD or equivalent) or equivalent leading to admission to legal practice and at least one year of documented, relevant professional experience; or

• an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and at least one year of documented, relevant professional work experience.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance; and if necessary

• the professional experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The Melbourne Law Masters welcomes applications from students with disabilities. The inherent academic requirements for study in the Melbourne Law Masters are:

The ability to attend a minimum of 75% of classes and actively engage in the analysis and critique of complex materials and debate;
The ability to read, analyse and comprehend complex written legal materials and complex interdisciplinary materials;
The ability to clearly and independently communicate in writing a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and to critically evaluate these;
The ability to clearly and independently communicate orally a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and critically evaluate these;
The ability to work independently and as a part of a group;
The ability to present orally and in writing legal analysis to a professional standard.

Students who feel their disability will inhibit them from meeting these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact Student Equity and Disability Support.

Intended learning outcomes

Have advanced knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge relating to the field of construction law, including the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in relation to:
- the common law principles and statutory regimes that impact upon construction and related projects in Australia and the relationship of such laws with the technical and commercial underpinnings of the industry
- the international aspects of construction law and practice, including comparisons with that applicable in Australia
- the principles underpinning the drafting of construction contracts and amendment of standard-form construction contracts
- the avoidance, management and resolution of construction claims and disputes
Have advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills that enable them to:
- analyse critically, evaluate and convey information and
- generate ideas and solutions to complex problems from both theoretical and practical perspectives in the subjects studied in the field of construction law
Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner in the field of construction law.

Graduate attributes

Advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the relevant area of law
The specialist focus of the Melbourne Law Masters, the constant review and renewal of subjects and courses, the range and expertise of instructors from Australia and around the world, and regular advice from our advisory boards combine to ensure that courses and subjects reflect emerging knowledge and ideas
Ability to evaluate and synthesise existing knowledge in the area
Small classes, a discussion-based environment and the emphasis on quality teaching and learning create an environment in which knowledge is exchanged, critically examined and adapted to current circumstances
Well-developed problem solving abilities, characterised by flexibility of approach
Most subjects approach knowledge by reference to various issues or problems. Students are encouraged to critically analyse problems and identify and develop a range of appropriate solutions through class discussion, individual study and assessment tasks.
Advanced competencies in legal research and analysis
Class preparation and class discussions are designed to enhance these skills, which are tested in all forms of assessment.
Capacity to communicate, orally and in writing
Classroom discussion and formal presentations provide an opportunity to hone oral communication skills, and written assessment tasks are graded in part on written communication skills.
Appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research
Research papers and other research tasks are expected to attain a degree of originality and discovery that befits a quality postgraduate program, and students are encouraged and assisted to publish work of a high standard in refereed journals.
Capacity to manage competing demands on time
The demanding nature of graduate study requires effective time-management skills from all students. The rigour of our programs, whether undertaken part-time or full-time, ensures that all successful graduates have enhanced time-management skills.
Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, including the ethics of scholarship
Some subjects have a substantive ethical component. All instructors have a respect for intellectual integrity and are skilled scholars or practitioners in their own right.
Appreciation of the way in which knowledge provides a foundation for leadership
Instructors in the Melbourne Law Masters are leaders in their fields, and many subjects involve visiting academics, exposing students to a wider array of leaders in a range of legal fields. The Law School is committed to the significance of knowledge, which informs all regular programs and a wide range of additional activities.
Capacity to value and participate in teamwork
Small class sizes and an intensive teaching format are valuable in encouraging group dynamics and teamwork.
Understanding of the significance and value of knowledge to the wider community
Law and legal knowledge are a community resource. In some subjects, this perspective is covered explicitly by the syllabus and the manner in which issues are treated in class. In addition, our diverse student body ensures that a range of perspectives on the way law impacts on the community are identified and analysed.
Capacity to engage with issues in contemporary society
Our programs focus on the most up-to-date legal knowledge, analysing current issues and problems through the curriculum design, classroom discussion and assessment tasks. International students are also invited to participate in extracurricular activities to aid understanding of Australian law and legal institutions.
Advanced working skills in the use of new technology
The most advanced IT infrastructure is available to Melbourne Law Masters students in the Law Library, the Moot Court Room, classroom settings and for private study.

Course structure

Students must complete 50 credit points from the Construction Law and Other subjects lists.

Of those, at least 37.5 credit points must be from the Construction Law lists and can only include ONE of: Principles of Construction Law; Construction Law; or Construction Project Delivery Law. Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction or any prior legal studies or experience are also expected to complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions.

Note: Most subjects in the MLM program are 12.5 credit points each. Check individual subject handbook entries for confirmation.

Subject options

Construction Law - Foundation subjects

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
LAWS70176	Construction Law	March (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS90207	Construction Project Delivery Law	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS70314	Principles of Construction Law	February (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) August (Off Campus) August (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5

Construction Law - Contracting subjects

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
LAWS70270	Construction Contract Analysis, Drafting	February (Online) November (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70149	Construction Risk	September (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70239	Payment Matters in Construction Projects	October (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70112	Remedies in the Construction Context	July (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS90229	Rethinking Construction Contracting Risk	June (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5

Construction Law - Project delivery subjects

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
LAWS90034	Construction Contracting: New Frontiers	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90040	Construction, the Community & Neighbours	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90099	Major Project Delivery: Legal Interfaces	July (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70441	Managing Legal Risk in Construction	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90029	Planning and Building Sustainable Cities	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS70113	Public Private Partnerships Law	May (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70329	Residential Construction Law	November (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS90208	Law of Construction Delay and Disruption	October (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70436	Specialised Construction Procurement Law	April (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5

Construction Law - International subjects

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
LAWS90014	Construction Law and Projects in Asia	February (Online)	12.5
LAWS70450	Global Perspectives on Construction Law	August (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70139	International Construction Law	December (Online)	12.5
LAWS90146	Construction Law in the Middle East	Not available in 2022	12.5

Construction Law - Dispute avoidance and resolution subjects

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
LAWS70245	Avoid and Manage Construction Disputes	May (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70133	Construction Dispute Resolution	Not available in 2022	12.5

Construction Law - Capstone subject

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
LAWS70128	Advanced Construction Law	August (Off Campus)	12.5

Other subjects

Code	Name	Study period	Credit Points
LAWS70202	Current Issues in Civil Litigation	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90080	Negotiation and Dispute Resolution	March (Online)	12.5
LAWS70018	Alternative Dispute Resolution	November (Online)	12.5
LAWS70380	Australian Consumer Law	March (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70206	Banking and Secured Finance	May (Online)	12.5
LAWS70135	Bargaining at Work	June (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS90062	Business Negotiations and Deal-Making	January (Online) July (Online)	12.5
LAWS90015	Consumer Redress and Product Defects	No longer available
LAWS70335	Contract Interpretation	June (Online)	12.5
LAWS70444	Contract Termination	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS70229	Current Issues in Negligence	March (Online)	12.5
LAWS90088	Disaster Law and Climate Adaptation	May (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70200	Employment Contract Law	November (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70141	Energy Regulation and the Law	November (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70100	Environmental Law	March (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70065	Event Management Law	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS70073	Expert Evidence	May (Online)	12.5
LAWS70389	Global Commercial Contract Law	March (Online)	12.5
LAWS70362	Information Technology Contracting Law	October (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70121	International Commercial Arbitration	Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70197	Labour Standards and their Enforcement	October (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS90025	Liability Insurance Law	June (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS90048	Mediation in Practice	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS70468	Negotiation Skills	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90101	Personal Property Securities Law	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS70349	Planning and Development Law	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90043	Mineral and Petroleum Law	March (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70205	Project Finance	October (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70104	Regulating Infrastructure & Utilities	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS70210	Resources Joint Ventures	May (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70404	Statutes in the 21st Century	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90031	Taxation of Major Projects	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS70464	Toxics, Waste and Contamination Law	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS70053	Workplace Health and Safety	March (Online)	12.5
LAWS90027	Precontractual Liability	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90051	Commercial Arbitration in Practice	October (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS90117	Federal Jurisdiction	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90118	Government Liability	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90119	Law and Public Administration	October (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS90113	Mediation: Principles and Practice	November (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS70460	Regulatory Policy and Practice	August (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS90151	The Law of Public Contracting	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90193	Design for Innovation	Not available in 2022	6.25
LAWS90194	Contract Design and Automation	Not available in 2022	6.25
LAWS70371	Principles of Employment Law	March (Online) November (On Campus - Parkville)	12.5
LAWS90210	Law and Psychology	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90172	Core Principles of Contract	May (Online)	12.5
LAWS90022	International Dispute Settlement	May (Online)	12.5
LAWS90207	Construction Project Delivery Law	Not available in 2022	12.5
LAWS90040	Construction, the Community & Neighbours	Not available in 2022	12.5

Last updated: 5 May 2023

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