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3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Law LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution)

Course Fact File

Code	LLMADR
Duration	1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time, Part-Time
Qualifications	LLM
NFQ Level	Level 9
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date	8 September 2025

Course Outline

Our LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution) programme will engage you in the practice and policy context of alternative dispute resolution methods including mediation both nationally and internationally. 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).

Course Practicalities

The Degree of LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution) is 12 months calendar year, full-time. On a part-time basis, it is two years. Students complete 90 credits over 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. Students take 60 credits of taught modules and a research methods module (5 credits), as well as a dissertation (25 credits) on a subject of their choice in the area of dispute resolution, as approved by their supervisor. The dissertation is normally 12,500 words in length. 10-credit modules run for 12 weeks, and 5-credit modules run for six weeks.

Assessment

LLM classes are in seminar format, encompassing experiential learning in a participative and interactive format. Some modules are blended. Our students receive advance reading lists and materials (e.g., roleplay simulations) for each seminar. Seminars generally take place in two-hour blocks with one seminar per week in each module. Seminar times are between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

The part-time option is taught during weekday working hours over two years. The LLM is assessed through prescribed assessments, role-play simulations, engagement and participation, and a dissertation.

Why Choose This Course

 A world-class education

This specialised LLM builds upon the School of Law’s considerable research and teaching expertise in dispute resolution. During the programme, you will learn from our vibrant community of legal scholars. You will also benefit from guest seminars from leading dispute resolution practitioners, including our adjunct faculty. UCC School of Law 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. 

Cutting-edge curriculum

Embedded in an experiential approach to learning, this programme draws together theory and practice, providing graduates with the opportunity to develop and advance their knowledge and skills in mediation in a safe and supportive environment, with feedback from instructors and colleagues.

Unique opportunity for professional development

Students who successfully complete this programme will graduate with both an academic and professional qualification.

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)

The Alternative Dispute Resolution: Processes and Practice module (LW6619) is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) at the Associate Level and options are currently being explored concerning accreditation with the Irish Professional Mediators' Organisation and/ the Meditation Institute of Ireland. 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. 

It is intended that students who successfully complete the Advanced Mediation Theory and Skills module (LW6665) will be eligible for membership as a newly qualified mediator; although further professional training may be required, and fees incurred. 

 

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. 

Requirements

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. 

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. We strongly encourage you to complete all sections as this will support your application. The additional information requested includes:

• Please enter all details of professional or voluntary positions held.
• Please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please enter the names and email addresses of two referees. 

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

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