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

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $6,248
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 50 credit points (four subjects).
Campus
Parkville
Intake
March, 2026
June, 2026
July, 2026
August, 2026
December, 2026
Units
4
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

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.

Non-Common Law Background

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)
Construction Law
Electives

Entry Requirements

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have completed one of the following:

  • A Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) (AQF7) or a Juris Doctor (JD) (AQF9) leading to admission to legal practice with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 70%, or equivalent.
  • A Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) (AQF7) or a Juris Doctor (JD) (AQF9) or equivalent, leading to admission to legal practice and one year of documented relevant experience.
  • A bachelor's degree (AQF7) or equivalent in a cognate (relevant) discipline. Cognate (relevant) disciplines include: Construction, Civil Engineering, Project Management, Building, Surveying, Architecture and one year of documented relevant experience.

Relevant experience for this course may include legal roles such as a lawyer, solicitor, advocate, attorney, counsel, barrister, magistrate, or judge's associate or roles in the field of construction such as project manager or officer, engineer, contracts manager or quantity surveyor.

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 a recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test.

Contact the university or visit its website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

After you receive a course offer you can apply to transfer any recognised prior learning credits by applying for Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).

Advanced standing is acknowledgement of prior study granted towards your current degree, based on prior study or work experience. If advanced standing is awarded the length of your degree may be reduced. There are two types of advanced standing you can be awarded – general advanced standing or exempt advanced standing.

Contact the university or visit its website for more information.

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)

The indicative fee shown is based on a full-time study load of 50 credit points (four subjects).

Student fees 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.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.