Program Overview

Overview of the Construction Law and Contract Administration Program

The Construction Law and Contract Administration program is a one-year, part-time course designed for civil engineers and other suitably qualified professionals, such as architects, quantity surveyors, and lawyers. The program aims to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of construction law, enabling them to work effectively in the construction industry.

Course Details

• NFQ Level: 9
• Duration: 1 year part-time
• Number of Places: 26
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Director: Mr. Tom Grey
• Closing Date: 31st March 2025

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have an NFQ Level-8 Honours degree in Engineering or a related subject, or a suitable professional qualification. Places on this Diploma course are limited, and applications are assessed based on academic qualifications, relevant experience, and professional references.

English Language Requirements

All applicants are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language, meeting Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

• Lectures are normally held on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings throughout the two semesters.
• 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 weighted at 45 ECTS credits, consisting of three modules of 15 ECTS credits each.

Course Content

The program covers a range of topics, including:

• 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
• Case Law
• Public Procurement
• Contracts for Other Professions
• Risk and Insurance
• Sureties
• Statutory Duties
• Professional Relationships, Duties, and Liabilities
• Methods of Dispute Resolution

Assessment

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

Career Opportunities

Graduates acquire a greater knowledge of construction law, enabling them to work with developers and construction companies or move into dispute resolution. The program 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.