Program Overview

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Adjudication Decision Writing

The Adjudication Decision Writing course is a fully online short course designed to teach students about the key parts of a construction adjudicator's decision, how to analyze the facts and legal issues in the adjudication, and explore the legal and formal requirements for a decision.

Course Overview

This optional non-credit-bearing six-week course consists of four weeks of online tuition followed by the decision writing assessment. The mode of study is online learning, and the mode of attendance is part-time. The course starts in April 2026 and lasts for six weeks.

What You Will Study

By the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the relevance, context, and importance of procedural requirements in adjudication
• Draft letters and communicate with the parties to deal with procedural issues and take appropriate decisions as necessary
• Analyse the evidence and facts in issue and apply these concepts and the rules
• Master the law of evidence as it applies in adjudication
• Develop analysis and reasoning in a decision
• Structure an enforceable decision covering all substantive and procedural issues in clear, precise, and determinative language

Course Structure

The course is taught fully online, allowing students to study from any location and is designed to fit in around their work commitments. The virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle, allows students to communicate easily with tutors and fellow students, providing all the help and support needed for studying in any location across the world.

Learning Methods

Live online sessions with the tutors featuring Q&A, feedback, and discussion will be offered at appropriate points during the course. Students will get a sequence of topics, each with detailed notes and, at the end, a weekly activity. Students will be invited to submit their answer for these activities to obtain feedback from tutors.

Independent Study

The topic notes and additional reading will provide the necessary information. Students, however, will be encouraged to read widely around the topics and discuss the relevant issues between themselves and with the tutors on the forum.

Staff Delivering on this Course

The course will be taught by industry experts - practicing construction adjudicators, chartered architects, and arbitrators.

Assessment

Assessment will be made by way of an online open book examination in accordance with the University's procedures. Advance papers will be released around a week before the deadline during which time students will be able to part-prepare their award. The notes of evidence will be released in the exam venue for submission of the complete awards at that time. Students are assessed by a written exam, which takes an average time of 5 hours to complete.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia, and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Target Audience

This course is for arbitrators, mediators, and adjudicators, or anyone with a professional interest in construction adjudication and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The course will develop your knowledge of construction adjudication and enhance your career opportunities in this sector as a neutral (adjudicator), legal counsel, or a claims management professional.

Entry Requirements

To embark on this course, applicants should have a firm background in Adjudication Law, Practice, and Procedure, particularly in the UK (English or Scottish) context. This course is particularly suitable for Construction Law and Arbitration/Adjudication LLM/MSc students or recent graduates. If you have obtained the relevant knowledge or experience elsewhere, you can get in touch with us to discuss whether the course is suitable for you.

Fees & Funding

• Academic Year 2025/2026: £1,100 for the entire course
• Academic Year 2024/2025: £1,000 for the entire course

Additional Costs

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

• Accommodation and Living costs
• Printing

Accreditation

Accredited by the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Successful completion of this course entitles you to an educational exemption at the AIADR Associate Member level. Candidates who successfully complete this course and also the full Construction Law and Arbitration/Adjudication LLM/MSc are eligible for an educational exemption at the AIADR Fellow Membership level. Candidates who successfully complete this course and also possess other relevant previously obtained qualifications may be eligible for an educational exemption at the AIADR Member or Fellow Level, subject to AIADR's discretion and procedures.