The Graduate Diploma in Construction Law (GDipConstrLaw) gives 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, you’ll 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.

The Graduate Diploma in Construction Law is available for both law and non-law graduates and its flexible structure makes it ideal for working professionals looking to immerse themselves in the study of construction law.

The Graduate Diploma in Construction Law is part of the world-renowned Melbourne Law Masters program.

Students must complete 50 credit points of study from the prescribed list of subjects.

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.

Subject timing and format

The Melbourne Law Masters program has been designed around the busy schedules of working professionals. Subjects are offered from February to December each year. Most subjects are taught intensively over five days, with some subjects taught for two hours each week during the semester.

Subjects will be delivered either online, on campus, or as a hybrid of both. Subjects delivered online will have a combination of pre-recorded lecture content, live sessions and discussion boards among other resources. On-campus subjects involve interactive, seminar-style classes in the Law Building in Melbourne.

Duration

Full-time students enrol in 50 credit points per semester (or half-year period) and have an expected course duration of six months. Part-time* students enrol in 25 credit points per semester (or half-year period) and have an expected course duration of one year. Semesters without enrolments require a student to apply for a leave of absence.

*Part-time enrolment is for domestic students only. Part-time students may reduce their study load to 12.5 credit points per half-year period and thus have a maximum course duration of two years.

As a student, you’ll develop an advanced understanding of the complex body of knowledge in the field of construction law, including:

• 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, and
• Key ongoing debates relating to construction law and practice.

You’ll also develop skills in critical analysis and the ability to interpret and transmit your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including clients.

Many students who complete four subjects towards the Graduate Diploma in Construction Law decide to take four more subjects to complete a Master of Construction Law.

Applicants must have completed: A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to legal practice, with a University of Melbourne equivalent score of at least 70, or equivalent

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.