Construction Law Msc - Advice

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Discussion

Olza23

Original Poster:

105 posts

142 months

Sunday 5th July 2020
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Hi all

Firstly I hope this is the correct forum to post into.

I am due to start an MSc in Construction Law & Dispute Resolution in September and really looking forward to it. I am currently a Project Manager for a construction company and am after some advice how I put this MSc to use once obtained, and gain experience in this field. I suspect that I will have to leave my current role and potentially employer to advance my career.

The course itself states that the modules are accredited by the CIArb and the Chartered ICES. I want to ensure that the course itself will give me the foundation I need to go in at a Junior level and progress sufficiently.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Note - Course is being taught through UCLAN.

anonymous-user

61 months

Monday 6th July 2020
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I work as a claims/dispute specialist, currently 20 years with an Oil major. I have two friends who lecture on Msc courses in Construction Law at UK universities, both Fellows of RICS and Inst Arb, I also have two people who work with me, as contract managers, doing a UK course by distance learning. All the work I've seen is high standard, but I've never known any employers specifically looking for the qualification, yet.

My experience at the current time is that if employers want a law degree they look for a solicitor.

For in house specialists employers are looking for a rounded holistic approach, e.g. how has the strict position under the contract been impacted by actions, or what standard of conduct is required by industrial practice, and not a pure position based on the form of the Contract.

My thinking is that thiss MSc and experience in the industry will meet that need, and in, say 5 years, these courses will be well respected and in demand, but I don't think they are yet. I suppose its a 'chicken and egg thing'.

My position is I'm 68, and have a few years closing down my current job then I'm out, so its not worth it for me, but if I was 25 years younger I'd go for it, wasn't really available to me so I did an Mba.

GT03ROB

13,570 posts

228 months

Monday 6th July 2020
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Can't really comment on the courses, but I have to say it's an excellent move.

When I did my degree which was Construction Management I wondered why at the time I spent 25% of the time doing contract law (JCT & ICE), it's obvious now! It's probably one of the few areas in construction you will never have to worry about finding work. Good contracts guys are gold dust & worth their weight in it.

Good luck with the course.

Olza23

Original Poster:

105 posts

142 months

Monday 28th June 2021
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Hi all

I know people like an update. I’ve got my results for the first year and I am doing really well. I am enjoying the course and now thinking about my next steps, this time next year I will be finished.

Thanks

HughG

3,612 posts

248 months

Monday 28th June 2021
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Glad to hear it’s going well. Are you doing it full time or part time?

Olza23

Original Poster:

105 posts

142 months

Monday 28th June 2021
quotequote all
Part time, I am in the construction industry as middle management which helps.

HughG

3,612 posts

248 months

Monday 28th June 2021
quotequote all
Thanks, I’ve been considering possible routes out of middle/senior (in small-ish firm) management, I’ll give this option some thought.

GT03ROB

13,570 posts

228 months

Tuesday 29th June 2021
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Good to hear you are enjoying it & it's going well.

Olza23

Original Poster:

105 posts

142 months

Wednesday 8th March 2023
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HI, final update, I have managed to pass and achieved a merit grade overall which I am happy with.

The course itself is accredited with both the CIArb and RICS, however I have decided that I am going to apply for Associate Membership with the CIArb and reach out to organisations offering Construction Adjudication services and see if they would entertain me offering my 'services' FOC (I am employed) on a ad-hoc basis to further my experience.

Lets see where this takes me!