Law LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution)

Program Overview

The LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution) program from University College Cork offers a comprehensive understanding and practical application of mediation, conflict management, and dispute resolution processes. Taught by legal experts and mediation practitioners, the program equips graduates with advanced mediation skills, preparing them for careers in various sectors, including law, business, human resources, and non-profit organizations. The program's blended format and experiential learning approach provide a unique opportunity for professional development and qualification in the field of dispute resolution.

Program Outline

LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution) - University College Cork

Degree Overview:

This LLM program focuses on the practice and policy context of alternative dispute resolution methods, particularly mediation, both nationally and internationally. It provides a theoretical and practical grounding in dispute resolution, including mediation, taught by leading scholars and mediation practitioners.

Objectives:

Upon completion, students will:

• Gain a deep understanding of the nature of conflict and conflict management.
• Develop a comprehensive knowledge of the spectrum of dispute resolution processes.
• Master the practical application of mediation through class exercises and intensive roleplay simulations.
• Acquire the advanced mediation skills required for professional practice.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• The LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution) consists of 90 credits.
• Full-time option: 12 months, 90 credits.
• Part-time option: 24 months, 90 credits (40 credits in Year 1, 50 credits in Year 2).

Course Schedule:

• 10-credit modules run for 12 weeks.
• 5-credit modules run for 6 weeks.
• Seminars generally take place in two-hour blocks, once a week per module.
• Seminar times are between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
It covers the various processes and practices of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation.
• LW6643 Negotiation and Mediation (10 credits): This module focuses on the theory and practice of negotiation and mediation, equipping students with the skills to effectively manage and resolve disputes.
• LW6652 Legal Research Methods and Writing (5 credits): This module provides students with the necessary skills to conduct legal research and write effectively.
• LW6665 Advanced Mediation Theory and Skills (10 credits): This module delves deeper into the theory and practice of mediation, focusing on advanced skills and techniques.
Students who successfully complete this module may be eligible for membership as a newly qualified mediator, although further professional training may be required.
• LW6666 Introduction to Conflict Resolution (5 credits): This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of conflict resolution, exploring different approaches and strategies.
• LW6667 Children’s Rights and Family Mediation Processes (5 credits): This module examines the legal framework surrounding children's rights and the specific considerations involved in family mediation.
• LW6644 Managing Complex Disputes (10 credits): This module focuses on the challenges and strategies involved in managing complex disputes, including multi-party negotiations and international disputes.
• LW6659 LLM Dissertation (25 credits): Students undertake a research dissertation on a subject of their choice in the area of dispute resolution, supervised by a faculty member.
The dissertation is normally 12,500 words in length.

Elective Modules:

• LW6103 Legal Aspects of State Regulation (5 credits): This module examines the legal framework surrounding state regulation, including administrative law and regulatory compliance.
• LW6107 Legal Aspects of Occupations Health, Safety, and Welfare (5 credits): This module explores the legal framework governing occupational health, safety, and welfare, including workplace safety regulations and employee rights.
• LW6507 Comparative Family Property Law (5 credits): This module compares family property law systems in different jurisdictions, examining the legal frameworks governing the division of assets upon separation or divorce.
• LW6563 Child Law in Practice (10 credits): This module examines the practical application of child law, including child protection, custody, and adoption.
• LW6568 The Family and the Law (10 credits): This module explores the legal framework governing family relationships, including marriage, divorce, and cohabitation.
• LW6646 Business Law in Practice (5 credits): This module examines the practical application of business law, including contract law, corporate law, and intellectual property law.
• LW6657 Law and Policy of the EU Digital Market (10 credits): This module explores the legal and policy framework governing the EU digital market, including data protection, competition law, and e-commerce.
• LW6660 Digital Finance and FinTech: Law and Regulation (10 credits): This module examines the legal and regulatory framework governing digital finance and FinTech, including blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and crowdfunding.

Note:

Not all modules listed above may be offered each year, and other options may become available. Students may, with the permission of the Programme Director, take up to 10 credits from other LLM (Taught) modules in substitution for elective modules.

Exit Award:

• Students may exit the program with a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Alternative Dispute Resolution) upon successful completion of 60 credits.

Assessment:

• LLM classes are conducted in a seminar format, incorporating experiential learning in a participative and interactive manner.
• Some modules are blended.
• Students receive advance reading lists and materials (e.g., roleplay simulations) for each seminar.
• Assessment methods include:
• Prescribed assessments
• Role-play simulations
• Engagement and participation
• Dissertation

Teaching:

• The program is taught by a vibrant community of legal scholars and leading dispute resolution practitioners, including adjunct faculty.
• The program emphasizes an experiential approach to learning, drawing together theory and practice.
• Students benefit from guest seminars from leading dispute resolution practitioners.

Careers:

• The program prepares graduates for careers in alternative dispute resolution, particularly mediation, both nationally and internationally.
• The skills developed through the program, such as facilitation, active listening, and conflict management, are highly sought after in various employment contexts.
• Graduates can pursue careers in:
• Mediation
• Arbitration
• Conflict resolution
• Legal practice
• Human resources
• Business
• Government
• Non-profit organizations

Other:

• The School of Law at UCC has been ranked among the world's best Law Schools (59th) in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject (2023), as well as 1st in Ireland and 11th in the EU.
• The program provides a unique opportunity for professional development, equipping graduates with both an academic and professional qualification.
• Options concerning accreditation with the Irish Professional Mediators' Organisation and/or the Meditation Institute of Ireland are being explored.