ENGINEERING
Engineering Contracts for Project Managers (Online)
Certificate of Proficiency | Contributes to MEPM and MCivilEng
Explore the legal concepts related to contracts and how they apply to the project environment from procurement to completion with this 15-point credit bearing course comprising 12 weekly modules.
Taught by real industry professionals, this course has been produced in partnership with MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
Recommended Background
Students will have a bachelors degree in a relevant subject.
University Entrance (or equivalent required for admission)
Duration
12 weeks
Next start dates
26 February, 2024 (2024 Semester One)
Applications close one week before the course starts. Enrol early to secure your spot.
Domestic Fees
$1,496.70
Course Overview
This course will build on your understanding of commercial issues around projects and familiarise you with aspects of the various standard contracts in use for the delivery of projects. You will explore the legal concepts related to contracts and how those concepts apply to the project environment throughout the contract lifecycle from procurement to completion.
Upon completion, students who wish to progress their studies further towards a formal qualification may count this course towards a range of postgraduate programmes in engineering, including the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering Project Management, Master of Engineering Project Management, and Master of Civil Engineering (entry criteria and time limits apply).
Theoretical concepts in engineering commercial contracts, how those concepts apply to the work environment and manifest in the contracts in use in the project environment. Students will study relevant case law, NZS3910, NEC3 and FIDIC.
A major focus is placed on the application of legal concepts to real case studies and examples drawn from our industry experts’ professional practice.
| Introduction to construction law and legal framework | This module introduces the concept of construction law, how it developed in the past, and examine its applicability in the modern day. In this module, you will explore an outline of the legal framework including contracts, common and civil law, as well as an overview of key legislation. | ||
| Contract process and contract formation | This module introduces the contract process and explores commonly used standard forms for contract formation. In this module, you will also gain insight into how these standard forms are different from tailored contracts. | ||
| Concept stage and project procurement | In this module, you will explore the basics of procurement and the various procurement models and gain insight into the process of procurement including tendering. In addition, you will learn about the different people involved in the procurement process. | ||
| Scope and standard of works | In this module, you will learn about the scope of works and contract variations. You will also gain insight into the standard of works, including measuring acceptability and the contractual and statutory duties. | ||
| Pricing, payment and variations | In this module, you will focus on contract pricing, payment, various forms of pricing arrangements, variations, and the valuation of variations in contracts. | ||
| Liability and insurance | In this module, you will learn about the roles and obligations of parties, legal issues of liabilities, and insurance in contracts. | ||
| Time in construction contracts | In this module, you will learn about the timing considerations in construction contracts. You will explore the delays and extension of time during construction projects and you will also be introduced to the liquidated damages and penalty doctrine. | ||
| Suspension and termination | In this module, you will explore situations when things go wrong in the contract, which leads to the suspension of work or termination of the contract. | ||
| Role of the engineer | In this module, you will learn about the role of the engineer and the engineer’s powers and responsibilities in a construction contract. | ||
| Disputes under construction contracts | In this module, you will learn about the different types of dispute forms including mediation, expert determination, adjudication, and arbitration. You will also be introduced to the processes that get the parties to agree to things differently in a construction contract. | ||
| Limitation | In this module, you will explore the limitations in legislation and defects liability period under a construction contract. | ||
| Construction Contracts Act 2002 and Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 | In this module, you will learn about the purpose and legislative details of the Construction Contract Act 2002 and the Health and Safety Work Act 2015. |
Students who complete this course will be able to:
- critically evaluate alternative project delivery systems and identify a suitable delivery system for a particular project
- critically evaluate alternative model forms of contract and/or identify a suitable contract form for a particular project
- apply concepts of contracts and be able to synthesise concepts in order to effectively use model forms of contract and apply key clauses
- appreciate and apply knowledge of key legislative requirements applicable to delivery of projects in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Upon successful completion of the course you will:
- Be awarded with 30 credit points from the University of Auckland
- Have the option to take your credit into the PGCertEPM, MEPM, MCivilEng or other postgraduate programmes in Engineering (entry criteria and time limits apply).
Frequently Asked Questions
Application FAQs
What are the entry requirements?
This course is for students with a bachelors degree in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include architecture, commerce, construction, engineering, law, and quantity surveying. Please note that for admission you must meet the requirements to study at a New Zealand University (e.g. through University Entrance or an alternative entrance pathway).
What is the date for the next intake?
The next start date for this course is Monday 26 February 2024. Applications close one week before the course starts. Enrol early to secure your spot.
Is the course fee a one-off lump sum?
Yes, the course fee is a one-off sum of $1,498 for domestic students.
Is this course open to non-resident students?
No. Currently Auckland Online Certificates of Proficiency are only open to NZ citizens and permanent residents.
Studying FAQs
Can I study the course in my own time? Is it suitable for those working full-time?
Yes. Auckland Online courses are designed for working professionals. They are flexible yet structured to help you gain the knowledge in the time you have. Core content is delivered asynchronously, so you can study at a time that suits you (within the allocated course dates).
In addition, a live Zoom tutorial will be held once a week in the late afternoon or early evening. It is not mandatory that you attend every week. However, you are highly encouraged to actively participate on a regular basis as this is a key time to connect with peers, the teaching staff, and to discuss queries on assignments.
How is the course structured?
The course will run over 12 weeks (with a break in the middle), and will comprise 12 weekly modules. Further details on the course structure can be found under the ‘Course Structure’ tab further up on this page.
Assessment FAQs
How will I be assessed?
Learners will be assessed through a combination of activities that address the learning objectives from each of the modules in the course. These will comprise a discussion paper, project case analysis, extension of time claim, and contributions to weekly discussion boards and live sessions.
Benefits FAQs
What is a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)?
A Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) is a course-only study option that allows you to take a course at the University of Auckland, without studying a full programme. It is a good option for those who want to study short-term or to test whether a subject is something they wish to pursue more of in the future.
Does the course enable me to take further study at the University?
If you decide to progress your studies further towards a full qualification, you can apply to reassign the points from your CoP to a range of postgraduate programmes in engineering, including the Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering Project Management, Master of Engineering Project Management, and Master of Civil Engineering (entry criteria and time limits apply).
How many course credits will I attain upon completion of the course?
Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded with 15 credit points from the University of Auckland.
Do I get a certificate at the end?
As a Certificate of Proficiency is not a formal qualification, you will not be able to graduate with it or receive a graduation certificate. Your results will be recorded on your official academic transcript, providing evidence of your study.
Start Your University Application
Before we transfer you to the University of Auckland application portal to start your application, we would like to capture a few details.
These details enable us to provide you with ongoing information about this course, including exciting updates or any upcoming webinars. Our advisors may also contact you to see if you require any personalised advice to guide you through the application process.
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