This new programme, developed in collaboration with Mediation Northern Ireland, is for experienced mediators wishing to develop their critical reflective practice and to enhance individual, organisational and institutional capacity in the areas of mediation, community cohesion and peace building. The aim of the programme is to inform students of the theoretical approaches in mediation and current mediation issues; to review the use of mediation as a peace-building tool in Northern Ireland; and to enable students to engage with and address the application of mediation approaches within both local and international contexts. The course is delivered at Queen’s University Belfast in two blocks of two and a half days per module, normally from Thursday to Friday 9.30am -6.00pm and Saturday from 10.00am - 1.00pm. Normally, students complete two modules in each academic year (from September to June).

Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have an upper second class Honours degree (or higher), must normally have an honours degree (BA or BSc 2.1 or Higher) and three years relevant experience in the field of mediation.

Applications will also be considered from non-graduates, with a minimum of 5 years relevant vocational experience in mediation who hold membership of one of the following; Certified Member of the Mediators Institute of Ireland (The Professional Association of Mediators) or higher (Practitioner Member); Standard Member of College of Mediators (UK) or higher (Recognised Member); or equivalent recognition by a similar Professional Standards Body. Such applications will be considered on an individual basis with reference to the University’s procedures for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
All applicants will be required to attend an interview, at which their suitability for the course, based on their experience and qualifications, will be determined. Successful applicants will be expected to have Work-Based access in order to apply the relevant themes of the course to their paid, unpaid and / or voluntary work.

Programme Structure
The course extends over two to three years of part-time study, the first two years consisting of four taught modules, the third a dissertation of approximately 12,000-15,000 words (equivalent to 60 credits at level M). At the start of the course, participants will spend some time reviewing their own experience and becoming familiar with the concept and philosophy of Work-Based Learning, which underpins the whole course.
Students who complete all four modules successfully may finish at this point with a Postgraduate Diploma in Work-Based Learning (Mediation Studies). The award of the MSSc in Work-Based Learning (Mediation Studies) is based upon the satisfactory completion of both the taught and the dissertation elements. The postgraduate diploma is awarded after the accumulation of 120 CATS (credit points) and the masters is 180 CATS (credit points), both at masters level.

Modules
The following four compulsory modules provide a secure grounding in the study of work-based learning and mediation studies:
• Models of Mediative Intervention for Systemic Change (Oct 2011) - students will explore the models used in their workplace and then focus on the development of systemic intervention models in NI; exploration of the influence of politics, history and culture; the resources needed to work effectively as mediator.
• International Dimensions of Mediation (Feb 2012) - including: the development of contexts and models for the modern world; the development of regional and international networks; the methodologies for 'connecting' into national and international networks and support systems.
• Work-Based Research Methods (Oct 2012) - an overview of key work-based research tools with a particular emphasis on qualitative and quantitative methodologies as applied to mediative study.
• Historical Overview of Mediation (Feb 2012) - how contemporary mediation originated and developed; mediation in NI as a peace-building tool used at each level of conflict and for addressing social disfunction.

The dissertation (Sept 2012 – June 2013) provides the opportunity for students to use their new conceptual tools and research skills to be able to write a reflective and analytical piece about the learning they have gained in the field.

Application and Enquiries
Please refer to the School of Education website at:
www.qub.ac.uk/edu