Construction Law and Contract Administration (P.Grad.Dip.)

Overview

Course Overview

This one-year course is enables civil engineers and other suitably qualified professionals, such as architects, quantity surveyors and lawyers, to acquire a knowledge of construction law.

This course has been approved by Engineers Ireland as meeting its requirements for continuing professional development.  Students successfully completing the programme will be eligible for exemption up to membership level of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in London. Successful completion of this course fulfils the IEI criterion No. 3.4 (b) (demonstrating adequate knowledge of Law and Contract Procedure) for admission to the IEI List of Conciliators (Conciliation Procedure 2000).

Is This Course For Me?

This course is suitable for professionals in the construction industry, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, and construction lawyers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework within which construction projects operate, as well as the practical skills necessary for effective contract administration and dispute resolution.

Additionally, the course may be of interest to individuals who are seeking to pursue a career in construction law or contract administration, as well as those who wish to broaden their knowledge and skills in this area for personal or professional development purposes.

Career Opportunities

Graduates acquire a greater knowledge of construction law which allows them to work with developers and construction companies or to move into dispute resolution.

Course Topics include: Introduction to Legal Systems and Methods; the Irish litigation process; the law of evidence; The Law of Tort; The Law of Contract; Contracts in construction - procurement methods, engineering and building contracts, tenders; Contracts in construction - claims, insurance, subcontracts; case law; public procurement; contracts for other professions; Risk and insurance; sureties; statutory duties; professional relationships, duties and liabilities; Methods of dispute resolution.

Two three-hour examinations are held in April. Each of these constitutes one third of the overall assessment. Coursework, which is done throughout the year, accounts for the remaining one third of the overall assessment. Students must pass each examination paper and each coursework assignment.

Course Structure

Lectures are normally held on Friday evening 7pm-10pm and Saturday morning 9.30am-12.30pm each week throughout the two semesters (September to April) with some lectures and workshop sessions scheduled for Friday afternoons. In addition to attending lectures, participants are required to participate in workshops, which comprise a major part of the course and involve coursework to be submitted as part of the students’ assessment. The diploma is Level 9 on the NFQ. It is weighted at 45 ECTS credits consisting of three modules of 15 ECTS credits each.

Course Content

To Legal Systems And Methods; The Irish Litigation Process; The Law Of Evidence; The Law Of Tort; The Law Of Contract; Contracts In Construction - Procurement Methods, Engineering And Building Contracts, Tenders; Contracts In Construction - Claims, Insurance, Subcontracts; Case Law; Public Procurement; Contracts For Other Professions; Risk And Insurance; Sureties; Statutory Duties; Professional Relationships, Duties And Liabilities; and Methods Of Dispute Resolution.

Two three-hour examinations are held in April. Each of these constitutes one third of the overall assessment. Coursework, which is done throughout the year, accounts for the remaining one third of the overall assessment. Students must pass each examination paper and each coursework assignment.

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