Master of Laws

Construction Law and Dispute Resolution

Teaching & 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

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 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.
Studying the background to tortious and contractual claims, you will learn how to best present a claim in arbitration, adjudication or litigation.
Develop a properly structured dissertation on a topic relevant to your course. You will formulate and execute a plan for legal research and we will provide you with individual supervision to support you as you undertake your dissertation.
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 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.
Studying the background to tortious and contractual claims, you will learn how to best present a claim in arbitration, adjudication or litigation.
Develop a properly structured dissertation on a topic relevant to your course. You will formulate and execute a plan for legal research and we will provide you with individual supervision to support you as you undertake your dissertation.

What you'll learn

An introduction to the principles and practice of commercial mediation, this module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the main elements of commercial mediation, conciliation and expert determination, enabling you to play an effective role in resolving disputes using these methods. You will study either this module or Law of Obligations.
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.
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 applied in common arbitration rules.
Develop in-depth knowledge of the law of civil and commercial arbitration. You will focus on the process, key documents and procedures in a modern, commercial arbitration. The module is based on UNCITRAL Model Law and UNCITRAL arbitration rules.
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.
Hone the skills needed to draft an international arbitrator’s award as required under the UNCITRAL Model Law and as detailed in UNCITRAL arbitration rules.
An introduction to the principles and practice of commercial mediation, this module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the main elements of commercial mediation, conciliation and expert determination, enabling you to play an effective role in resolving disputes using these methods. You will study either this module or Law of Obligations.
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.
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 applied in common arbitration rules.
Develop in-depth knowledge of the law of civil and commercial arbitration. You will focus on the process, key documents and procedures in a modern, commercial arbitration. The module is based on UNCITRAL Model Law and UNCITRAL arbitration rules.
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.
Hone the skills needed to draft an international arbitrator’s award as required under the UNCITRAL Model Law and as detailed in UNCITRAL arbitration rules.