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Graduate Diploma in Construction Law (189AA)
Graduate DiplomaYear: 2024 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Contact
Directors of Studies
Matthew Bell
Wayne Jocic
Melbourne Law School
Currently enrolled students:
Future students:
Overview
Award title | Graduate Diploma in Construction Law |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2024 — 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
Entry requirements
Start Year Intake 2024
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.
Mid-year Intake 2024
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 7.0 overall with no band less than 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
Will be able to:
- 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 | May (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70314 | Principles of Construction Law |
February (On Campus - Parkville)
May (On Campus - Parkville)
July (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Construction Law - Contracting subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70270 | Construction Contract Analysis, Drafting |
February (On Campus - Parkville)
April (Off Campus)
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 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90229 | Rethinking Construction Contracting Risk | February (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Construction Law - Project delivery subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90034 | Construction Contracting: New Frontiers | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90040 | Construction, the Community & Neighbours | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90099 | Major Project Delivery: Legal Interfaces | June (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70441 | Managing Legal Risk in Construction | May (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90029 | Planning and Building Sustainable Cities | November (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70113 | Public Private Partnerships Law | April (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70329 | Residential Construction Law | April (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90208 | Law of Construction Delay and Disruption |
March (On Campus - Parkville)
October (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
LAWS70436 | Specialised Construction Procurement Law | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90267 | Clean Energy Projects Law and Regulation | April (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Construction Law - International subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90014 | Construction Law and Projects in Asia | November (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70450 | Global Perspectives on Construction Law | November (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70139 | International Construction Law | December (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Construction Law - Dispute avoidance and resolution subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70245 | Avoid and Manage Construction Disputes | October (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70133 | Construction Dispute Resolution | August (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Construction Law - Capstone subject
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70128 | Advanced Construction Law | August (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Other subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70018 | Alternative Dispute Resolution | November (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70380 | Australian Consumer Law | April (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70206 | Banking and Secured Finance | May (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70135 | Bargaining at Work | October (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90062 | Business Negotiations and Deal-Making |
January (Online)
June (Online)
November (Online)
|
12.5 |
LAWS90250 | Civil Appeals | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90051 | Commercial Arbitration in Practice | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90207 | No longer available | ||
LAWS90040 | Construction, the Community & Neighbours | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90070 | Consumer Protection | October (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90194 | Contract Design and Automation | Not available in 2024 | 6.25 |
LAWS70335 | Contract Interpretation | May (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70444 | Contract Termination | June (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90172 | Core Principles of Contract | February (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70202 | Current Issues in Civil Litigation | March (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70229 | Negligence | April (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90193 | Design for Innovation | Not available in 2024 | 6.25 |
LAWS90088 | Disaster Law and Climate Adaptation | September (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70200 | Employment Contract Law | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS70100 | Environmental Law | April (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70065 | Event Management Law | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS70073 | Expert Evidence | June (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90117 | Federal Jurisdiction | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS70389 | Global Commercial Contract Law | January (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90118 | Government Liability | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS70362 | Information Technology Contracting Law | June (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70121 | International Commercial Arbitration |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
December (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
LAWS90022 | International Dispute Settlement | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS70304 | Internat Investment Law and Arbitration |
March (On Campus - Parkville)
May (On Campus - Parkville)
June (On Campus - Parkville)
October (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
LAWS70197 | Labour Standards and their Enforcement | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90210 | Law and Psychology | May (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90119 | Law and Public Administration | September (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90025 | Liability Insurance Law | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90048 | Mediation in Practice | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90113 | Mediation: Principles and Practice | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90043 | Mineral and Petroleum Law | March (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90080 | Negotiation and Dispute Resolution | March (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70468 | Negotiation Skills | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90199 | Pandemic Law and Practice | March (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70349 | Planning and Development Law | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90027 | Precontractual Liability | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS70371 | Principles of Employment Law |
March (On Campus - Parkville)
August (Online)
|
12.5 |
LAWS70205 | Project Finance | October (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70460 | Regulatory Design,Compliance&Enforcement | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS70210 | Resources Joint Ventures | November (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90206 | Social Procurement Law and Policy | November (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70404 | Statutes in the 21st Century | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS90151 | The Law of Public Contracting | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
LAWS70053 | Workplace Health and Safety | September (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90280 | Work Law in Unionised Sectors | October (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90277 | Designing Effective Legislation | May (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Last updated: 9 February 2024