Dispute Resolution

This expert graduate course provides a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in dispute resolution and develops the advanced professional skills and specialist knowledge required for working as a dispute resolution practitioner, including as an arbitrator, mediator or other dispute resolution practitioner. It is suitable for graduates interested in developing or enhancing specialist careers in dispute resolution.

Students investigate contemporary issues in law, practice and scholarship, and evaluate complex issues relevant to the field from theoretical, international and interdisciplinary perspectives. The course enhances students' capacity to undertake independent research, and includes options for a pathway to doctoral studies.

The course is structured in two parts: Part A. Dispute resolution knowledge and Part B. Extending specialist knowledge electives and research. All students complete Part A and Part B.

Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

Part A. Dispute resolution knowledge

The studies enable you to develop specialised knowledge and advanced skills in areas of dispute resolution that suit your interests, skills and career goals.

Part B. Extending specialist knowledge and research

These studies will provide you with in-depth knowledge of a wide range of areas of dispute resolution. You will be able to focus on sources of information relevant to dispute resolution and the application of research methods and specialist discipline knowledge and skills necessary to support law-related work the field. Depending on your interests and motivation, you can choose a program of study in which you plan and execute a major research-based project with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.

Requirements

The course comprises 48 points structured into two parts: Part A. Extending specialist knowledge and research (30 points) and Part B. Dispute resolution research and knowledge (18 points).

The course progression map will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Dispute resolution knowledge (30 points)

Students complete a. and b. below:

a. the following unit:

• LAW5080 Australian legal system or LAW5081 Australian legal process and research*

* LAW5081 is required for all international students and those students with a law degree from a non-Australian jurisdiction.

b. a minimum of four units chosen from those listed below; not all units are offered every year:

Dispute resolution in the courts

• LAW5310 Sentencing
• LAW5355 Advocacy: Theory and practice
• LAW5375 Arbitration of domestic commercial disputes
• LAW5381 Human rights advocacy: Australian law and practice
• LAW5430 Advanced evidence and proof in litigation
• LAW5443 Language, communication and legal process
• LAW5453 Comparative conflict of laws

Alternative dispute resolution

• LAW5411 Advanced mediation: Skills and theory A
• LAW5412 Advanced mediation: Skills and theory B
• LAW5410 Collaborative practice
• LAW5421 Managing high conflict personalities in legal disputes
• LAW5315 Commercial alternative dispute resolution
• LAW5344 Negotiation: Essential skills for dispute resolution
• LAW5375 Arbitration of international commercial disputes

Part B. Extending specialist knowledge electives and research* (18 points)

Students complete 18 points across a. and b. below:

a. 6 or 12 points of elective law units chosen from:

• Part A above
• the dispute resolution electives listed below
• any unit from the general list of level 5 law units, except those only offered in L6005 Master of Laws (Juris Doctor)

b. The remaining 6 or 12 points of research studies in dispute resolutions from the following:

• LAW5082 Masters research (6 points)
• LAW5083 Extended research (12 points)**

** Students taking the course as a pathway to doctoral studies are advised to complete this unit.

Dispute resolution electives

Not all units are offered every year.

• LAW5303 Forensic family law
• LAW5308 Current issues in evidence
• LAW5334 Psychiatry, psychology and law
• LAW5335 Contemporary problems in the administration of criminal justice
• LAW5360 Advanced conflict resolution skills
• LAW5381 Human rights advocacy: Australian law and practice
• LAW5387 Non-adversarial family and children's law
• LAW5408 Remedies in commercial disputes
• LAW5418 Transitional justice
• LAW5423 Private international law in commercial disputes
• LAW5429 Advanced commercial negotiation skills
• LAW5440 International commercial dispute resolution advocacy
• LAW5449 Advanced administrative law
• LAW5453 Comparative international litigation
• LAW5601 Comparative remedies
• LAW5605 Comparative dispute resolution
• LAW5608 Transnational litigation

Qualifications

A bachelor Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, including education, management, psychology, human resources, business administration, industrial relations, communications or another relevant discipline, as determined by the faculty, with a minimum credit average.

A bachelor degree (or equivalent) plus either a graduate diploma (or equivalent) in Law or a cognate discipline including education, management, psychology, human resources, business administration, industrial relations, communications or another relevant discipline or a graduate certificate (or equivalent) in Law or a cognate discipline including  education, management, psychology, human resources, business administration, industrial relations,  communications or another relevant discipline as determined by the faculty.

Or

A bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, including education, management, psychology, human resources, business administration, industrial relations, communications or another relevant discipline plus sufficient relevant work-based experience or professional learning to provide the equivalent of a bachelor honours degree on one of those disciplines, as determined by the faculty. Applicants will be assessed on their entire academic record, with a credit average (or equivalent) preferred. As a general rule, students who do not have a credit average or are relying on relevant work experience to satisfy entry requirements will need to have worked for at least two years, although the required period may be shorter where the work experience has been supplemented by other relevant learning.

English entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6); or

TOEFL Paper-based test: 587 with a TWE of 4.5; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 94 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 24, Listening: 20, Reading: 19 and Speaking: 20.

The Master of Dispute Resolution at Monash University offers a range of financial options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees are structured according to the university's domestic and international fee schedules, with domestic students eligible for government loans and scholarships. Monash University provides the Commonwealth supported place (CSP) for eligible domestic students, which significantly reduces the financial burden, as students only pay tuition fees subsidized by the Australian government. International students are required to pay full tuition fees, which vary depending on the program and mode of study. The current annual fee for international students enrolled in the Master of Dispute Resolution is approximately AUD 40,000, but this is subject to annual adjustments.

Students are encouraged to explore government and private scholarships offered by Monash University, Australian government grants, and external funding opportunities to offset costs. Monash University Research Scholarships and other merit-based scholarships may be available for high-achieving students, covering tuition fees partially or fully, and offering stipends for living expenses. There are also numerous external sponsorship options provided by professional organizations, legal associations, and dispute resolution institutions, which aspiring practitioners can pursue.

In addition to tuition costs, students should consider expenses such as textbooks, materials, administrative fees, and personal living costs. Monash University provides an International Student Fees and Charges webpage with detailed financial information, including estimated costs for accommodation, health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC), and daily living expenses.

For domestic students, the Commonwealth Supported Place offers a fee remission for the subsidized portion of the tuition, but students are responsible for the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which is about AUD 1160 per year, to access university facilities and services. International students pay full tuition fees and are also required to pay for health insurance, accommodation, and other personal expenses.

Monash University also offers payment plans, allowing students to pay tuition fees in installments rather than a lump sum. The university provides financial counseling and support services to assist students in managing their finances and applying for financial aid. For students with significant financial hardship, there are options such as temporary deferrals, scholarships, and emergency grants.

Overall, financing a Master of Dispute Resolution at Monash University involves understanding available government subsidies, scholarship opportunities, and personal budgeting. Prospective students are advised to visit the university’s official financial aid webpage and consult the specific program’s details for the most current fee schedule and funding options. By planning ahead and exploring all financial resources, students can effectively manage the costs associated with their graduate studies at Monash University.

The Master of Dispute Resolution at Monash University is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to equip students with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and resolve disputes across a variety of sectors, including commercial, legal, public, and community environments. This program integrates theoretical principles with practical applications, allowing students to gain a deep understanding of dispute resolution mechanisms such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and adjudication. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking, negotiation strategies, and ethical considerations in dispute management, preparing graduates for careers as mediators, negotiators, conflict analysts, and legal practitioners. The curriculum is structured to cover core topics like dispute resolution theory, conflict management, law and ethics in dispute resolution, and specialized areas such as commercial dispute resolution and international arbitration. Students also have opportunities to participate in practical workshops, role-play exercises, and internships that simulate real-world dispute resolution scenarios. Monash University’s strong links with industry and legal professionals provide valuable insights and networking opportunities, enhancing employment prospects upon graduation. The program is suitable for legal practitioners looking to expand their expertise, professionals in related fields such as business and public service, and individuals interested in alternative dispute resolution methods. Typically delivered through a combination of coursework, seminars, and independent research, the Master of Dispute Resolution aims to foster critical skills in analytical thinking, communication, and ethical judgment. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to contribute to resolving conflicts efficiently and fairly, thus playing vital roles in business environments, legal systems, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. With a focus on both domestic and international dispute resolution, the program prepares students to operate effectively in diverse legal and cultural contexts, ensuring they can navigate and resolve complex disputes in a variety of settings.