University of Melbourne
Master of Construction Law
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Master's
An advanced program that equips legal and industry professionals with specialized expertise in construction law, covering contract management, dispute resolution, risk allocation and regulatory frameworks in the construction industry.
Course overview
The Master of 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.
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 an advanced understanding of construction law and its interaction with the commerce and practice of the industry.
Key facts
March, 2026
June, 2026
July, 2026
August, 2026
December, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 100 credit points in total. Each subject is valued at 12.5 credit points.
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 subjects on the Construction Law lists and Other subjects list. Of those 87.5 credit points, at least 62.5 credit points must be from the Construction Law lists. Students may not study both Principles of Construction Law and Construction Law.
- Fundamentals of the Common Law
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) leading to admission to practice with a University of Melbourne equivalent score of at least 70.
- A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to practice, or equivalent and two years of documented relevant professional experience.
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and two years of documented relevant professional experience.
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline; and successful completion of four subjects in a cognate graduate diploma and one year of documented relevant professional experience.
Disciplines directly related to this course include construction.
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 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.
- 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: $49,984 (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.