University of Melbourne
Graduate Diploma in Construction Law
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Provides legal professionals and industry specialists with in-depth knowledge of construction law, covering contract negotiation, dispute resolution, risk management and regulatory frameworks in the construction sector.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Construction Law 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.
This course 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.
Key facts
February, 2026
March, 2026
June, 2026
July, 2026
August, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 50 credit points of study from the prescribed list of subjects. Each subject is valued at 12.5 credit points.
This introductory subject is compulsory for graduate diploma students with no previous training in law. It is highly recommended for international students who do not have a degree from a common law jurisdiction. Students are advised to attend Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions prior to undertaking any other subject.
- Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions (zero credit points)
Entry Requirements
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have completed one of the following:
- A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) with a University of Melbourne equivalent score of at least 70 leading to admission to legal practice.
- A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to legal practice and at least one year of documented relevant professional experience.
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and at least one year of documented relevant professional work experience.
Professional experience relevant to this course may include roles such as a project manager or officer, engineer, contracts manager or quantity surveyor in the field of construction.
Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Where the admission criteria include a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, the university will assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading and pass marks.
English Language Requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous studies taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
- IELTS (Academic) – 7.0, with no band less than 6.5
- TOEFL – 94+, with writing 24; speaking 20; reading 19; listening 20
- Pearson – 72+, with the written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 64
- Cambridge – 185+, with no skill less than 176
Recognition of Prior Learning
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning). Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
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.
- 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.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative first-year and total course fee in 2026: $24,992 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Unless otherwise noted, the indicative total course fee shown above assumes a study load of 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) commencing semester one of the listed year, except for courses with a duration of less than 1 EFTSL.
Fees are subject to annual review by the University, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.