Law - LLM - Alternative Dispute Resolution

Taught by leading scholars and mediation practitioners, this course provides a theoretical and practical grounding in dispute resolution, including mediation.

On completion of the course, you will have a deep understanding of the nature of conflict and conflict management; the spectrum of dispute resolution processes; and mediation in practice. You will also be equipped with the knowledge and advanced mediation skills required in practice through participation in class exercises and intensive roleplay simulations.

Applicants also have the option of registering for a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Alternative Dispute Resolution). This shorter programme may be attractive to legal and other professionals who may prefer not to make an initial commitment to a full master’s programme. Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma may progress their studies by completing a research dissertation and graduating with a Masters in Law (LLM).

The LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution) consists of 90 credits as follows:

Full-time Option
LW6652 Legal Research Methods and Writing (5 credits)
LW6659 LLM (Taught) Dissertation (25 credits)

Plus 45 additional credits of core modules and 15 credits of elective modules.

Part-time Option
You will take 90 credits over two years, completing 40 credits in Year 1 and 50 credits in Year 2, including LW6659 LLM (Taught) Dissertation (25 credits), and any core modules not already taken in Year 1.

Core Modules
LW6619 Alternative Dispute Resolution: Processes and Practice (5 credits)
LW6643 Negotiation and Mediation (10 credits)
LW6652 Legal Research Methods and Writing (5 credits)
LW6665 Advanced Mediation Theory and Skills (10 credits)
LW6666 Introduction to Conflict Resolution (5 credits)
LW6667 Children’s Rights and Family Mediation Processes (5 credits)
LW6644 Managing Complex Disputes (10 credits)
LW6659 LLM Dissertation (25 credits)

Elective Modules
You can take elective modules to the value of 15 credits. The electives listed below have been chosen due to their relevance to, and applicability in, alternative dispute resolution practice. Module choice will depend on student interest in legal areas and availability in any given year.

LW6103 Legal Aspects of State Regulation (5 credits)
LW6107 Legal Aspects of Occupations Health, Safety, and Welfare (5 credits)
LW6507 Comparative Family Property Law (5 credits)
LW6563 Child Law in Practice (10 credits)
LW6568 The Family and the Law (10 credits)
LW6646 Business Law in Practice (5 credits)
LW6657 Law and Policy of the EU Digital Market (10 credits)
LW6660 Digital Finance and FinTech: Law and Regulation (10 credits)

It may be that not all modules listed above will be offered each year and/or other options may become available. In certain cases, with the permission of the Programme Director, students may elect to take up to 10 credits from the modules available in the LLM (Taught) (other than those above) in substitution for 10 credits of the elective modules listed above. Where appropriate, the Programme Director will identify, in consultation with the applicant, whether any undergraduate modules must be taken.

Exit Award: Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Alternative Dispute Resolution)
Upon successful completion of modules to the value of 60 credits, registered LLM students may opt not to proceed with the programme and exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Alternative Dispute Resolution).

Applicants must have an NFQ, Level 8 Degree in Law with at least a Second-Class Honours Grade 1; OR have a Second-Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in areas including, but not restricted to, Law, Business, Human Resources, Management, Healthcare, Social Work & Policy, and Construction.

Applicants must have an NFQ, Level 8 Degree in Law with at least a Second-Class Honours Grade 1; OR have a Second-Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in areas including, but not restricted to, Law, Business, Human Resources, Management, Healthcare, Social Work & Policy, and Construction.

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet any of the above academic entry requirements but who have relevant professional experience.

Applications from international candidates are welcome and their qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Closing Date
Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Start Date September 2024

Skills and Careers Information
Given the growth of Alternative Dispute Resolution nationally and internationally, professional qualifications in dispute resolution such as those in mediation are increasingly in demand.

The skillset developed through this programme e.g., facilitation, active listening, and conflict management is highly sought in several employment contexts. As such, you can take this qualification into your existing profession or chosen career path. Options concerning accreditation with the Irish Professional Mediators' Organisation and/or the Meditation Institute of Ireland are being explored. Note that graduates may need to undergo further training post-qualification and may incur additional fees from the professional award bodies in order to qualify for full accreditation.