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. Course structure Students must complete four subjects from the Construction Law and Other subjects lists. Of those four subjects, at least three must be from the Construction Law lists and must not include both Principles of Construction Law and Construction 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. 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, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the subject content. Intensive subjects are typically taught over five days, either from Monday–Friday or Wednesday–Tuesday, excluding the weekend. This intensive format enables students from interstate or overseas to fly to Melbourne to attend class. Semester-length subjects are generally taught for two hours in the evening each week during the semester. Subjects are taught in an interactive seminar style and class sizes normally range from 20 to 30 students. 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. Duration As a student, you will need to enrol in at least one subject per semester and will have a maximum of two years to complete the course, including any leave of absence.