University of Melbourne
Graduate Diploma in Construction Law
Graduate Diploma
Key details
About this course
Most Melbourne Law Masters subjects are available online in 2021 with some taught on campus. See subject quotas for current subject availability.
Study locations
Parkville
What you will learn
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 formatThe 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.
Class sizes are typically limited to 30 students regardless of delivery mode.
DurationFull-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.
For detailed course and subject information, see the Handbook: Graduate Diploma in Construction Law.
Construction Law 2021 Subject Selection Guide (PDF)
Career pathways
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.
How to apply
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Eligibility- Australian or New Zealand citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
(View eligibility requirements and application dates for International citizens)
Intake periodsThe majority of students will start in either the Semester 1 (start year) or Semester 2 (mid year) intake:
| Begin study in | Applications close |
|---|---|
| 2021 Semester 1 (February) | 21 January 2021 |
| 2021 Semester 2 (July) | 17 June 2021 |
For students wishing to begin study outside of the normal intake periods (for example, a winter intensive subject) - find your first subject's starting date in the Handbook, then find the name of the intake period you should apply for below.
| First subject commences in | Intake name |
|---|---|
| August to November | Spring |
| December to early February | Summer |
| March to May | Autumn |
| June to early July | Winter |
Applicants are advised to apply at least a month prior to the start of the subject.
Note: Students will need to ensure their desired subject hasn't yet reached its quota limit - view quotas
Application OutcomeOnce we receive the completed application, we aim to have a response to you within four to six weeks.
Orientation- Orientation week for full-time students
- Start year intake: 22-26 February 2021, online via Zoom
- Mid year intake: TBC
- Orientation for part-time students
- Online via the Learning Management System (Canvas LMS)
Graduate outcomes
Related opportunities
Supplement your studies and kickstart your career; take your skills for a test drive with industry experience this Summer.