Overview
This innovative programme will be taught fully online by internationally renowned academics and mediation practitioners. You’ll gain in-demand professional skills and learn from thought leaders in the field.
This course will give you a pathway into careers in international dispute resolution. It will prepare you for the rapidly growing field of international commercial mediation.
The LLM, PGDip and PGCert courses are delivered in partnership with Mediator Academy, a pioneering digital learning organisation and world-leading mediation training company.
You will gain critical skills and knowledge for 21st Century dispute resolution practice. Graduates from any discipline, anywhere in the world can enrol on this programme.
You will study the latest legal and policy developments in international commercial mediation. You will also explore theories of conflict and dispute resolution.
The course takes an innovative and immersive approach to online learning. It combines asynchronous lessons and expert-led live interactive online classes. It will help you:
- develop mediation and mediation advocacy skills
- learn about UK and international legal frameworks
- examine online dispute resolution and the role of technology in dispute management
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
You’ll develop your knowledge, skills and expertise in international commercial mediation including:
- law and policy on international commercial dispute resolution
- the causes of disputes and the role of culture in dispute resolution
- mediation advocacy skills and practice
- technology and online dispute resolution
You will hone your legal research skills by undertaking our bespoke Legal Research Skills and Methods module. This will also prepare you for your dissertation.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
How you’ll learn
The LLM, PGDip and PGCert will be taught fully online using a range of methods including:
- interactive, immersive online lessons, activities and learning experiences
- expert-led, live online seminars and skills development sessions
- online group projects
- community and tutor-led engagement and discussion
- self-directed study and research
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Reflective log
Additional assessment information
We will assess you by a variety of methods during your studies. The assessment will depend on the theme of the class.
Theory-based classes will be assessed by written exercises such as essays and blogs.
You will also have skills-based classes. These will include practical assessments such as oral presentations, skills practice and reflection.
A big part of this course will be the research dissertation. This will assess your knowledge, research and writing ability. You will have tutor support and supervision for your dissertation.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Professor Bryan Clark
Joint Degree Programme Director
Research and teaching interests: Mediation, Civil Justice, Commercial Dispute Resolution
Dr Myriam Gicquello
Lecturer in Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Research and teaching interests: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Arbitration, Online Dispute Resolution
Sabine Walsh
Co-Founder and Head of Learning, Mediator Academy
Expertise – Law, Dispute Resolution, Online Pedagogy and Learning Design
Your development
During this course, you will develop a variety of different skills in mediation, negotiation and communication. You’ll also gain legal practice in dispute resolution.
You will develop legal research and writing skills. You will also enhance your critical thinking, analysis and reflective practice.
You will also engage in the study of technology in dispute resolution.
Your future
You will get the knowledge and expertise to build a career in international commercial dispute resolution.
You have a range of options for pursuing this pathway
Further study – This course provides a route into PhD level study.
Careers – This course will help enhance your career prospects in law and business. You will be ready to tackle dispute handling and resolution in the realm of commerce.
We have strong industrial links through our research and degree programmes.
We will encourage you to join our Student Mediation Society. Giving you an opportunity to meet professionals working in the field and gain further mediation training. You can also represent Newcastle in international competitions.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Law – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
International Mediation Institute (IMI)
The LLM has been approved as meeting the International Mediation Institute’s competency criteria required of a Certified Mediator Training Program (CMTP) to deliver training in-person and online. By completing this Law Masters, you will meet the eligibility requirements to become an IMI Qualified Mediator.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
This programme is delivered fully online. You will have access to an extensive range of online sources via databases such as Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in any subject.
We will also consider applications on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications or experience in relevant professional practice.
