Master of Science in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution (Mixed-mode)

• To integrate the necessary knowledge in construction management and law for the needs of construction professionals
• To cut through disciplinary barriers by integrating the various skills and strengths of different professions to produce a specialised contribution to the construction industry
• To apply theory to practice by providing training on key dispute resolution skills offered by approved trainers
• To provide an interactional environment for construction graduates and lawyers who wish to specialise in construction law and alternative dispute resolution
• To explore construction practices in the Chinese Mainland or the Greater Bay Area

Career Prospects 

• Hong Kong's ambitious development blueprint, encompassing Hong Kong 2030+ and the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy, sets forth transformative infrastructure initiatives essential for the city's future economic growth and resilience. These large-scale projects demand professionals who possess both technical understanding and legal expertise to manage complex construction challenges effectively.

• The Construction Industry Council's projection of a 6,000-professional shortage by 2028 underscores the urgent need for qualified personnel. This shortage is particularly acute in areas requiring project management expertise, contract administration capabilities, and sophisticated dispute resolution skills. The successful delivery of Hong Kong's strategic infrastructure projects depends critically on addressing this workforce gap through specialized professional education.

• The introduction of the Security of Payment legislation has created an immediate demand for professionals versed in statutory adjudication and payment dispute resolution mechanisms. This legislative development requires practitioners who can effectively navigate enforcement procedures while maintaining project momentum.

• HKSAR government has been promoting Hong Kong as a prime venue for international legal and dispute resolution services through arbitration and mediation. Dispute resolution knowledge and skill not only help improve practice in the construction industry but also apply to many commercial scopes.

Further Study Opportunities

• Upon completion of this programme, graduates may: 
  ⮚ pursue doctoral degree programmes such as PhD in both local and international universities. 

Professional recognition will be sought from the following professional bodies: 
•   The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors 
•   The Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators 
•   Those students who opt to complete the Mediation Training subject will be recognised by various professional institutions overseas and in Hong Kong as completion of the accredited mediation course qualifies for membership, subject to professional assessment.

Students are required to complete 11 subjects for a total of 31 credits* with satisfactory results as well as passing an e-learning course (non-credit bearing), namely “Understanding China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, P.R.C.”, to fulfil the National Education Requirement in order to obtain a master’s degree. The programme also offers an option for students to exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma (PgD).

To be eligible for a PgD, students are required to complete at least 22 credits, comprising 7 subjects of 3 credits each (including 5 compulsory subjects) and the 1-credit Academic Integrity and Ethics in Engineering. They also need to fulfil the National Education Requirement. 

The subject list below will be reviewed from time to time and will be updated without prior notice. 

Note: There are no pre-requiste or co-requisite requirements for the above subjects, unless specified otherwise in the syllabus of the individual subjects. 

Classes will be scheduled on weekdays and / or weekends, both during the day and / or evening, to provide flexibility. They may also be arranged in block teaching format. Please plan accordingly to ensure your availability.

^{^}  The subject is for non-lawyer students only. Lawyer students will take a replacement subject related to construction project management or construction practice as recommended by the Programme Leader.

+ The subject that is required for students taking the dissertation option.

**  The subject that is required for students of non-dissertation option. 

@ Offering of any elective subjects is subject to sufficient enrolment.
~  Related construction project management or construction practice subject in replacement of  SEHS5045 “Principles and Practices of Law” for lawyer students.
# Students opting for SEHS5044 “Mediation Training”, which involves mediation training run by approved trainers, will be required to pay an extra fee.  Students of non-dissertation option may take SEHS5044 “Mediation Training” as an alternative to the subject of SEHS5040 “Dispute Resolution Project”.

* Individual students who have not fulfilled the English language requirements before admission are required to take an additional Adjunct English subject (3 credits). Please refer to the “Entrance Requirements” section for details. The additional credit / subject requirements will be reflected on the “My Graduation Requirements” accessible from the Student Portal as the programme commencement approaches.  Students concerned are required to pay additional fees after programme commencement.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a construction or built environment-related discipline or the equivalent (including recognised professional qualifications such as HKIA, HKIS, HKIE, HKIP, HKICM, CIOB, etc), preferably with relevant experience; OR 
• A Bachelor’s degree in a law-related discipline or the equivalent (including recognised post-graduate qualifications in law or professional legal qualifications), preferably with relevant experience or training in construction-related practice; OR 
• Qualification as a lawyer 

Candidates are expected to have some background knowledge of construction practice.

Applicants with an equivalent level of education background other than the above disciplines but with substantial working experience in the construction industry or dispute resolution will be considered on individual merit.

Notes: 

1. An applicant who is not a native speaker of English, and does not possess a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification for which English was the primary medium of instruction, is expected to fulfil the following minimum English language requirements:
   1. An overall Band Score of 6.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); OR
   2. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 80 for the Internet-based test or 550 for the paper-based test; OR
   3. Satisfactory results in other recognised English language assessments                                                                                                                                                      

Individual cases may be considered on their own merit, and applicants concerned may be required to take an additional 3-credit Adjunct English subject upon admission.

2. An applicant who does not possess the above-mentioned qualifications but has reached the age of 25 before 1 September, in the academic year in which he/ she seeks admission, may apply as mature applicant.  He/ She must demonstrate sufficient motivation, knowledge and potential to indicate a high probability of being able to complete the programme successfully.