Master of Dispute Resolution

at University of Newcastle

The Master of Dispute Resolution delivers a core focus on ensuring a strong student understanding of the Australian and International dispute resolution framework and techniques employed in the dispute resolution process. Students are required to complete 8 courses (80 units) which they can choose from our list of cutting-edge courses including:
 

• Advocacy Skills
• Advanced Legal Research Project
• Commercial Dispute Resolution
• International Arbitration
• Expert Evidence
• Advanced Communication Skills
• Mediation Skills and Theory
• Conciliation
• Dispute Resolution
• Negotiation in a Legal Context

This degree is available to study full-time or part-time to provide added flexibility to your study program.

Students who complete the Mediation course will meet partial accreditation requirements under the National Mediation Accreditation System (NMAS). To seek full accreditation students must complete further industry requirements outlined in the NMAS. 

Admission Requirements

The Master of Dispute Resolution will equip students with advanced knowledge and skills, positioning them to engage as professionals in the dispute resolution field and as leaders in further education, research, and professional development relating to the field in Australia and across the world. Dispute resolution practitioners are drawn from a range of discipline areas and may have varying disciplinary backgrounds.

Entry into the Master of Dispute Resolution Program (80 units) will be available for applicants who have:
 

• an AQF Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree in a professional discipline (e.g., law, education, social science, psychology, science, engineering, architecture, medicine, legal studies, business, commerce or human resources and management); or
• an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a professional discipline (e.g., law, education, social science, psychology, engineering, legal studies, business, commerce or human resources and management); or
• an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree in a professional discipline (e.g., law, education, social science, psychology, engineering, legal studies, business, commerce or human resources and management), and at least one year relevant work experience; or
• an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree not in a related discipline, and at least two years of relevant work experience; or
• attained and held National Mediator Accreditation in Australia for a period of no less than three years, or are an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner; or 
• at least five years of work experience, of which two years should have been in a management or consultancy position dealing predominantly with complaints management or dispute resolution.

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements
 

• All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. 
• Applicants for this program must satisfy a minimum English Language Proficiency Standard equivalent to an IELTS overall minimum of 6.5 with no subtest result below 6.0.

Fees

AUD 34,210 (indicative annual fee)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units).

Upon completion of the Master of Dispute Resolution you will be able to use your specialised knowledge to advance your career and work in various fields including consulting firms, community organisations, educational institutions and government agencies.

Some typical roles include:
 

• Expert complaints staff
• Human Resource Manager
• Independent Dispute Resolution Scheme Managers and senior staff
• Government dispute resolution expert
• Arbitrator
• Mediator
• Conciliator
• Negotiator
• Ombuds senior staff