Mediator Academy
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Mediation & International Commercial Dispute Resolution
Online LLM

Stand out in the fastest growing area of international dispute resolution. Graduate with in-demand commercial skills and an advanced understanding of the law, theory and practice of dispute resolution.

Study full time over 1 year or part time over 2 years.
Applications Are Now Open for January 2025

Learn career-building skills with credentials to back them up

"I already knew before starting an LLM that, as a mature student with work and family commitments, the online environment would offer me flexibility and convenience to fit in study around my life.  I worked as a corporate lawyer for many years before starting my own business. I was ready to challenge myself, wanted an academic study, was very interested in mediation and felt I had relevant experience. I was drawn to this course as I thought the balance between academic and practical study would suit me.  
One term in and my expectations have been exceeded."

- Naomi Little-Smith
Netherlands

"This outstanding LLM in mediation and international commercial dispute resolution at Newcastle Law School is such a flagship programme that combines theory with real-life practice. Not only are you expected to engage fully in real-time with your classmates around the world and practise your mediation skills every now and then, you are also challenged to form your own scholarly ideas over core mediation issues including the socio-legal perspectives and ethics of mandatory mediation or whether mediation as an appropriate dispute resolution means facilitates access to justice.

- Dr Kelvin Ling
Hong Kong
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Programme Information

Duration
1 Year Full Time - Online and Flexible
2 Year Part Time - Online and Flexible

A unique opportunity to study with a Russell Group University. Newcastle University is ranked in the top 150 of global universities in the QS world rankings and offers an outstanding teaching and learning experience.

QUALIFICATION

LLM
Mediation and International Commercial Dispute Resolution

An innovative and elegant programme design makes your lessons engaging. Interactive case study simulations blend theory with the reality of commercial practice.

FEES & Scholarships

Fees £14,000
Apply now for one of eight partially funded scholarships available.

Home and International students pay the same fees. In addition apply for one of 8 exciting scholarships available and get the chance to sit alongside the UK's most elite mediators.

Qualification

About this LLM

This online LLM will put you on a track for a high growth career in dispute resolution. You will gain in-depth knowledge of a rapidly growing area of law and acquire the commercial skills to work across international practice.

The rapid growth in commercial mediation has been largely driven by new laws and regulation, a deluge of pandemic-related commercial disputes and process innovation.

International commercial dispute resolution is not only a core element of every legal practitioner’s workload, but an exciting and expanding practice area in its own right.

Why This Programme

This online programme integrates an advanced level of legal and theoretical study with real-life practice. When you graduate from this programme you will be able to diagnose and intervene in disputes, select appropriate processes and advise and support your clients on the path to resolution.

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Be Your Best

Study at a Russell Group University, ranked in the World’s top 150 universities in the latest QS World University Rankings.

Online and in-person

Study Your Way

With flexible online learning, organise your studies to suit your life and commitments.

Live online sessions

Reflect and Apply

Know why you do what you do by applying theory to practice.

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Be Inspired

Learn from global industry leaders and those at the business end of dispute resolution practice.

Accredited course

Innovate

Study cutting edge innovation in the field of dispute resolution and influence future practice.

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Hit the ground running

Be ready for the reality of practice through experiential and project-based learning.

How It Works

Immersive Learning

One-year full time online interactive course, scheduled to work for you.
Number 1

Community

Learn and connect with your fellow students from around the world
Number 2

Flexibility

Plan your learning around your schedule with self-directed lessons.
Number 3

Assessment and Dissertation

Ongoing assessment and the opportunity to research your area of interest.
Number 4

Live Sessions

Live faculty-led small group tutorials and workshops
Number 5

Support and Connection

Tutor, pastoral, administrative and academic support.
Number 6
Immersive and interactive online lessons.
Approximately 10-20 effort hours per week.
Live online small group sessions and coaching.
A variety of assessment methods.
Meet and work with a global cohort of learners.
Academic, practical and IT support.

Programme Highlights

When you have graduated from this course, you will have gained knowledge, competence and confidence in the following areas:

Global access online course

The law of international dispute resolution, including recent developments in regulating practice, such as the Singapore Convention on Mediation and the rapid increase in national mediation laws globally.

Interactive and immersive

Theories of conflict and dispute resolution and what commercial disputants need from their advisers and the process.

Full online programme

New and developing areas of practice such as investor-State mediation, multi-tiered processes and online dispute resolution.

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The skills and strategies of mediation advocacy and dispute resolution practice, including communication and negotiation skills, drafting documentation, managing clients and working with other professionals.

Thought leadership

The increased role technology plays in all aspects of dispute resolution, and the big challenges for the future such as ensuring access to justice, early intervention strategies and dispute system design.

Programme Curriculum

Module #1

Dispute Resolution and Conflict Studies

This class deals with the historical origins of mediation and where mediation fits within the hierarchy of dispute resolution processes.  It examines the causes of commercial law disputes before analysing issues relating to dispute prevention, conflict analysis and individual conflict styles. It also examines issues in neuroscience that may impact on dispute resolution.

MOdule #2

Mediation Practice and Skills

This class explores the attributes of successful mediators and of lawyers working in mediation. It covers choice of process and forum, mediation representation and advocacy skills. It also addresses preparation for, and paperwork in mediation – including mediation briefs, agreements to mediate and drafting settlement agreements.

MOdule #3

Research Methods

This class will give you the skills necessary to undertake a Masters-level dissertation. It introduces the different ways in which you can conduct legal research, and assists you in ensuring that the theories and methods you use are appropriate to your research question. You will also be able to engage with different scholars working in the Law School.

MOdule #1

mediation Theory

This class will explore the interaction between dispute resolution and different forms of justice including procedural and substantive norms and ethical concerns. It will address fundamental values such as confidentiality, voluntariness, neutrality and party empowerment, and theoretical issues relevant to mediation in the commercial context. It also examines mediation models and styles and the role and influence of culture within mediation processes.

MOdule #2

Mediation Law

This class will study the  application of legal and regulatory frameworks to mediation. With a principal focus on English law, the class shall also involve comparative analysis as well as discussion of the application of international legal and regulatory frameworks including the Singapore Convention in Mediation 2019.  The wider issue of the interaction between mediation, courts and formal civil justice systems shall also be examined.

MOdule #3

Technology and Online Dispute Resolution

The class will focus on the  increasing use of technology in dispute resolution including an examination of online and hybrid models of mediation The use of technology for dispute prevention will also be covered, as will future trends impacting on the delivery of dispute resolution services such as artificial intelligence, machine blockchain, and legal technology platforms.

World Renowned Faculty

Programme Director

Bryan Clark

Professor of Law & Civil Justice, Newcastle University

Programme Designer

Sabine Walsh

Co-founder & Head of Learning, Mediator Academy

International Expert Faculty

Bill Wood KC

Mediator, Maxwell Mediators, Singapore

Ranked #1 Mediation Silk in the UK

Jane Player

Mediator, Jane Player Mediation - UK

Corporate Livewire Commercial Mediator of the Year

Geoff Sharp

Mediator, Maxwell Mediators - Singapore

Who's Who Legal Global Top 5 Mediator

nadja alexander

Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy

Global Elite Thought Leader, Who's Who Legal, 2022

shannon salter

Deputy Attorney General for British Columbia

Former chair of Civil Resolution Tribunal, Canada

Tat Lim

Mediator, Maxwell Mediators, Singapore

'The best in Singapore' Who's Who Legal

Sue Prevezer KC

Mediator, Brick Court Chambers, UK

‘just fearsomely bright’ Legal 500

Simon Nightingale

Consultant Neurologist (Retired)

Special interest in the neuroscience of conflict

Dr Erin Dyer Saxon

Mediator, Conflict Resolution Scholar

Specialist in conflict communication

Dr Julio-César Betancourt

Author, Academic & ADR Practitioner

Lawyer, Arbitrator & Mediator

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NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY

Newcastle University is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings of 2022) and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of the UK’s leading research intensive universities.  

The Law School is committed to pursuing academic excellence and fostering an intellectually challenging and supportive environment in which their students can excel. It maintains the very best research, outstanding teaching and learning experience and their academic staff are at the forefront of research.

Mediator Academy 

We are a digital education company with a mission to prepare learners with the skills and knowledge to tackle the big challenges of the 21st Century. Our pioneering learning design, collaboration with global industry leaders alongside university partnerships enable us to bring career-focused education to learners anywhere. You can read more about us here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Duration and Structure?

You have two options. There is a Full Time (FT) option which is one year, full time and divided into two semesters. There are three modules per semester plus a dissertation. In semester one you will cover two modules and complete a research methods module and in semester two, three modules and a dissertation.

There is also a Part Time (PT) option which is spread over two years and is very popular for working professionals. In year one you will cover two modules and complete a research methods module and in year two, three modules, and a dissertation.

What do you mean by fully online?

Combination of interactive asynchronous modules so you study in your own time, and live online workshops and tutorials with faculty. Online access to programme director, tutor, dissertation supervisor, support staff and also classmates and extra-curricular activities.

How will I access the course?

All learning will be delivered through the university LMS, including library and other resources. A laptop or desktop provide the best learning experience but you can also learn using a tablet or smartphone.

Do I have to be a law graduate?

No, a primary degree can be in another discipline.

What is the time commitment and what does the timetable look like?

The Full Time programme is intended to be full time over the course of one year, but there is greater flexibility to schedule study as it works for you around family work and other commitments. Live sessions will be timetabled well in advance to allow you to plan for them and recordings of all live sessions will also be available. The Part Time programme is more spaced out as described above so you'll have even greater flexibility to study, work and meet other commitments.

How is it assessed?

Each module includes assessment of different types; essay, practical, MCQ, capstone project. The dissertation accounts for 60 credits (out of 180 total) and will be supervised.

Can I practice as a Commercial Mediator after this programme?

Yes, absolutely. Another unique feature of this LLM is the professional accreditation that comes with your degree. If you successfully complete the course and pass the assessments you can practice as an International Mediation Institute (IMI) Qualified Mediator.

Are there any scholarships available for this programme?

Yes, there are a number of partially funded scholarships available for the programme. To find out about these and how to apply, write to:  support @ mediatoracademy . com (remove the spaces from the email address when sending) and include in the subject header LLM Scholarship Inquiry.

Are there payment plans available to spread the course fees over 1 year or 2 years?

Yes, there are payment plans available for the full time and part time study options that allow you to spread the programme fees over the duration of your study. Further information on these options can be found on the university website.

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