Alex McKay - LLM Construction Law and Arbitration

Alex McKay, 35, has graduated with a distinction in LLM Construction Law and Arbitration after working in the industry and feeling compelled to upskill.

He was recommended the three-year online course which provides learners with key practical and theoretical skills in highly specialist disciplines of construction law.

“I wanted to do a Construction Law degree, but living in Dubai I felt it was best to do a long-distance course. A number of my colleagues had completed, or were doing, the LLM at Robert Gordon University and strongly recommended the course for its in-depth content and independent learning capabilities.”

Higher education is nothing new for Alex, this being his third degree. After around eight years as a Quantity Surveyor, he saw the value in returning to university in order to diversify his skillset.

“I initially studied Business Management and Administration at Reading University, but after travelling for a year I got job in the Construction Industry, after a few months the company offered to sponsor me to do a Quantity Surveying MSc at Kingston University.

“I have been working as a Quantity Surveyor for the last ten years. Being exposed to the contracts and claims aspect of construction sparked my interest and I decided that I wanted to diversify and specialize in this field which is how I came about to start the LLM at Robert Gordon University.”

Originally from Stafford, Alex has now settled in the United Arab Emirates with Turner & Townsend, specialising in contract services while growing his experience in construction claims and expert witness sector - aided by his recent RGU degree. On his long-distance experience, he is proud of his results, which included being awarded a best student prize, and pleased with his overall experience.

“As a long-distance course, access to the campus has not been possible, however the contact time with tutors, especially David Christie, was very insightful and helpful.”

“I was very pleased to have completed the course and achieved a distinction in the LLM. Being awarded the prize for best student was a fantastic surprise and one I am very proud to have been awarded.

“Achieving this award from RGU has held weight and allowed me to move into the contract services team and gain exposure to the sectors I am interested in pursuing.”