Module Descriptors – Master of Science in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution(CLDR)

Core modules:

Fundamentals of Private Law  

This module  provides an introduction to the key aspects and features of the legal systems which form the foundation for law in the construction industry in the UAE. Students will acquire a foundational understanding of different relevant areas of  private law, including torts law and contracts. Students are expected to become familiar, within those areas, with the key legal principles, rules and reasoning techniques as well as with the relevant court systems and other dispute resolution mechanisms prevalent in the construction industry.

Construction Law  and Contracts

This module provides a solid understanding of the special features of construction which give rise to particular legal doctrines and problems. The multi-party and long-time scale nature of construction processes coupled with its complexity and the financial risks involved may give rise to legal problems. The module familiarise students with the nature and implications of the legal relationship between the participants, the relevant laws and industry standard form contracts, and how they could be used in practical life situations.

Arbitration Law

This module introduces students to the law and practice of international arbitration for resolving construction disputes, with emphasis on Dubai, the UAE, and the Gulf region. Topics include arbitration agreements, tribunals, proceedings, court support, tribunal powers and duties, and arbitral awards. The course takes a comparative approach, referencing international laws, UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, leading institutional rules (DIAC, ICC, LCIA), and key international instruments.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

The module aims to develop a critical knowledge and understanding of alternative methods of dispute resolution and the applicability of the different methods as they apply to construction. In taking this course, students will acquire extensive and detailed knowledge and understanding of the merits and demerits of the different mechanisms of resolving construction disputes including mediation, conciliation, adjudication, dispute review boards, and the historical account of their development in general. 

Contemporary Issues in Construction Law

The module provides students with a critical understanding and knowledge of further aspects of the legal implications of construction projects, with special focus on the structuring of projects and contemporary issues. Students will acquire a critical understanding of contemporary legal issues in the construction filed including legal aspects of project procurement, new methods of public infrastructure procurement, bonds and guarantees, sustainable built, environmental protection, and the role of international investment treaties as instruments of managing risks international construction projects.

Arbitration Award Writing

This module aims to provide sufficient knowledge of all the requirements for the writing of a final, reasoned and enforceable arbitration Award in a commercial dispute. This module focuses on international commercial arbitration as it applies to construction, including issues which are specific to Dubai, the UAE and the wider Gulf Region.

Dissertation

The aim of the dissertation itself is to give students an opportunity to focus in depth on one aspect of CLDR, which will normally be directly relevant to a real life workplace situation, and to allow them to demonstrate skills in discovering, ordering and presenting information and ideas on a topic involving both legal and practical or technical issues. A viva will be conducted after submitting the dissertation. The aim of the viva is to give the students the opportunity to defend their work and enhance their presentation skills.