The Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution (GDipDisRes) works from the principles that underpin dispute resolution and management, examining how these principles inform the theoretical and practical aspects of this rapidly changing area of law.

It’s available for both law and non-law graduates is ideal for legal practitioners and those working in the design, reform and practice of dispute resolution.

Working with judges, legal practitioners and legal researchers who are leaders in their fields, and fellow students from Australia and around the world, you’ll have a unique opportunity to gain advanced understanding of litigation and alternative dispute resolution.

The Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution is part of the world-renowned Melbourne Law Masters program.

Students must complete 50 credit points of study from the prescribed list of subjects.

Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction or any prior legal studies or experience are also expected to complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions.

Subject timing and format

The Melbourne Law Masters program has been designed around the busy schedules of working professionals. Subjects are offered from February to December each year. Most subjects are taught intensively over five days, with some subjects taught for two hours each week during the semester.

Subjects will be delivered either online, on campus, or as a hybrid of both. Subjects delivered online will have a combination of pre-recorded lecture content, live sessions and discussion boards among other resources. On-campus subjects involve interactive, seminar-style classes in the Law Building in Melbourne.

Duration

Full-time students enrol in 50 credit points per semester (or half-year period) and have an expected course duration of six months. Part-time* students enrol in 25 credit points per semester (or half-year period) and have an expected course duration of one year. Semesters without enrolments require a student to apply for a leave of absence.

*Part-time enrolment is for domestic students only. Part-time students may reduce their study load to 12.5 credit points per half-year period and thus have a maximum course duration of two years.

As a student in the Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution, you’ll develop an advanced understanding of the complex body of knowledge in the field of dispute resolution, including:

• The theories and techniques underpinning alternative forms of dispute resolution
• The frameworks for selected forms of dispute resolution and how to work within them in practice, including the significance of practical considerations
• Developments in the theory and practice of dispute resolution and a comparison between Australia and other countries.

You’ll also develop skills in critical analysis and the ability to interpret and transmit your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including clients.

Applicants must have completed: A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to legal practice, with a University of Melbourne equivalent score of at least 70, or equivalent

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.