Skip to main content
POSTGRADUATE

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Find your true calling, specialise in your passion
BECOME AN EXPERT

BECOME AN EXPERT IN YOUR PASSION.

Find your true calling with Postgraduate Study
Hi Guest! Sign in for a more tailored experience!

A POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATION GIVES YOU AN EDGE

The College of Law can help you expand on what you already know and acquire new knowledge while providing you with opportunities to hone your skills in a  practice area, so that you stand out from the competition.  

Open up new career pathways by studying a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master of Laws program. One that’s reality-based, balanced and world-renowned, so you can become the best version of yourself for your client, practice and community.  

This is your chance to build career prospects, earn industry recognition, and boost your earning potential.  

Curious about where your skills could take you next? Scroll down to explore the variety of practice areas, detailed course subjects, and potential awards waiting for you. Find your perfect fit and tailor your education to your career ambitions.

Intake 1, Starts 10 February 2025

Enrol now Subjects by intake date Course guide Enquire Book a call

PROGRAM OPTIONS - DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Graduate Certificate in Applied Law

2

Choose two subjects in your chosen area

A recognised law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent)

$4,150 per subject - FEE-HELP

Approx 6 months
Learn more

Graduate Diploma of Applied Law

4

Choose four subjects in your chosen area

A recognised law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent)

$4,150 per subject - FEE-HELP

1 year part-time
Learn more

Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Dispute Resolution

8

3 DRP subjects, 4 elective subjects or a second major and the Capstone project in Dispute Resolution

A recognised law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent)

$4,150 per subject - FEE-HELP

2 years part-time
Learn more

OR START WITH A GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

Take control of your career

If you decide later to progress towards a Masters, you’ll receive credit towards that award.

Learn more

DISPUTE RESOLUTION SUBJECTS

DRP00 - Capstone Project (Dispute Resolution)

Intake 2, 4
The Capstone Project is taken as the final subject, as a culmination of the knowledge and skills attained throughout the major. It will allow students to demonstrate their skills in a specialist practice area using real-life scenarios and case studies. Throughout the intake, students will receive individualised feedback from their lecturer and will also have access to a rich array of skills modules that include guides, samples, and practice exercises for honing their legal skills. The highlight of the Capstone Project is the final task, where students will prepare a Final Portfolio that demonstrates their legal writing, research, and oral skills.

TOPICS

THE SUBJECT HAS FOUR COMPONENTS

  1. Four short answer questions
  2. Two legal writing samples
  3. Oral communication (e.g. client interview) assessment held through online conferencing
  4. Reflective analysis

DRP1 - Foundations of Dispute Resolution

Intake 1, 3
With increasing demand for effective and efficient dispute resolution, lawyers must be familiar with the varieties of dispute resolution avenues available to their clients and competently advise their clients through the process. This subject forms the foundation to the Dispute Resolution Practice major setting students up with the knowledge required for practice in their area. It will have a strong problem-solving and experiential focus.

TOPICS

  • Background to dispute resolution
  • Preparing for negotiation
  • Managing negotiation
  • Preparing for mediation
  • Managing mediation
  • Conciliation
  • Expert determination
  • Arbitration
  • Litigation and finalising resolution agreements

DRP2 - Negotiation

Intake 2, 4
All lawyers negotiate – this applies equally to litigation lawyers, to mediators and to commercial lawyers. This subject is relevant to lawyers and mediators of all disciplines. The content of the course includes both dispute resolution and transactional deal making.

TOPICS

  • Introducing negotiation
  • Models of negotiation
  • Preparing for negotiation Implementing a planned negotiation
  • Managing the negotiation process
  • Applying critical communication skills to negotiation
  • Managing challenging issues in negotiations
  • Negotiating ethically

DRP3 - Advocacy

Intake Intensive
Advocacy skills are key for all lawyers. The ability to be able to persuasively put forward the client’s position is key, whether inside or outside the courtroom. This subject is a skills-based subject, focused on developing students' skill at preparation and argument and developing the foundations for advanced and integrated understandings of the subject. Students will participate in various exercises such as presenting an opening statement, examination-in-chief, cross-examination, re-examination and argument. Throughout the workshop students will be provided feedback from senior practitioners and with the opportunity to practise and hone their skills. Strong emphasis is placed on teaching students the skills of preparation which will make them a successful advocate, inside or outside the courtroom. This is a general advocacy subject which will have direct practical relevance to students, regardless of the area of practice. Please note: This subject is intensive with a compulsory face-to-face workshop.

TOPICS

  • Fundamentals of advocacy and the advocate's role
  • Ethics and an advocate's duty to the client and the court
  • Rules of evidence
  • Examination-in-chief
  • Witnesses (lay and expert) and interpreters
  • Cross-examination and re-examination
  • Submissions and arguments

DRP4 - Mediation

Intake Intensive

This subject discusses where mediation sits on the dispute resolution spectrum and how the process assists in the resolution of disputes. The mediation process and the skills used by mediators within the mediation process, are also discussed. This is an intensive subject with pre-work followed by a compulsory four day intensive workshop. This course structure satisfies the requirements under the NMAS. The College of Law offers the National Mediation Assessment. Find your course here.

* Current Nationally Accredited Mediators are eligible for advanced standing for this DRP4 Mediation subject.

TOPICS

  • The dispute resolution spectrum
  • Conflict analysis and pre-mediation preparation
  • Mediation models and processes
  • Communication skills and mediation
  • Facilitative mediation
  • Mediating a matter

 

START DATES

Showing options for 'General'. Select a different tab to view options for that tab.
Feb Intake 1 May Intake 2 Aug Intake 3 Nov Intake 4
START DATE 10 Feb 2025 12 May 2025 11 Aug 2025 10 Nov 2025
CENSUS 26 Feb 2025 28 May 2025 27 Aug 2025 03 Dec 2025
END DATE 02 May 2025 01 Aug 2025 31 Oct 2025 06 Feb 2026
Showing options for 'Intensives'. Select a different tab to view options for that tab.
Subject Start Date Census End Date Workshop Date
DRP3 - Advocacy 22 Sep 2025 01 Oct 2025 31 Oct 2025

15 - 17 October 2025
DRP4 - Mediation 06 Oct 2025 15 Oct 2025 14 Nov 2024

TBC
EPP2 - Superannuation 01 Jul 2024 10 Jul 2024 09 Aug 2024
FDR1 - Family Law and Mediation 10 Feb 2025 19 Feb 2025 21 Mar 2025

3 - 5 March 2025 NSW/VIC   
6 - 8 March 2025 QLD/WA

1 - 3 September 2025 NSW/VIC
4 - 6 September 2025 QLD/WA
FDR1 - Family Law and Mediation 11 Aug 2025 20 Aug 2025 19 Sep 2025

3 - 5 March 2025 NSW/VIC   
6 - 8 March 2025 QLD/WA

1 - 3 September 2025 NSW/VIC
4 - 6 September 2025 QLD/WA
FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution 24 Mar 2025 02 Apr 2025 02 May 2025

10 - 12 April 2025 NSW & VIC 
14 - 16 April 2025 QLD & WA

16 - 18 October 2025   NSW/VIC
13 - 15 October 2025  QLD/WA
FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution 22 Sep 2025 01 Oct 2025 31 Oct 2025

10 - 12 April 2025 NSW & VIC 
14 - 16 April 2025 QLD & WA

16 - 18 October 2025   NSW/VIC
13 - 15 October 2025  QLD/WA
FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution 05 May 2025 14 May 2025 13 Jun 2025

26 - 28 May 2025 NSW & VIC
29 - 31 May 2025 QLD & WA

24 - 26 November 2025 NSW/VIC
27-29 November 2025 QLD/WA
FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution 03 Nov 2025 12 Nov 2025 12 Dec 2025

26 - 28 May 2025 NSW & VIC
29 - 31 May 2025 QLD & WA

24 - 26 November 2025 NSW/VIC
27-29 November 2025 QLD/WA
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 27 Jan 2025 05 Feb 2025 27 Mar 2025

17 - 19 February 2025 QLD & WA
20 - 22 February 2025 NSW & VIC:

7 - 9 July 2025 QLD & WA
10 - 12 July 2025 NSW & VIC

16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 

 
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 16 Jun 2025 25 Jun 2025 25 Jul 2025

17 - 19 February 2025 QLD & WA
20 - 22 February 2025 NSW & VIC:

7 - 9 July 2025 QLD & WA
10 - 12 July 2025 NSW & VIC

16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 

 
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 26 Jan 2026 04 Feb 2026 06 Mar 2026

17 - 19 February 2025 QLD & WA
20 - 22 February 2025 NSW & VIC:

7 - 9 July 2025 QLD & WA
10 - 12 July 2025 NSW & VIC

16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 

 
FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice 07 Apr 2025 17 Apr 2025 30 May 2025

Day 1 - 24 April 2025
Days 2 - 4: 29 April - 1 May 2025
Day 5 – 20 May 2025

Day 1 – 26 September 2025    
Days 2-4 – 30 September - 2 October 2025
Day 5 – 22 October 2025
FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice 08 Sep 2025 18 Sep 2025 31 Oct 2025

Day 1 - 24 April 2025
Days 2 - 4: 29 April - 1 May 2025
Day 5 – 20 May 2025

Day 1 – 26 September 2025    
Days 2-4 – 30 September - 2 October 2025
Day 5 – 22 October 2025
LB3 - Business Strategy: Planning for Success 05 May 2025 14 May 2025 13 Jun 2025
LB3 - Business Strategy: Planning for Success 03 Nov 2025 12 Nov 2025 12 Dec 2025
Showing options for 'FDRP'. Select a different tab to view options for that tab.
Subject Start Date Census End Date Workshop Date
FDR1 - Family Law and Mediation 10 Feb 2025 19 Feb 2025 21 Mar 2025

3 - 5 March 2025 NSW/VIC   
6 - 8 March 2025 QLD/WA

1 - 3 September 2025 NSW/VIC
4 - 6 September 2025 QLD/WA
FDR1 - Family Law and Mediation 11 Aug 2025 20 Aug 2025 19 Sep 2025

3 - 5 March 2025 NSW/VIC   
6 - 8 March 2025 QLD/WA

1 - 3 September 2025 NSW/VIC
4 - 6 September 2025 QLD/WA
FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution 24 Mar 2025 02 Apr 2025 02 May 2025

10 - 12 April 2025 NSW & VIC 
14 - 16 April 2025 QLD & WA

16 - 18 October 2025   NSW/VIC
13 - 15 October 2025  QLD/WA
FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution 22 Sep 2025 01 Oct 2025 31 Oct 2025

10 - 12 April 2025 NSW & VIC 
14 - 16 April 2025 QLD & WA

16 - 18 October 2025   NSW/VIC
13 - 15 October 2025  QLD/WA
FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution 05 May 2025 14 May 2025 13 Jun 2025

26 - 28 May 2025 NSW & VIC
29 - 31 May 2025 QLD & WA

24 - 26 November 2025 NSW/VIC
27 - 29 November 2025 QLD/WA
FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution 03 Nov 2025 12 Nov 2025 12 Dec 2025

26 - 28 May 2025 NSW & VIC
29 - 31 May 2025 QLD & WA

24 - 26 November 2025 NSW/VIC
27 - 29 November 2025 QLD/WA
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 27 Jan 2025 05 Feb 2025 07 Mar 2025

17 - 19 February 2025 QLD & WA
20 - 22 February 2025 NSW & VIC:

7 - 9 July 2025 QLD & WA
10 - 12 July 2025 NSW & VIC

16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 16 Jun 2025 25 Jul 2025 25 Jul 2025

17 - 19 February 2025 QLD & WA
20 - 22 February 2025 NSW & VIC:

7 - 9 July 2025 QLD & WA
10 - 12 July 2025 NSW & VIC

16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 
FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone 26 Jan 2026 04 Feb 2026 06 Mar 2026

17 - 19 February 2025 QLD & WA
20 - 22 February 2025 NSW & VIC:

7 - 9 July 2025 QLD & WA
10 - 12 July 2025 NSW & VIC

16 - 18 Feb 2026 QLD & WA
19 - 21 Feb 2026 NSW & VIC 
FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice 07 Apr 2025 17 Apr 2025 30 May 2025

Day 1 - 24 April 2025
Days 2 - 4: 29 April - 1 May 2025
Day 5 – 20 May 2025

Day 1 – 26 September 2025    
Days 2-4 – 30 September - 2 October 2025
Day 5 – 22 October 2025
FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice 08 Sep 2025 18 Sep 2025 31 Oct 2025

Day 1 - 24 April 2025
Days 2 - 4: 29 April - 1 May 2025
Day 5 – 20 May 2025

Day 1 – 26 September 2025    
Days 2-4 – 30 September - 2 October 2025
Day 5 – 22 October 2025

TEACHING STAFF

Alexandra Theydon

Head of Transaction Risk
DXC Technology
Find out more

Clare Dart

Barrister
Win Paten Chambers
Find out more

Florence Thum

Assistant Director and Lecturer, Psychotherapist and Coach
LLB, GradCertEd, Mcounselling and Applied Psychotherapy, LLM

Former litigation and dispute resolution lawyer with postgraduate qualifications in law, education and psychotherapy, Florence is keen to extend your professional skills in the modern workplace.

Harold Werksman

Self employed
Find out more

Linda Kochanski

Practice Area Leader: FDR and Mediation Programs and Director: Amadras Board
Find out more

Latest

Cybersecurity 101 for Lawyers
LIVE COURSE

Cybersecurity 101 for Lawyers

5 March 2025, 9.30am to 10.30am AEDT. Become cyber-aware by learning about cyberattacks and the legal industry. Understand how to safeguard your practice from breaches that could result in severe consequences, so you can protect sensitive client data, maintain confidentiality and uphold your professional reputation.
5 March 2025, 9.30am to 10.30am AEDT. Become cyber-aware by learning about cyberattacks and the legal industry. Understand how to safeguard your practice from breaches that could result in severe consequences, so you can protect sensitive client data, maintain confidentiality and uphold your professional reputation.
See more
Effective Teaming for Optimal Performance
LIVE COURSE

Effective Teaming for Optimal Performance

18 March 2025, 1.30pm - 5.00pm AEDT. This course helps optimise team performance by fostering self-awareness and understanding how behaviours impact the team. It builds effective communication, trust, and inclusion while cultivating humility and curiosity. By promoting collaborative learning and enhancing engagement, it supports agility and effectiveness, creating a cohesive, high-performing team.
18 March 2025, 1.30pm - 5.00pm AEDT. This course helps optimise team performance by fostering self-awareness and understanding how behaviours impact the team. It builds effective communication, trust, and inclusion while cultivating humility and curiosity. By promoting collaborative learning and enhancing engagement, it supports agility and effectiveness, creating a cohesive, high-performing team.
See more
Essential guide to buying and selling real property (NSW)
LIVE COURSE

Essential guide to buying and selling real property (NSW)

11 and 12 March 2025, 9am – 12.30pm AEDT. This essential webinar will help you acquire knowledge on the contract, risk and recent developments in buying and selling real property in NSW. Facilitated by Katelin Whiteley, Accredited Specialist in Property Law.
11 and 12 March 2025, 9am – 12.30pm AEDT. This essential webinar will help you acquire knowledge on the contract, risk and recent developments in buying and selling real property in NSW. Facilitated by Katelin Whiteley, Accredited Specialist in Property Law.
See more
Essential Leadership Skills for Young Legal Professionals
LIVE COURSE

Essential Leadership Skills for Young Legal Professionals

19 March 2025, 9.00am to 10.30am AEDT & 26 March 2025, 9.00am to 5pm AEDT. Unlock the potential of emerging legal professionals with a comprehensive leadership training program designed to foster influence, income growth, and career impact while maintaining wellbeing.
19 March 2025, 9.00am to 10.30am AEDT & 26 March 2025, 9.00am to 5pm AEDT. Unlock the potential of emerging legal professionals with a comprehensive leadership training program designed to foster influence, income growth, and career impact while maintaining wellbeing.
See more
Family Law Judges' Series 2025 – Session 1
LIVE COURSE

Family Law Judges' Series 2025 – Session 1

Date & Time: 14 March 2025, 4.15pm – 6.25pm (AEDT). This series is your pathway to understanding the finer points judges look for in court. In this session you will hear from The Honourable Justice Robert Harper and The Honourable Justice Jacoba Brasch, both from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Date & Time: 14 March 2025, 4.15pm – 6.25pm (AEDT). This series is your pathway to understanding the finer points judges look for in court. In this session you will hear from The Honourable Justice Robert Harper and The Honourable Justice Jacoba Brasch, both from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
See more
Family Law Judges' Series 2025 – Session 2
LIVE COURSE

Family Law Judges' Series 2025 – Session 2

Date & Time: 21 March 2025, 4.15pm – 6.25pm (AEDT). This series is your pathway to understanding the finer points judges look for in court. In this session you will hear from Judge Kate Hughes and Judge Geoffrey Monahan, both from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Date & Time: 21 March 2025, 4.15pm – 6.25pm (AEDT). This series is your pathway to understanding the finer points judges look for in court. In this session you will hear from Judge Kate Hughes and Judge Geoffrey Monahan, both from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
See more
Family Law Judges' Series 2025 – Session 3
LIVE COURSE

Family Law Judges' Series 2025 – Session 3

Date & Time: 28 March 2025, 4.15pm – 6.25pm (AEDT). This series is your pathway to understanding the finer points judges look for in court. This session is presented by Judge Brana Obradovic and Judge Dale Kemp, both from Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Date & Time: 28 March 2025, 4.15pm – 6.25pm (AEDT). This series is your pathway to understanding the finer points judges look for in court. This session is presented by Judge Brana Obradovic and Judge Dale Kemp, both from Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
See more
Family Law Judges' Series 2025 (all three sessions)
LIVE COURSE

Family Law Judges' Series 2025 (all three sessions)

Date & Time: 14, 21 and 28 March 2025, 4.15pm – 6.25pm (AEDT). Discover the essential insights of Family Law with the comprehensive Family Law Judges Series. Featuring six distinguished judges from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia: • Session 1: The Honourable Justice Robert Harper and The Honourable Justice Jacoba Brasch • Session 2: Judge Kate Hughes and Judge Geoffrey Monahan • Session 3: Judge Brana Obradovic and Judge Dale Kemp
Date & Time: 14, 21 and 28 March 2025, 4.15pm – 6.25pm (AEDT). Discover the essential insights of Family Law with the comprehensive Family Law Judges Series. Featuring six distinguished judges from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia: • Session 1: The Honourable Justice Robert Harper and The Honourable Justice Jacoba Brasch • Session 2: Judge Kate Hughes and Judge Geoffrey Monahan • Session 3: Judge Brana Obradovic and Judge Dale Kemp
See more

NAVIGATE TOWARDS A SOLUTION

HAVE QUESTIONS OR READY TO ENROL?

Book a call back with one of our Customer and Student Engagement Advisors

Book a Call

I commenced the course with the mindset that I want to help families and offer them the quality dispute resolution services they deserve.

Dr Hadeel Al-Alosi, FDRP Graduate

Each of us brings something from our own experience, knowledge and wisdom about family law, mediation and dispute resolution, so we are always able to share and learn.

Josephine Byrnes-Luna, FDRP Graduate

Family law can be very litigious, but it doesn't have to be. So my practice in learning more about dispute resolution areas and how to manage dispute pollution and conflict resolution was valuable.

Emma Youdale, LLM Alumni Graduate

We use cookies to compile information about how our website is used and to improve the experience of our website visitors. For more information about the cookies we use, please read our Cookies and Electronic Marketing Policy. To adjust your cookie settings, click 'More information'. By clicking 'Accept and continue', you consent to our use of cookies.
College of Law recommends the use of all cookies to provide you with the optimal experience while visiting our website. Choose below to accept the recommended settings or continue to adjust your individual preferences.

Adjust your settings

We use three kinds of cookies on our websites: required, functional, and advertising. You can choose to opt out of functional and advertising cookies. Click on the different cookie categories to find out more about each category and to change the default settings.
Required cookies are necessary for basic website functionality. Some examples include: session cookies needed to transmit the website, authentication cookies, and security cookies.
Functional cookies enhance functions, performance, and services on the website. Some examples include: cookies used to analyze site traffic, cookies used for market research, and cookies used to display advertising that is not directed to a particular individual.
Advertising cookies track activity across websites in order to understand a viewer's interests, and direct them specific marketing. Some examples include: cookies used for remarketing, or interest-based advertising.
View College of Law’s Privacy Policy