Conflict & Dispute Resolution Studies

The Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict and Dispute Resolution Studies is designed to train students in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Taught by staff and guest lecturers from a variety of academic and industry backgrounds, the programme combines the research of academics with the experiences of practitioners.



The course aims to demonstrate standards of best practice for those who recognise the value of alternative dispute resolution processes in resolving commercial, community, workplace, international and other disputes and in minimising the damage caused by conflict. Those who complete the course will have a deep understanding of the causes and nature of conflict, the various conflict resolution processes available and how to apply them.



The course examines the causes of conflict in contexts from the local to the global and trains students in ADR skills, particularly mediation. CDRS is an accredited training programme with Mediators' Institute of Ireland. Completion of a successful Mediation Roleplay Competency Assessment option at the end of the CDRS programme will allow students to apply for Certified Mediation status with the Mediators' Institute of Ireland.



Is This Course For Me?

Past students have included lawyers, trade unionists, members of the Garda Síochána, senior policymakers in human resources and industrial relations, civil and public servants, members of the Probation Service's restorative justice programmes, refugee and asylum services personnel, church and community workers, NGO workers, and managers from a range of fields including health and education.

Course Structure

This is a one-year programme, with teaching from September to April. There are two evening sessions (six hours) per week over 24 weeks, and four Saturday mediation training workshops. Teaching takes place on the main Trinity Campus.



Course Content

The modules cover conflict analysis, theories of conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms with an emphasis on mediation.

Students take five modules: Understanding Conflict; Aspects and Dynamics of Mediation; Theories and Processes of International Conflict Resolution; Processes and Skills for Moving Beyond Conflict; Models of Alternative Dispute Resolution.



Students are assessed by means of essays, group work, a reflective log and filmed mediation role play.

Applicants should normally have an Honours Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or another third-level qualification and five years relevant experience. Students without the above qualifications will be considered subject to evidence of adequate skills and experience. Students not meeting tApplicants should normally have an Honours Bachelor degree and three years relevant experience or another third-level qualification and five years relevant experience. Students without the above qualifications will be considered subject to evidence of adequate skills and experience. Students not meeting these criteria may exceptionally be considered at the discretion of the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Students are assessed by means of essays, a reflective log and filmed mediation role play.

1 year part-time.

Next Intake September 2024



Closing Date 31st July 2024

Career Opportunities

Our graduates find employment in a wide range of careers, such as conflict resolution and mediation, peacebuilding, human rights, international development, NGOs and the non-profit sector, advocacy and activism, the public sector and government, diplomacy, the United Nations and international organisations, research, teaching, journalism, academia and law.