MSc Construction Law and Dispute Resolution

Module: 7CN001

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module will develop construction project skills, identify, review and analyse project management best practice guidelines and discuss aspects of planning and controlling projects. Evaluation of industry techniques and tools, using manual and computer methods for planning and control will be undertaken.

Module: 7AT003

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

Building Information Modelling (or BIM) is fast becoming an integral aspect of the construction industry. This new approach goes beyond the norms of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and opens up the possibility to integrate 3D modelling and digital information into the entire construction process. In this module you will critically investigate and analyse the theory behind BIM and how it is implemented throughout all phases of the design and construction process. We will look at the financial and business benefits that BIM can offer and how new emerging technologies and standards impact on its application for designers, constructors and facilities managers. In addition we will also look at the practical implementation of BIM through the use of industry standard software tools.

Module: 7CN010

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

On this module you will develop an understanding of the legal and procedural issues relating to dispute avoidance and resolution. You will also develop the practical skills required to advise/represent contracting parties in relations to avoidance or resolution of disputes.

Module: 7CN011

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

You will study the the nature and origins of disputes, including strategies from the procurement of construction and engineering works; strategies for avoiding them and principles governing the most commonly used avoidance/resolution strategies and methods.

Module: 7ET023

Credits: 60

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

The MSc Dissertation enables you to undertake an in-depth individual research project in an area directly linked to your subject area and interests. This will ensure that you undertake scholarly work that further develops an aspect of the taught material and thereby contributes to your personal development and training towards professional practice. This module evidences your transformation from undergraduate to master’s level achievement through the process and production of a recognised research output in your subject area.

Module: 7CN017

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of contract law and law of tort and their application to projects. Contract law considers the requirements for a legally binding agreement, with particular emphasis on the formation of a contract, the contents of a contract, forms of contract and remedies for breach. Law of tort law examines the requirements for liability in negligence and outlines of the other torts relevant to the construction industry. The module includes an introduction to the English legal system and dispute resolution.

Module: 7ET022

Credits: 20

Period: 1

Type: Core

Locations: Wolverhampton City Campus

By studying this module you will develop the personal and professional skills required to design and undertake research in your chosen subject area at post graduate level.

As with many other similar courses offered by other institutions, it is currently accredited by the RICS, and the intention is to confirm accreditation with RICS once internal validation is complete. However, several features distinguish this course from the others.

The teaching faculty comprises distinguished construction, engineering and law academics, practising construction lawyers and eminent dispute resolution practitioners offering professional services as arbitrators, mediators, adjudicators, claims consultants and expert witnesses across the globe.

Very active engagement of the faculty in research assessed to be of world class standing has enabled curriculum innovation to cover non-traditional subjects such as the theory and practice of negotiation, the FIDIC family of contracts, conflict of laws and international arbitration. Curriculum flexibility allows students from diverse backgrounds to construct programme of study to enhance a wide range of future practice aspirations

The learning resources (textbooks, journals, multimedia systems, and online resources), which are as extensive as anywhere else, are always being added to with financial support from professional institutions such as the Society of Construction Law.

The new Springfield Campus opened in 2020. Our £100 million project to turn a 12-acre, Grade II listed former brewery, into Europe’s largest specialist Architecture and Built Environment campus, brings together businesses and the education sector to maximise impact on the economy.

Located north to the new £150 million Transport Hub and 10 minutes walking from the City Campus the new development is acting as the catalyst for economic and social regeneration, in an area with a new proposed residential development will see a mixture of 1,200 city houses and apartments and 60,000 square foot of new retail and commercial space.

Find out more about Springfield Campus.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• apply the principles of contract and tort to work out solutions to complex legal problems commonly encountered in the construction industry
• demonstrate high level expertise on: the sources/causes of disputes in the construction and engineering industries; strategies for their avoidance; construction law; and dispute resolution methods
• synthesise the contract documents assembled for any project to derive the legal framework governing its execution.
• analyse a wide range of dispute situations and identify and evaluate respective party positions by reference to principles of construction law and dispute resolution to arrive at appropriate advice on resolution options.
• demonstrate the behaviours and procedural, communication and ethical competencies required in such roles as contract consultant, adjudicator, mediator or arbitrator.
• conduct research into advanced areas of construction law and dispute resolution and write it up publishable standard.

Location Mode Fee Year Home/EU Full-time £6400 per year 2020-21 Home/EU Part-time £3200 per year 2020-21 Home Full-time £6550 per year 2021-22 Home Part-time £3275 per year 2021-22 International Full-time £13350 per year 2020-21 International Full-time £13950 per year 2021-22

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

• A lower second honours degree in a construction or law related discipline, or equivalent, is required for direct entry onto the Master’s programme
• A Postgraduate Certificate in construction or law related discipline, or equivalent subject with a minimum of grade C in all modules.

International Applicants

Your qualifications need to be deemed equivalent to the above entry requirements.

• English Language requirements are normally IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each area (unless otherwise stated) or equivalent accepted qualification
• Please use the following link to see the range of English Language Pre-Sessional courses and related Pre-Masters courses offered by the University of Wolverhampton International Academy.
• For further information relating to overseas qualification please use the following link

Recent graduates have moved into roles with organisations such as Bovis Lend Lease, E. C. Harris, Hill International, Botswana Public Works Department, Ethiopian Road Authority, Driver Consulting, Turner & Townsend, ABB Power, Vestas offshore, Total, Galliford Try and Marconi.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the purpose of graduate membership.

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Postgraduate Loan (Home Fee Status):

You may be able to get a postgraduate student loan from Student Finance England of up to £11,750 to help pay for a Master’s degree. Applications are made through Student Finance England and more information on the regulations and eligibility criteria can be found at Masters Loans gov.uk.

* Any RPL will invalidate your eligibility as you must study a minimum of 180 credits

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as Overseas (International) students for fee purposes