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Postgraduate MSc
Construction Law and Dispute Resolution
Build your expertise in resolving disputes within construction to help maintain great commercial relationships in the industry.
Course overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Part-Time -
2 Years -
21 Sep 2026
If you're a professional working in surveying, construction or a related field, this course will develop your ability to manage and resolve disputes efficiently.
As part of this course, you'll:
- Study principles of construction law, approaches to dispute resolution (including arbitration, adjudication and mediation), and construction claims
- Enhance your ability to identify and evaluate appropriate decision-making strategies
- Develop research capability and skills to analyse problems in a professional context
- Be eligible to apply for Member status with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) after successfully completing specified core modules
Industry links
The course is supported by a number of local experienced practitioners, including construction solicitors, barristers, arbitrators, adjudicators and mediators many of whom have key offices in Leeds. We also have links with the Society of Construction Law.
Professionally accredited
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) as part of its Recognised Course Provider scheme. If you successfully complete specified core modules, you'll be eligible to apply for CIArb membership at Member grade, the highest grade available under the revised Recognised Course Provider scheme.
Distance learning
Delivered via distance learning, you can balance the demands of your course with your everyday commitments, allowing you to keep working while you learn. You'll be able to study at a time and place to suit you, graduating with a qualification of equal value to one obtained by studying on campus. You'll also be able to use our Library and access the support of our expert academic staff, Student Hub and Student Wellbeing Team.
LLM qualification
This course is also available as a Master of Laws for those who already hold an LLB degree (or equivalent qualification).
Why study the MSc Construction Law & Dispute Resolution course at Leeds Beckett University?
- We hold Recognised Course Provider status from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
- Industry experienced teaching team with support from active practitioners including construction solicitors, barristers, arbitrators, adjudicators and mediators
- Flexible part-time distance study through our virtual learning environment
- Industry body links through the Society of Construction Law
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to meet one of the following:
- Hold at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Law or Construction
- Hold at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject and demonstrate an aptitude for the subject applied for in the supporting information
- Hold an equivalent professional qualification (i.e., chartered status with RICS, CIOB, ICE)
- Have equivalent work experience, for example, a HND in an appropriate discipline together with construction experience at managerial level.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 7.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to meet one of the following:
- Hold at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Law or Construction
- Hold at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject and demonstrate an aptitude for the subject applied for in the supporting information
- Hold an equivalent professional qualification (i.e., chartered status with RICS, CIOB, ICE)
- Have equivalent work experience, for example, a HND in an appropriate discipline together with construction experience at managerial level.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 7.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 7.0 with no skill below 7.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
Distance learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you’ll have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you’ll also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Technical requirements for distance learning study are detailed in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website for more information.
Overall workload
Each module on our distance learning courses is individually designed to maximise your learning so study requirements will vary. As a general guideline, you’ll need to allocate around 10 hours per week to complete each module, plus a further five hours for additional reading and assignments. However, this may vary depending on the module. Teaching and learning will be delivered using a range of interactive resources. This typically includes audio and video content, group discussions, reflective exercises, quizzes, online reading and much more. All these resources are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment and can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.
What you'll learn
Examine the basics of contract and tort law. You will develop your knowledge of the civil court system, the hierarchy of the courts and the doctrine of precedent as it relates to construction law and the development and resolution of disputes in the construction industry.
Study the law and practice of adjudication as a method of dispute resolution as it applies to construction contracts and as defined in the amended Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
Study the function and effectiveness of legal principles in the resolution of design/construction problems and learn how to apply these principles to avoid or resolve such difficulties.
Gain a detailed understanding of the law and practice of arbitration as a method of dispute resolution as it is defined under the Arbitration Act 1996 and UNCITRAL Model Law.
This module provides an introduction to the principles and practice of commercial mediation and negotiation. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of the main elements of commercial mediation, enabling you to play an effective role in resolving disputes using these methods.
Gain the skills needed to draft an adjudicator’s decision as required under the amended Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 and as detailed in the associated Scheme for Construction Contracts.
Develop the skills to research, draft and present a publishable research paper on a topic relevant to your course.
Studying the background to tortious and contractual claims, you will learn how to best present a claim in arbitration, adjudication or litigation.
Develop the skills needed to draft an arbitrator’s award as required under the Arbitration Act 1996 (as amended) and as detailed in relevant arbitration rules.
Fees and funding
£10,400
UK
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £57.77 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 180.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
£11,450
International 2026. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £63.61 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 180.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Fees and funding
£10,400
For students entering in 2026. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £57.77 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 180.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- You’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£11,450
For students entering in 2026. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £63.61 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 180.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- You’ll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £12,858, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
You'll acquire the academic training essential to develop your career in adjudication, arbitration and mediation, or as a dispute resolution or claims consultant. Your course is specifically designed for the construction industry, but many of the dispute resolution skills you develop will be transferable across other industries.
- Construction solicitor
- Construction practitioner
- Contract administrator
- Claims consultant
School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Careers Fair Our School holds a Careers Fair which is attended by over 25 major employers from the Civil Engineering, Construction, Architecture and Planning sectors giving you the opportunity to secure graduate roles, placements and part-time employment.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
what is distance learning?
A great option for flexible learning
Very simply, to study by distance learning means you don't have to be based in Leeds to take one of our courses. Wherever you are and whatever you want to study, it's a great option for flexible learning.
When you choose one of our distance learning courses, you can do just that – study at a distance, at a pace that suits you.
Like our students on campus, you will have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you'll find these online instead of in a lecture theatre. Not only are the modules taught online but you will also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Our extensive list of distance learning courses means that whether you are from the UK or further afield, changing your career path or looking for that promotion, we have a course that suits your needs.
Thinking of staying at home for your studies?
It’s a great option for lots of our local students
