Western Sydney University
Master of Construction Law
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Master's
An industry-endorsed program tailored for construction lawyers and other professionals working in construction, engineering and associated industries for career development in construction law.
Course overview
The Master of Construction Law (MCL) program is designed to meet the needs of construction professionals and construction lawyers from Australia and overseas. Potential applicants to this program include professionals in building, construction, engineering and associated industries, law graduates and legal practitioners working in construction. Working with lecturers who are leaders in their fields, students will have a unique opportunity to gain an advanced understanding of construction law and its interaction with the commerce and practice of the industry via online and face-to-face delivery modes. This program will prepare students for a career as a contract consultant, contracts manager, contract administrator, arbitrator, expert witness, adjudicator, mediator, conciliator and claims consultant in the construction industry and will enable legal practitioners and law graduates to develop specialised skills and knowledge to develop careers in the construction law industry.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points. Each subject is valued at 10 credit points.
Core Subjects
- Advanced Contract Management
- Interpreting Building Regulations (Residential Buildings)
- Managing Legal Risk in Construction Law
- Construction Law
- Construction Claims
- Professional Practice and Building Law
- Law of Construction Delay and Disruption
- Remedies in the Construction Context
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed one of the following in any jurisdiction:
- Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree, or Juris Doctor degree, or equivalent or higher OR a Bachelor Honours degree in construction or a related field, or higher.
- Bachelor of Laws degree, or equivalent OR a Bachelor's degree in construction or a related field AND two years’ full-time equivalent documented relevant professional experience.
- Bachelor of Laws degree, or equivalent OR a Bachelor's degree in construction or a related field AND one year full-time equivalent documented relevant professional experience AND successful completion of four subjects of a Graduate Diploma in Laws, construction or a related field.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning is recognition of prior learning in terms of experience and/or studies. When you apply for Credit for Prior Learning, the university will assess your prior learning. It may award you Credit for Prior Learning in the program you are currently studying in recognition of what you have achieved. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:
- Contract consultation and management
- Alternative dispute resolution (including arbitration, mediation and conciliation)
- As expert witnesses and claims consultants
- Adjudication in the construction industry
This program will also enable legal practitioners and law graduates to develop specialised skills and knowledge to develop their construction law industry careers. This program does NOT satisfy the academic degree requirements for admission to practice as an Australian lawyer.
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $16,992 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- 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.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per subject you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.