The Master of Construction Law (MConstrLaw) gives construction lawyers and professionals in building, construction, engineering and associated industries the legal knowledge to take the next step in their careers.

It’s available for both law and non-law graduates and the flexible structure makes it ideal for working professionals looking to immerse themselves in the study of construction law.

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 advanced understanding of construction law and its interaction with the commerce and practice of the industry.

The Master of Construction Law is part of the world-renowned Melbourne Law Masters program.

Students must complete 100 credit points in total.

Students without a law degree from a common law jurisdiction must complete Fundamentals of the Common Law as well as 87.5 credit points from the prescribed lists. Of those, at least 62.5 credit points must be from the Construction Law list.

Students with a law degree from a common law jurisdiction must complete at least 87.5 credit points from the prescribed lists. Of those, at least 62.5 credit points must be from the Construction Law list. These students may choose the remaining 12.5 credit points from those available in the Master of Laws (excluding Fundamentals of the Common Law and the Minor Thesis).

Students may not study both Principles of Construction Law and Construction Law.

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 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 one year. Part-time* students enrol in 25 credit points per semester (or half-year period) and have an expected course duration of two years. 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 four years.

As a Master of Construction Law 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.

A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to practice, with a University of Melbourne equivalent score of at least 70, or equivalent or A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivale

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.