Selecting the right school for your LLM or postgraduate diploma in construction doesn't have to be difficult. We have prepared a selection of the top 6 construction law schools.
Stick around if you're looking for the best construction law schools US or abroad. The ranking follows a popularity list published by the LLM Guide.
1) University of Melbourne Law School
Located in Melbourne, Australia, the school consistently ranks among the best law schools in the world. In 2019, it was the 7th top school based on QC World University Ranking.
What does the law program entail? The LLM & Postgraduate construction law school program targets both lawyers and building professionals such as engineers.
Local and international students develop the expertise to understand the legal landscape around construction projects, from basic to complex issues. The school also offers single subjects enrollments with optional assessments.
2) Leicester De Montfort University Law School
The school is based in Leicester, United Kingdom. De Montfort Law School offers lawyers and building specialists the LLM International Construction Law program via distance learning. Not only does it equip learners with academic knowledge but they also get the chance to find out how various construction activities might result in legal issues. For instance, one of the problems to expect revolves around construction payments. You can read more about it.
Scholars who have enrolled full-time on campus have the special advantage of accessing the best resources, including the newly-built Hugh Aston Building. It has features such as a courtroom, integrated law library, lecture halls, and client interview rooms.
If relocating to Leicester for a considerable duration is a challenge because of work duties, you may enroll for distance learning & study at your own schedule. Online learning offers the flexibility of studying while working a full-time job, traveling, and more.
3) Strathclyde Law School
Founded in 1964, the Strathclyde Law School boasts 50 years' of experience in the provision of law education. It's based in Glasgow and ranks among the top three law schools in Scotland. Their construction law courses include:
Masters Program - Full-time students will spend 12-months on the LLM or 24-months if part-time.
Post Graduate Diploma - The study period lasts 9 months for full-time students and 18-months if part-time.
Post Graduate Certificate - It's entirely part-time and takes 9 months to complete.
You don't need a law degree to enroll. If you're a lawyer, you'll develop the legal expertise required to practice construction law. Building specialists like construction managers will find practical knowledge.
If you're an international post-graduate student with outstanding academic credentials, you may apply for the merit-based Dean's International Excellence Award. The reward that's up to £4,000 covers tuition fees for the first year.
What modules are available? Areas of study include dispute resolution, research methods, and construction law. In-person classes run in the evenings but there is a flexible learning experience with online seminars. Written tests are administered to those taking diplomas & certificates, with 15,000-word dissertations mandated for LLM students in the final year. Facilities are plenty and topnotch such as the comprehensive legal databases and the fully-equipped law library.
4) Bristol Law School - UWE Bristol
The Bristol Law School, based in Bristol UK, is sometimes confused with the University of Bristol Law School. It's actually part of the University of West England (UWE). They have a large assortment of courses including postgraduate, professional short courses, degree apprenticeships, etc.
It's one of the top construction law schools that provides the PgCert in construction law. The program started in 2008, and according to the program leader, Jim Mason, there was an increased need for people with expertise in construction law.
By enrolling in the course, you learn about legal risks, best practices, and recent developments. You'll need a degree or be professionally working in the industry with a desire for specialist knowledge.
Some modules featured include real estate law, adjudication practice (suited for future construction adjudicators), procurement principles, and contract law.
It's a part-time course requiring one year of study and suited to those working full-time.
5) Robert Gordon University (RGU)
The Robert Gordon University ranks among the best construction law schools. They offer PgCert, PgDip, and LLM in Construction Law and Arbitration. You'll find their main campus in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Students gain an in-depth look into construction law & dispute resolution, which is useful for anyone striving for a career in construction adjudication or arbitration
There is an emphasis on flexibility and convenience as you can take the course online while working full-time. Online applications are also accepted on their website.
Studying at RGU brings the benefit of accessing the best facilities and resources. Students can get accreditation from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors or Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The school boasts of the highest employment rates. It has received national recognition for high-quality teaching.
6) University of Salford
Located in Manchester, England, the University of Salford is one of the top construction law schools offering the Construction Law and Practice program. It's a distance learning course that runs for two years. Stakeholders engaged in international construction projects will greatly benefit as it delves into all the legal knowledge needed by practicing specialists.
Modules include legal analysis, construction contracts, insurance, design liability, and research. Primarily, the instruction is via online interactive lessons. Students have to accumulate 30 credits.
Assessments are drawn from real-world problems and complexities. You'll also receive training on assessing and managing risk. Despite being an online course, there is an emphasis on tutor support and interaction.
7) Should I Attend Construction Law School?
Obtaining functional expertise in construction law gives you the skills to perform your role with more professionalism. Lawyers stand to earn an extra feather in their caps.
Nowadays, getting started on a new learning path is easier than ever. You can apply online and receive on-time customer support for any queries. So, take advantage of these opportunities and start learning!
