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. 

EU & NON-EU Fee information can be found by clicking here

Mediator Academy has become the first organisation in Ireland to be able to offer an internationally recognised qualification in Mediation Advocacy. Having gained the International Mediation Institute’s “Qualifying Assessment Programme” status, Mediator Academy is also the only organisation offering this assessment and the resulting qualification online. The qualifying assessment in Mediation Advocacy is included as part of this programme and is available to candidates who meet certain criteria and who, if successful, can use the designation Certified Mediation Advocate and join and be listed with the International Mediation Institute.

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.

Professional Diploma in Dispute Resolution (Mediation)

Eamonn Hunt, Barrister at Law:

'It was clear that the programme at UCD Sutherland School of Law provided a focused and skills-based approach to mediation with the additional benefit of partnering with the Mediator Academy which provided a detailed insight to the work of professional mediators operating in multiple jurisdictions across the world.

Having signed up for the course, the next challenge was that learning online was a completely new experience for me, having been used to the traditional lecture hall environment.  However, I discovered that the flexible scheduling that online learning offers is a huge benefit particularly if you are working at the same time. Online learning also has the additional benefits of improving your time management and self-motivation!

The design and development of the course content has clearly benefited from the fact that all of those involved are practitioners and the course carefully balances both “learning” and “doing” which are key elements of mediation. The course offers the opportunity to acquire all the mediation techniques, tools, and frameworks that are critical to evolving your own knowledge and skills. The online sessions with  interactive exercises, then allows you to put what you have learnt into practice, together with the positive learning experience through the engagement with fellow students.

I would highly recommend the course for those who want to learn and develop the skills and knowledge for managing conflict and supporting parties through mediation.'

Jean Anglin, HR Professional, Geneva:

“I am no stranger to the subject of mediation, as some aspects of it have arisen in both my academic and professional life. However, the in-depth learning exposure that this programme with UCD Sutherland School of Law & Mediator Academy offers would prove to be 'fantastic' for me.  

The programme not only afforded the depth and breadth of material that would provide grounding on the rigours of mediation but there was also a strong multidisciplinary aspect that was presented with such clarity.  Added to this dimension was the global reach of information provided through diverse professionals and experts at the pinnacle of this field.  Further, the packaging of the lessons and how they were structured offered great flexibility and the ability to organise and manage your time.  Being based overseas meant I would be spared the advanced planning and arrangements that in-person learning for such a Programme would otherwise require.  

The 'live' zoom sessions were well spaced out and provided a chance to meet the other participants.  It has been an enriching time from day one and tailored by the team to draw out our best in a relaxed and frankly fun atmosphere. I unreservedly recommend this programme and encourage you to give it a go!”

Testimonial from a recent participant on the diploma (Barrister-at-Law)

"I had been thinking about doing a course in mediation for some time when I received the alumni email from the Sutherland School of Law at UCD outlining details of the new Professional Diploma in Dispute Resolution (Mediation) being launched by the Faculty of Law in conjunction with the Mediator Academy. I decided to enrol in the inaugural Diploma which started in June 2021, having being very impressed with the comprehensive syllabus for the course, and the fact that UCD were partnering with the Mediator Academy to deliver the course content.

I had slight reservations about undertaking an online course, but any reservations dissipated very quickly as I started to work my way through the course content. Live "zoom classes" are also scheduled as part of the course and these have been great to get to know fellow students (some from outside of Ireland) and the faculty delivering the course.

I have been very impressed with the course content and the manner of delivery of the material. It is set up in a way that is easy to access and all the latest thinking on mediation practice is delivered in an easy to digest way. The faculty is comprised of an impressive line-up of the leading experts in the field of mediation from multiple jurisdictions around the world. The mediation experience of these individuals brings the material to life in a way that simply reading about it could not, and it is fantastic to have access to learning from such experienced individuals.

I would highly recommend this course as it provides an in-depth, comprehensive analysis of mediation theory and practice, together with learnings from voices from the "real world" of mediation. To have access to these leading mediation experts from around the world is a huge plus."

Barrister-at-Law (Working in-house)

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