Dispute Resolution

The MA in Dispute Resolution focuses on a wide range of non-adversarial dispute resolution processes including arbitration, mediation, and negotiation across a number of different sectors, including family, commercial, community, and workplace. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from law, business management, international relations, policy studies, sociology, psychology and organisational development. The mixture of experience-based learning through role plays and formal lectures gives students hands-on understanding of this important fast-growing sector. Our teaching team consists of mediators, lawyers, authors and arbitrators.



This MA in Dispute Resolution is suitable for graduates of law, business or related disciplines or those who have relevant work experience and who wish to develop their knowledge of this increasingly important field. It is designed for individuals who wish to enhance current capabilities and skills in Management, HR, Negotiation skills, Community Relations and Public Affairs. The programme is accredited since February 2024 by the Irish Professional Mediators’ Organisation (IPMO). Graduates of the programme are eligible to apply to the IPMO for membership as newly qualified mediators.



Accreditation



This is a one year Masters programme and is QQI accredited. Students will graduate with an internationally recognised Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution.



The programme is accredited since February 2024 by the Irish Professional Mediators’ Organisation (IPMO). Graduates of the programme are eligible to apply to the IPMO for membership as newly qualified mediators.

Semester 1

Understanding Conflict, Causes, Analysis & Dynamics

Principles of Mediation Theory

Principles of Mediation Practice

Principles of Negotiation Theory

Applied Negotiation Practice

Theory & Practice of Arbitration



Semester 2

Advanced Mediation Theory

Advanced Mediation Practice

Restorative Practice

Research Methods



Family & Community Pathway:

The Role & Application of Mediation in the Community

The Role & Application of Mediation in the Family



Commercial Pathway:

Theory and Practice of Workplace Dispute Resolution

Commercial Dispute Resolution



Semester 3

Students must complete a dissertation between 15,000 to 20,000 words

Law Graduates: Candidates should have an upper second-class honours degree in law at Level 8 (or equivalent). Students with a lower second-class honours degree will be considered. Qualifications from candidates based outside of Ireland will be assessed using the NARIC International Comparison System. This ensures there are equal opportunities for overseas students.



Non-Law Graduates: Candidates should have an upper second-class honours degree at Level 8 (or equivalent). Students with a lower second-class honours degree will be considered. Qualifications from candidates based outside of Ireland will be assessed using the NARIC International Comparison System. This ensures there are equal opportunities for overseas students.



Candidates should have a minimum of two years professional experience. Such professional experience will be assessed on the basis of the College’s Regulations on Accredited Experiential Learning which may be defined as learning achieved through experience gained by an individual outside formalised learning arrangements where the learning outcomes are open to assessment by the College.



Candidates will be required to complete a “bridging event” prior to the commencement of the programme. The focus of the course will be to provide non-law graduates with grounding in some of the basic concepts of the Irish legal system. Attendance on this course will be compulsory.



Candidates who do not hold an honours degree (or equivalent) may be accepted under the College’s Academic Regulations on the basis of Accredited Experiential Learning which may be defined as learning achieved through experience gained by an individual outside formalised learning arrangements where the learning outcomes are open to assessment by the College.



English language level equivalent to 6.5 IELTS or Common European Framework C1 equivalent score for students where English is not the applicants mother tongue

- Cambridge (FCE, CAE, CPE) 184

- TOEFL (IBT) 87

- TOEFL (CBT) 230

- TOEFL (PBT) 570

- Duolingo (Before 31st Dec 2022) 110

- Duolingo (From 1st Jan 2023) 120

- Pearson Test of English (PTE) 58.5



We offer a free online English test which can be taken during the admissions process.

How to Apply

Apply by clicking our Apply for September or Apply for February button



During the application process you will be asked to submit:



Copy of transcript of results from previous courses

Copy of applicant’s passport

Copy of GNIB card if already resident in Ireland

Copy of updated CV

Personal Statement

Copy of English certificate – IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent test is required

Cambridge (FCE, CAE, CPE) 184

TOEFL (IBT) 87

TOEFL (CBT) 230

TOEFL (PBT) 570

Duolingo (Before 31st Dec 2022) 110

Duolingo (From 1st Jan 2023) 120

Pearson Test of English (PTE) 58.5

Teaching & Assessments


The programme teaching and learning strategy is designed to allow the learner to progress through the theoretical and practical concepts in an orderly and logical fashion. The assessment strategy is planned to ensure practical application of the core principles of the module and facilitates feedback, which underpins the overall learning experience.


The primary purpose of Independent College Dublin's strategy is that teaching and assessment support learning. In addition, assessment supports standards based on appropriate learning outcomes. The programme teaching and assessment strategy is informed by the QQI Generic Award Standards. The programme learning outcomes (PLO), the module learning outcomes (MLO), and the graduate attributes also inform this process.


Throughout the programme, learners will experience a varied range of teaching and learning strategies, which are selectively chosen, based on level, module content and suitability to assessment. Most modules will primarily be delivered through a mix of lectures and practical workshops, with tutorials in place to support where necessary. Typically, material will be presented during lectures and workshops, the material presented during lectures and workshops having been made available in advance of the contact time, with supporting documentation/resources also available via Moodle to learners.


It is envisaged that the learners will assimilate much of the material through problem solving and practical exercises. Emphasis will be placed on allowing the learners to examine the exercise problem descriptions and try possible solutions in the workshops. Tutorials will be used to allow the learners to get help, reinforce more difficult subject matter and provide learners with the opportunity for assistance to a specific problem.


Teaching will focus on the learner applying problem solving skills to existing programme material. Skills will be developed through a variety of mechanisms, for example:


• Integrated tutorials with industry engagement.

• Problem based learning exercises with trade practitioners.

• Co-delivering and guest lecturing on focused syllabus content.

• Application workshop sessions, diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.

• Case study analysis, review, critiquing – reflective learning and writing skills.

• Blended learning and Flipped Classroom delivery

• Directed e-learning


Formative assessment will from an integral part of the learning journey or the learner with feedback being provided on the solutions to problems posed in class and through assignment being critiqued and challenged in the educational environment. This will allow for risk assessment and a continuous improvement process to become part of their solution design.


Additionally, the teaching and learning strategy is informed by Independent College Dublin's overall teaching and learning strategy, the scheme of assessment and the module specific teaching and learning strategy.

1 year. Delivery: In-class & Blended Learning.

Fees & Payment


The annual tuition fee for the upcoming February 2020 academic year is €6,300 for domestic based students already located in Ireland or the European Union. The annual tuition fee is €8,300 for Non EU based students.

Next Intake: Enrolling now for February & September 2025 intakes

CAREER OPTIONS



Graduates will have enhanced career opportunities within Ireland, the EU, and the wider international context. Types of employment may include:



• Mediation, Arbitration & Negotiation

• Public Sector Managerial level positions

• Private sector Management, HR, Change Management, Workplace Dispute Resolution

• Membership of Professional Bodies

• Third-level Education