Be at the forefront of dispute resolution. Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to take on the big challenges of the 21st Century.
Interactive and immersive online modules allow students to study in their own time. Live coaching sessions and small group work give students the opportunity to practice skills and collaborate with their peers.
The way we resolve disputes is changing. Businesses and individuals are no longer willing to bear the expense and time of going to court and are turning to alternative ways of resolving conflict. This change means organisations need people skilled in preventing and managing disputes, and guiding them through more efficient and successful processes like mediation.
This programme combines a study of the theory of conflict, the practice and skills of dispute resolution and an exploration of new technologies and developments in the field. Students will gain the knowledge and competencies to prevent, manage and resolve disputes in a wide variety of settings.
When you have completed this programme you will have gained a new insight into the causes and dynamics of conflict and disputes alongside new skills and strategies to lead your practice, team, business or organisation into a more productive and effective future.
Our courses combine industry-leading practitioners with academic excellence to blend theory, practice and skills into engaging digital learning experiences preparing learners for 21st Century professional practice.
Students will understand and critically analyse different theories of and approaches to conflict and dispute resolution, with a particular focus on mediation.
Students will apply legal and professional principles and guidance to conflict and dispute scenarios, and select strategies and approaches to dispute resolution and mediation.
Students will be able to evaluate which interventions and strategies are required in different contexts, describe the reasoning for these and be able to take and justify a position on the key current debates in the field.
Students will be able to demonstrate advanced mediation and communication skills in complex dispute contexts, and inform their practice with appropriate theoretical knowledge.
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.
Students will have completed a Capstone Project applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the programme to their professional activity.
This Module addressed 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.
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.
This Module locates 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.
This programme culminates in a Capstone Project which offers students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills to employers, and to apply them to their own professional contexts.
The project is an integrative assignment that requires students to synthesise their theoretical and practical learning, to reflect on what they have discovered and to take action on their outcomes. They will create a framework for applying their graduate attributes and competencies to their world, and present this to peers, colleagues and superiors.
Brian Hutchinson
Associate Professor, UCD Sutherland School Of Law
Sabine Walsh
Co-founder & Head of Learning, Mediator Academy
University College Dublin Sutherland School of Law is partnering with Mediator Academy to create digital learning experiences that are engaging, immersive and flexible. Together they are bringing a new in-demand skills-based programme to those at the front line of dispute resolution.
Ranked one of the Top 100 Universities in the World for Law, UCD Sutherland School of Law is the leading centre for legal education and research in Ireland.
Since its establishment in 1911, the School's educational mission has remained at the heart of its endeavours and today their wide range of high quality programmes encourage the development of both a critical understanding of law and the enhancement of legal and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.
The School works closely with law firms, government departments and NGOs to boost employability and develop professional skills among their students.
Mediator Academy is an online education provider on a mission to prepare the learners of today with the skills, knowledge and disposition to tackle the big challenges of the 21st Century. Their innovative approach to learning design brings theory and practice to life through immersive and engaging digital programmes. They are building a future where anyone, anywhere can access the very best educational programmes in dispute resolution and technology. Through their partnerships with leading universities they are able to offer pathways to qualifications and on-ramps to meaningful careers.
You can study on any device - desktop, laptop, tablet or even smartphone. For the best learning experience we recommend a desktop or laptop and a quiet place, but you can always revisit and catch up with learning on the go. You will need a stable internet connection for the interactive lessons, but you can download resources to read offline.
Applications are welcomed from candidates holding an approved university degree or law-based interdisciplinary university degree, and from candidates with other academic and/or professional qualifications and/or relevant experience that will satisfy the Law School that they are able to participate in this programme.
This programme is designed for busy professionals who wish to study alongside their working lives. It is part time and the majority of the learning is self-directed, so you can study when suits you best. Live sessions will be scheduled outside standard working hours to allow you to engage with your tutors and fellow students. Asynchronous discussion will allow you to continue your learning conversations at your convenience. Estimated effort hours are approximately 10-20 hours per week.
Your learning will be assessed as you work through the programme by means of interactive practice assessments, quizzes and multiple choice tests at the end of each unit and graded discussion fora. Assessment will culminate in a Capstone Project in which you will have the opportunity to apply your learning to your own context and showcase your new knowledge and skills.
When you select the Apply Now button on this page you will be transported to the University College Dublin Sutherland School of Law website. There will be more information about the programme on the programme page and detailed instruction on how to complete the application process. You can also contact us directly through the form on this website if you have any queries.
The majority of the learning for this course is self-directed, there will be a maximum of 1-2 hours of scheduled engagement per week. These will be flexible so as to ensure students can participate alongside their working lives. A final timetable for these sessions will be issued at commencement of the programme.
On successful completion of the programme, graduates will attain a Professional Diploma (Level 9) from UCD Sutherland School of Law.