Program Overview

Course Overview

The New Engineering Contract (NEC) is a family of contracts created by the Institution of Civil Engineers that help apply good project management principles and practices, and define legal relationships. This course equips participants with an overview of the fourth edition contract (NEC4), its background and key philosophy, and the key differences between NEC4 and its predecessor (NEC3).

On this course you will...

• Understand the structure and core clauses of NEC4 contracts
• Recognise the key differences between the NEC3 and NEC4 contracts
• Describe how compensation events are used within NEC4
• Understand roles and responsibilities within the NEC4 framework
• Show an awareness of risk and how to minimise through early warnings
• Define the types of contract included under NEC4

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
• Course Location: Online / Various
• Institute: Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership
• Delivery Style: In-Person or Online
• Course Duration: Part-time: 2 Days
• Course Start Point: undefined
• Award: Short course
• Open Days: All

Minimum entry requirements

Course Structure

What you will learn

A two-day course, Understanding the NEC4 Contract explores the following topics:

Day one

• The NEC family of contracts
• Contract law
• The ECC and its main options
• New features of NEC4
• NEC4 core clauses

Day two

• ECC Secondary Options
• Dealing with changes – Compensation Events
• Managing time: the importance of the programme
• Other contracts under NEC4
• Roles and responsibilities

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

This two-day course and is available online or in-person.

Participants looking to attend this course online can find more information here.

The course includes a variety of interactive exercises and maximises opportunities for discussion, networking and collaboration.

Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, reflections, and experiences throughout the course with an emphasis on how the learning can be seen in and applied to the workplace environment.

How you will be assessed

There is no formal assessment on this short course however participants will answer a series of poll questions and engage in group discussions throughout the course.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Funding

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Additional Costs

• Location: Online Learning
• Online learning at the University of Cumbria is an interactive experience that makes use of a range of technologies and media types to provide a rich learning environment.