Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Applications will be considered from:

• Members of the legal and related professions,
• Graduates holding an approved university degree or law-based interdisciplinary university degree,
• Persons with other academic and/or professional qualifications and/or such experiences as would satisfy the School that they are able to participate in this course.

On successful completion of the programme:

1. Students will be able to understand and to critically analyse different theories of and approaches to conflict and dispute resolution, with a particular focus on mediation.
2. Students will be able to apply legal and professional principles and guidance to conflict and dispute scenarios, and to select strategies and approaches to dispute resolution and mediation.
3. Students will be able to evaluate which interventions and strategies are required in different contexts, to describe the reasoning for these and be able to take and justify a position on the key current debates in the field.
4. Students will be able to demonstrate advanced mediation and communication skills in complex dispute contexts, and to inform their practice with appropriate theoretical knowledge.
5. Students will be able to integrate different theories and practice, reflect on and in learning and manage the complexity of an evolving field of study and practice.
6. Students will have completed a Capstone Project applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the programme to their professional activity. 

View All Modules Here

Module 1 - Dispute Analysis and Intervention This Module addresses the root causes and effects of conflict and analyses the role of communication in driving and resolving conflict. It also introduces the myriad of alternative dispute resolution processes and methods, and the core skills of negotiation.

Module 2 - Mediation Processes and Skills This Module focuses on mediation, a process experiencing exponential growth in use and popularity. It addresses both the theory and process models of mediation, and explores the range of mediation skills and competencies. 

Module 3 - Technology and Regulation This Module located the practice of mediation in a dynamic and evolving regulatory

framework, addressing the current laws and ethics that govern the process and practice. It also explores the rapidly increasing role of technology in mediation, including online mediation, and semi-automated processes. 

The Fees for this innovative Online One Year Level 9 Diploma are €9000 (2020/21 starting June 2021). Fees can be paid in 3 instalments across the year.

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will attain a Professional Diploma (Level 9) from UCD Sutherland School of Law and be eligible to apply to the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators for Associate Membership (ACIArb).

Advancement

Students wishing to advance their development on successful completion of the programme will be eligible to participate in a Skills Workshop to be held in person at UCD Sutherland School of Law later in 2021 (Dates and fees will be announced when covid restrictions allow). The Skills Workshop offers a chance to learn from a distinguished faculty of experts and practitioners, to practice the skills of mediation and dispute resolution in person and to enhance their professional mediation credentials. 

Applications will be considered from:

• Members of the legal and related professions,
• Graduates holding an approved university degree or law-based interdisciplinary university degree,
• Persons with other academic and/or professional qualifications and/or such experiences as would satisfy the School that they are able to participate in this course.

The following entry routes are available:

Applicants should take careful note of the following:

• The on-line Applications for the Diploma are open. Go to www.ucd.ie/apply to make an application. Remember to keep a note of your login and password as you will need to return to the application.
• Official references must be submitted as proof of work experience by all applicants.
• Official Transcripts must be submitted as proof of examination results, where relevant, except in the case of UCD students. Students of UCD applying for the Diploma do not need to supply Transcripts but should submit relevant professional references.
• The personal statement is an important component of the application. It should contain information demonstrating your capability to undertake the course successfully. Thus, you should detail your relevant professional and practical experience.
• Applicants must nominate two academic referees unless the applicant has been in employment for more than two years, in which case one of the named referees must be an employer. Applicants are required to submit the name, position held, postal address, email address and contact number for the two academic referees.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must submit satisfactory evidence of competence in written and spoken English, i.e. overall IELTS 6.5 (including a minimum of 6.5 in the reading and writing parts and no part below 6.0) or 90 in the TOEFL iBT (with a minimum of 22 (reading) and 24 (writing) and no part below 20.). Duolingo (DET) also accepted - score of 110 or above. The test results must be less than 2 years old.

Further Information

 If you have any questions in relation to the Diploma and/or applying for the Diploma, you are welcome to contact our Law Support Team at law.diplomas@ucd.ie