University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

The programme combines core legal doctrine with practice-focused study of contract administration and dispute resolution in construction and engineering projects. Typical modules cover construction contract law, procurement and project delivery, risk allocation and insurance, and mechanisms for resolving disputes including adjudication, arbitration and litigation.

• Construction Contracts and Procurement – study of standard form contracts, bespoke contracting approaches, procurement routes and the allocation of risk across project participants.
• Dispute Resolution in Construction – comparative study of adjudication, arbitration, expert determination and court-based dispute processes, with practical exercises in drafting and case management.
• Delay, Disruption and Quantum – principles and methods for assessing extension of time, loss and expense, and claims preparation and defence.
• Regulation, Compliance and Health & Safety – legal frameworks governing building regulation, statutory duties and compliance matters that affect project delivery.
• Comparative and International Construction Law – international contract practices, cross-border procurement and transnational dispute issues.
• Research Methods and Dissertation – research skills tailored to applied legal projects, culminating in a substantial dissertation or practice-based research project.

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, case studies, moot-style exercises and assessed coursework. Part-time and flexible study options are often available to accommodate practising professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a good undergraduate degree in law, construction, engineering, surveying or a related discipline. Candidates with a lower-class degree plus relevant professional experience in the construction industry or legal practice may be considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English; typical requirements reflect recognised qualifications such as an overall IELTS score at a level appropriate for postgraduate study, with minimum component scores in line with university policy.

Professional references and a personal statement outlining relevant experience and reasons for undertaking the programme are usually required as part of the application. Some applicants may be invited to interview.

Career prospects

Graduates progress to a range of roles in the construction, legal and professional services sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Construction lawyer or solicitor specialising in building and engineering matters within private practice or in-house teams.
• Contracts manager, commercial manager or claims specialist within contractors, subcontractors or employers’ organisations.
• Dispute resolution practitioner, including roles in arbitration and adjudication, or as an expert witness or consultant on claims and adjudication matters.
• Advisory and consultancy roles with engineering consultancies, quantity surveying firms and specialist dispute resolution practices.
• Public-sector and regulatory roles concerned with procurement, infrastructure delivery and compliance.

The programme is designed to equip graduates with both the legal knowledge and practical skills sought by employers involved in project delivery and dispute management.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde has a long-established reputation for applied, professionally oriented legal education and close engagement with industry. Students benefit from access to teaching staff with experience in construction law and dispute resolution and from connections with practitioners across Scotland and internationally.

The university offers flexible delivery formats to suit part-time and in-service students, and provides opportunities for networking through guest lectures, workshops and industry-focused events. Studying in Glasgow places you at the heart of a vibrant construction and infrastructure community with strong links to consultancy firms, contractors and legal practices.

Research-informed teaching and an emphasis on practical skills ensure the programme remains relevant to current professional practice while supporting continued professional development and progression into specialist roles.