MA in Dispute Resolution

Key Points

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The MA is a unique and innovative interdisciplinary program that provides students with the academic knowledge and practical skills to resolve disputes between parties in a non-adversarial manner. Upon successful completion of the master’s degree, students are awarded a QQI Level 9 academic qualification. Dispute resolution is one of the fastest growing academic fields and disciplines both in Ireland and internationally, offering career opportunities in corporate, legal settings , educational, political, human resources, health and community, among others.

The Master of Dispute Resolution focuses on a wide range of non-contentious dispute resolution processes, including arbitration, mediation, conflict training, and negotiation in several different sectors, including family, business, construction, and workplace. job. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and combines concepts of law, business management, international relations, policy studies, sociology, psychology, and organizational development.

The combination of experiential learning through role-playing games and formal lectures by industry experts will provide students with a practical understanding of a full range of this exciting and fast-growing sector and is designed for people new to the the field, as well as for professionals who want to enhance current capabilities and skills in their chosen field. The Master of Dispute Resolution is both practical and academic. The focus of the faculty teaching the course is to provide students with dispute resolution skills along with theory to support those skills.

Goals and objectives of the program:

• Provide students with knowledge and understanding of the fundamental theories, concepts, and methodologies of dispute analysis.
• Provide and develop professional competence in the techniques necessary to define and evaluate disputes.
• Provide and develop the skills necessary to employ a methodical and critical approach to challenges in dispute management and resolution.
• Provide students with the ability to communicate strategies and solutions in conflict contexts.
• Provide students with the knowledge and foundation to continue their graduate studies.
• Facilitate the student’s development of applied skills that are directly complementary and relevant to the workplace.
• Allow the student to identify, develop, and apply analytical and creative problem-solving and research skills.

Program learning outcomes

By the end of the program, students should be able to:

• Evaluate the social, psychological, theoretical and legal principles that underpin the different forms of dispute resolution.
• Evaluate how the different forms of dispute resolution operate.
• Manage different dispute resolution processes to effectively bring conflict situations to an end in a consensual manner.
• Synthesize a variety of conceptual approaches to dispute resolution theory and practice
• Integrate a range of perspectives on current concerns and issues in the field of dispute resolution.
• Design and present solutions to situations of interpersonal conflict.
• Collect research at an advanced level through a variety of research projects and a major dissertation with ethical considerations.
• Demonstrate key communication and active listening skills and become critically self-aware.

Career options

Independent College Dublin aims to develop graduates who are:

• Excellent academically with in-depth knowledge of the chosen discipline, supported by well-developed critical thinking, analysis and reflection skills.
• Creative, entrepreneurial, socially conscious and effective communicators.
• Active leaders with a global vision.
• Committed to continuous learning.

Students studying the MSc in Dispute Resolution should have better career opportunities within Ireland, the EU and the broader international sectors. Types of employment may include:

• Managerial level positions
• Public Sector
• Self-Employment
• Members of the Professional Bodies
• Third sector
• Private sector management, change management, labor dispute resolution

Program structure

Admission requirements

1. Bachelor of Laws: Candidates must have a level 8 upper second-class law degree (or equivalent). Students with a lower second-class honors degree will be considered. The qualifications of candidates based outside of Ireland will be assessed using the NARIC International Comparison System. This ensures that there are equal opportunities for foreign students.
2. Non-Law Graduates: Candidates must have an upper second-class honors degree at level 8 (or equivalent). Students with a lower second-class honors degree will be considered. The qualifications of candidates based outside of Ireland will be assessed using the NARIC International Comparison System. This ensures that there are equal opportunities for foreign students.
3. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of professional experience. Such professional experience will be assessed on the basis of the College Regulations on Accredited Experiential Learning, which can be defined as learning achieved through experience gained by an individual outside of formalized learning arrangements where learning outcomes are open to review. evaluation by the College.
4. Candidates will be required to complete a “bridge event” prior to the start of the program. The focus of the course will be to provide non-law graduates with a foundation in some of the basics of the Irish legal system. Attendance at this course will be compulsory.
5. Candidates who do not possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) may be accepted under the Academic Regulations of the University on the basis of Accredited Experiential Learning which can be defined as learning achieved through experience acquired by an individual outside of the formalized learning arrangements where they are open to evaluation by the College.
6. English level equivalent to 6.5 IELTS or equivalent score for students where English is not the applicant’s native language.

Required registration information

To register your interest in enrolling in this program, the following information must be submitted to the College at the time of application:

• Copy of the transcript of the results of previous courses
• Copy of the applicant’s passport
• Copy of GNIB card if you already reside in Ireland
• Copy of updated CV
• Personal statement
• Copy of English Certificate – An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent test is required

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