What will I learn on this module?
You will learn to apply basic principles of the English Law to the administration of construction contracts, the day to day control of contractual procedures and the recognition and avoidance/resolution of disputes should they arise.. The module includes a study of the relevant legislation and case law relating to express provisions of the most common Standard Forms of Construction Contract. You will also study the detailed workings of various aspects of construction dispute resolution, including Adjudication, Arbitration, Mediation and Litigation.
Key topics include;
• Comparison of Standard Forms
• Letters of Intent
• Retention of Title
• Payment Issues
• Occupiers Liability
• • Legal Issues and BIM• Dispute avoidance and resolution
• The role of a surveyor as an Expert
• Professional Liability and Ethics
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures and seminars. Lectures will be used to introduce the topics and emphasize key points. Directed learning will prepare you for legal debates relating to construction problems which will be conducted in seminar sessions. Feedback on seminar sessions will encourage development and progress in readiness for assessment.
You will be assessed via an individual problem-based coursework at the end of the semester, which will assess your understanding of various legal principles and procedures and your ability to apply these effectively to provide appropriate advice to a notional client.
If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for construction law. However, tutor support will be available throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The Seminar sessions and coursework associated with this module will be designed to assist you in learning and applying facts and procedures covered in lectures. You will be given formative feedback as a group, at the conclusion of each seminar exercise. In addition, you will be given individual feedback on your assessment. You may support one another in the learning process through discussion though not in the final preparation of submission.
If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: You will develop and apply the principles contained within the Common Law, Statute and standard Construction Contracts in the management of the construction process
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO2: You will be able to determine, through personal deliberation and debate the contractual significance of factors within differing scenarios. You should be able to establish the appropriate course of action within a legal framework.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO3: You will be able to identify and appraise solutions which are legally correct and which are also fair and equitable for both parties.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment: tasks embedded within the module seminar/workshop sessions will provide formative feedback immediately upon completion. This timely feedback will assist in consolidating your learning as you move through the module.
Summative assessment: this module is assessed by a single coursework (100%).
The coursework is an advisory report that requires providing legal advice on a range of scenario-based construction problems to a notional client. It will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of legal principles and procedures and apply these to appraise logical solutions. The coursework has a value of 100% and tests all learning outcomes.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module will put you on the front line alongside those involved in effective management of construction contracts and in the resolution of construction disputes. Emphasis will be given to current 'hot’ topics, commonly encountered in the field of quantity surveying, that often lead to dispute such as late payment and insolvency. . You will learn to establish the key components of a potential construction dispute and techniques for avoidance. Where a dispute crystallises you will learn the most appropriate approach to resolution and attaining the most appropriate contractual outcome for all parties
If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for construction law to help contextualise your learning and to develop your legal skills and knowledge
Course info
UCAS Code K240
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Architecture and Built Environment
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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