Boost your skills in Construction Law
If you have a background in law, you can take the Postgraduate Certificate in Construction Law (PGCertConsLaw).
The one trimester PGCertConsLaw allows you to study at postgraduate level from a choice of 400 and 500-level (Honours and Master’s level) law courses. You’ll get an introduction to the construction industry and the construction environment and topics such as contracts, procurement, risk analysis, and project management.
If you decide to continue with postgraduate study, 500-level courses completed as part of the PGCertLaw may be credited to a Bachelor of Laws. Or the 400- and 500- level courses you complete may be counted towards the Master of Construction Law. This is at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Law
Who can study for this qualification
You can study for the PGCertConsLaw if you have a Bachelor of Laws.
What you'll learn
You'll be introduced to the construction industry and the construction environment. You’ll focus on industry-relevant topics such as procurement, dispute resolution, and project management.
You’ll gain knowledge about building technologies, building materials, construction methods, and on-site conditions for construction workers. This will give you a broad understanding of key issues facing your future clients.
How you’ll study
- recorded online modules
- after-work tutorials
- short, intensive teaching blocks.
Full time and part-time study
You can study the PGCertConsLaw:
- full time—one year
- part time—up to two years.
Our postgraduate qualifications
Depending on your goals, you can study towards a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or Master's degree.
These are staircased so that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the PGCertConsLaw shall have:
(i) completed an LLB(Hons) or LLB; and
(ii) been accepted by the Director of Postgraduate Studies for the Faculty of Law as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the director for a candidate who has sufficient practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides equivalent preparation to proceed with the proposed course of study.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGCertConsLaw
2. (a) The course of study for the PGCertConsLaw shall consist of courses worth at least 60 points from the MConsLaw Schedule, including Construction Procurement, Risk and Contract Administration (BILD 403) and Modern and International Construction Contracts (LAWS 513) and at least 30 points from The Built Environment and Construction / He Tīmatanga Kōrero mō ngā Whare Hangahanga me te Waihanga (BILD 401), Construction Economics and Project Management / Ōhanga ā-Waihanga me te Whakahaere Kaupapa (BILD 402), Dispute Resolution in Construction (BILD 404), LAWS 451–459, LAWS 512–514, LAWS 554–559; Construction Law Legal Writing / Tuhinga ā-Ture Waihanga (LAWS 583); or the LLM schedule as approved by the programme director.
(b) Postgraduate courses worth up to 15 points for the certificate, may be substituted subject to the approval of the director.
3. (a) A candidate for the PGCertConsLaw shall normally be enrolled for at least one trimester and shall complete the certificate within two years of first enrolling in it. The director may extend the maximum period in special cases.
(b)At the discretion of the programme director a candidate who holds a PGCertConsLaw may credit those courses to the PGDipConsLaw provided the candidate abandons the Postgraduate Certificate upon being awarded the PGDipConsLaw.
Future careers
Your study adds a new level of expertise to your practice. The research skills and knowledge you gain will could support you in roles across the construction industry.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Some applicable scholarships
Scholarships for Law
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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The purpose of this scholarship is to provide monetary assistance to students undertaking or proposing to undertake study or research in the Faculty of Law, and to recognize and encourage academic merit.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
An applicable scholarship
Angelo South Pacific Postgraduate Scholarship in Law
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Law
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Further study
If you do well in your coursework, you may be able to convert to a Postgraduate Diploma or a Master of Construction Law.
You wouldn’t need to repeat the coursework you’ve already taken for the Certificate.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.