Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution

Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution

POSTGRADUATE

Build your knowledge and practical skills to become an accredited mediator to enhance your career opportunities in this increasingly in-demand field.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
or part-time equivalent
Fees:

AU$14,400 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$18,720 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

This course is designed to enhance your career in justice and alternative dispute resolution sector and other sectors including industrial relations, human resources, and project management.

You’ll explore current and emerging global, national, and local dispute resolution practices, and understand key concepts, theories, and processes that underpin dispute resolution processes, giving you the practical skills and knowledge to mediate, negotiate, and manage disputes in diverse fields and professional settings.  

If you’re already working in the justice industry, the Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution will help you acquire new skills for your current role or transition to a related field and is particularly beneficial if you’re early in your career in the justice system.

Why study dispute resolution at RMIT?

Industry relevant

Gain real-world knowledge from industry experts, the latest professional frameworks, and best-practice research evidence.

Professional recognition

Provides a pathway to accreditation as a mediator, aligned with RMIT’s new mediation training centre.

Get job ready

Build a foundation for your career and be prepared for roles requiring dispute resolution skills

Choose a specialist area

While studying, choose from a range of specialised subjects to support your recognition as a specialist practitioner in mediation in areas such as:

  • Labour relations law 
  • Sex, gender and law
  • Project management 
  • Work, health and safety
  • Economics
  • Human resource management

Details

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Learning and teaching

Evening classes are prioritised to accommodate busy professional lives, with core subjects delivered sequentially in a flexible intensive block model, focusing on one subject at a time for several weeks before moving to the next.

The course also offers a mixture of online and face-to-face learning experiences. This blended model allows asynchronous and synchronous opportunities to collaborate online and face-to-face, develop foundational skills and knowledge through lectures and skills workshops, and receive feedback from peers, industry, and academics.

Assessment methods

Throughout the program, you’ll be given the opportunity to showcase the skills and capabilities you’ve gained based on the learning outcomes in each area.

You will engage in a variety of assessments that involve performing tasks that mirror real-world scenarios and meet industry standards. These assessments will test your knowledge, skills, and attitudes, applying them to contemporary work and life situations.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution is connected to industry through partnerships with local and international medication providers including:

  • International Dispute Resolution and Risk Management Institute (IDRRMI) Hong Kong
  • Phoenix Dispute Solutions Limited (worldwide)

The core values of the course are based around industry-partnered and simulated learning experiences, with a hands-on, practical approach to real-world issues being a key feature.

You will engage in role play simulating negotiations, mediations and arbitrations using authentic case studies and materials from industry experts who will provide valuable feedback.

Engaging with industry partners such as legal professionals, mediators, arbitrators, and conciliators also provides an authentic learning experience.

International opportunities are available through connections with international mediation providers including:

  • International Dispute Resolution and Risk Management Institute (IDRRMI) Hong Kong
  • Phoenix Dispute Solutions Limited (worldwide)

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree/diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You will undertake three core subjects and one elective in this graduate certificate.

The core subjects are delivered in block mode, structured around an intensive delivery model. Here's an example of the intensive block-mode schedule:

  • Weeks 1-2: Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Weeks 3-5: Break
  • Weeks 6-7: The Practice of Mediation
  • Weeks 8-10: Break
  • Weeks 11-12: Arbitration

You will also undertake an elective subject that runs concurrently alongside the block in a standard semester.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution
Program code: GC218
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution
City Campus
6 months full-time or part-time equivalent
GC218
116818E
Location
City Campus
Duration
6 months full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
GC218
CRICOS
116818E
View plan
Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution
City Campus
6 months full-time
GC218
116818E
Location
City Campus
Duration
6 months full-time
Plan code
GC218
CRICOS
116818E
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

The demand for accredited mediators in organisations across Australia has increased, especially as new areas of mediation have developed. The Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution has a strong vocational focus, equipping you with the specialist skills and knowledge to work as a nationally accredited mediator

You'll be prepared for roles as a conciliator or mediator in various sectors, including industrial relations, human resource management, and project management.

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While this graduate certificate is not accredited by any external industry or professional body, successful completion of the subject The Practice of Mediation meets the requirements and standards of the Mediation Standards Board for accreditation as a mediator.

This graduate certificate aligns with RMIT’s new mediation training centre: the International Dispute Resolution and Risk Management Institute–RMIT (IDRRMI-RMIT). The centre is a joint establishment between RMIT and IDRRMI Hong Kong, providing mediation training and student sponsorships and internships.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have: 

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification)
    OR 
  • undertaken at least 3 years of work experience or professional practice in a related field.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have: 

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline.
    OR
  • undertaken at least 3 years of work experience or professional practice in a related field.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Graduates from a Juris Doctor degree or RMIT’s Master of Justice and Criminology may be eligible for credit transfer of up to 24 credit points.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce your study load by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related courses, such as the Master of Justice and Criminology at RMIT University, subject to the course’s entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$14,400* (2025 total).

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information