University launches specialist LLM Construction Law programme
Posted on: 17 July, 2026
The University of the Built Environment is launching a new LLM Construction Law programme in September 2027.
The degree is designed to equip both construction and legal professionals with the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to tackle increasingly complex projects, contracts and disputes across the built environment sector.
Delivered part-time over two years, the master’s degree features an innovative Professional Practice Capstone. Rather than completing a traditional dissertation, students will participate in a comprehensive mock hearing that reflects the realities of construction dispute resolution.
Programme leader, Associate Professor James Beckwith, said: “I’m excited to be leading the development of our LLM in Construction Law, with a distinctive feature of the programme being its emphasis on practical, industry-focused learning. It has been developed to address growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between construction practice and legal expertise.”
Construction Law: Four specialist pathways
Students will be able to graduate with one of four specialist pathways:
- LLM Construction Law (Adjudication)
- LLM Construction Law (Arbitration)
- LLM Construction Law (Expert Witness)
- LLM Construction Law (Mediation).
The launch comes at a time when the built environment is facing mounting legal, contractual and commercial challenges.
James said: “Major infrastructure projects, housing developments, sustainability requirements and increasingly sophisticated procurement arrangements have heightened the need for professionals who understand not only how projects are delivered, but also the legal frameworks that underpin them.
“The LLM has been designed for both legal professionals seeking to specialise in construction law and construction practitioners looking to deepen their legal knowledge.”
Unlock a range of career paths
Prospective students may include quantity surveyors, project managers, building surveyors, architects, engineers and contract administrators, alongside solicitors and barristers wishing to develop expertise in the construction and engineering sectors.
The programme has been specifically designed to strengthen career prospects in a range of professions, including dispute resolution specialist, claims consultant, expert witness, commercial manager or project manager with enhanced contractual responsibilities. For legal professionals, the degree offers an opportunity to build specialist expertise in construction, engineering and real estate matters.
Mock hearing instead of a dissertation
One of the programme’s most innovative elements is the Professional Practice Capstone: Construction Dispute Hearing, a 40-credit module that brings together learning from across the degree in a realistic, practice-based setting. Rather than completing a traditional dissertation, students will participate in a comprehensive mock hearing that reflects the realities of construction dispute resolution.
James said: “This innovative approach, combined with industry-focused learning and the flexibility of our online-only format, means that we are blazing the trail for a master’s degree that truly reflects the realities of the modern built environment. We’re looking forward to welcoming the first cohort and supporting the next generation of construction law specialists as they help shape the future of the built environment.
Make an enquiry here and register your interest on this page
