Whether you’re already working in business or management, this part-time MBA in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) will deepen your understanding of the challenges and opportunities organizations face today. Designed to help you develop strategic solutions and practical approaches to complex business issues, this program integrates ADR with the traditional core modules of an MBA, equipping you with advanced business skills alongside specialized knowledge in dispute resolution.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop a strong foundation in both business management and ADR, with two dedicated modules focusing on the intricacies of conflict resolution. Our expert team will guide you in refining your ADR expertise while supporting you in enhancing your broader management competencies, including leadership, strategic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
By examining real-world case studies, engaging with guest speakers from industry, and incorporating the latest research from relevant management journals, you’ll be exposed to cutting-edge business strategies and practices. The course is structured to provide a scaffolded learning experience, with earlier modules building the foundation for more advanced topics later on. You’ll have the opportunity to tailor some of your assessments to focus on specific aspects of ADR that align with your career interests.
The program culminates in a professional project, giving you the chance to apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills to practical scenarios, with guidance from your supervisor. This MBA will equip you with the tools to excel in leadership roles, with a specific focus on dispute resolution in the global business context.
Highlights
- Gain a critical understanding of business management, with a specific focus on ADR.
- Develop a strategic approach to managing risk and resolving disputes in international settings.
- Explore mediation, arbitration, and other ADR methods applied in various business contexts.
- Strengthen your academic and professional skills, preparing you for senior management roles.
- Benefit from a unique opportunity to engage with United Nations agencies and ADR practitioners during the Swiss residential experience (online alternative available).
- Focus on lifelong learning and personal development, empowering you to contribute meaningfully to society.
- Collaborate with renowned institutions like the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Hume Institute for Postgraduate Studies.
Key Features
- This online postgraduate course includes an in-person Swiss residential experience in Geneva, where you’ll participate in workshops and observe ADR practice within UN agencies. (An online option is available for those unable to travel.)
- Develop essential intellectual skills in research, critique, innovation, and creative thinking, culminating in a professional project.
- Prepare for senior management roles by mastering strategic thinking, leadership, and effective decision-making in a global business context.
- Gain systematic knowledge and practical skills to address complex business challenges and drive improvement across organizations.
This MBA in Alternative Dispute Resolution is a unique opportunity to specialize in a growing field while honing your leadership skills to succeed in today’s global business environment.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are typically required to have an honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, along with appropriate work experience in a related field.
As part of the application process, you may be invited to attend an interview (either in person, by phone, or online). Additionally, you may be asked to provide a portfolio of written work to support your application.
Career Opportunities
The MBA in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) prepares graduates for high-level management roles by enhancing strategic thinking and leadership skills crucial for navigating the complexities of the global economy. This course blends core business disciplines with ADR expertise, covering areas such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation in commercial disputes.
What can I do with this qualification?
Graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of roles across various industries, with a particular focus on dispute resolution and strategic risk management.
Potential career paths include:
- ADR Specialist: Managing internal conflicts and disputes to prevent legal actions within an organisation.
- Conflict Resolution Consultant: Advising businesses on best practices and strategies for resolving conflicts effectively.
- Corporate Counsel: Providing legal advice and implementing ADR strategies to minimise risks.
- International Arbitrator: Resolving disputes between international entities through arbitration.
- Mediator: Leading negotiations and mediations to facilitate agreements between parties.
- Risk Management Advisor: Identifying, analysing, and mitigating potential business risks through dispute resolution.
- Senior Manager in NGOs or International Organisations: Applying ADR principles in non-governmental organisations or international bodies to resolve conflicts.
Alternative Career Options
Graduates may also pursue alternative careers that require the application of ADR expertise, with potential roles such as:
- Legal Consultant
- Human Resources Manager
- Compliance Officer
- Court Mediator
- Government Policy Analyst
- Insurance Claims Adjuster
- Educator/Trainer in ADR
- Community Mediator
Please note that some of these roles may require additional qualifications or experience.
Modules
The following modules are part of the MBA in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and may include a mix of compulsory and optional units. Please note that not all modules may be available to every student, depending on their specific pathway or specialisation.
- Academic Skills and Professional Practice
Develop the essential academic and professional skills needed for successful postgraduate study, including research, critical thinking, and communication. - The Resolution of International Disputes Through International Arbitration: Theory and Practice
Explore the theory and practice of international arbitration, focusing on the resolution of cross-border commercial disputes. - Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation and Negotiation
Study the key methods of ADR, including mediation and negotiation, and how they can be applied to resolve conflicts in business and legal contexts. - Leadership and Management
Build leadership capabilities, focusing on strategic management, decision-making, and the development of organisational culture. - Marketing and Operations
Learn about the integration of marketing strategies and operational management within an organisation, with a focus on enhancing business performance. - Strategy
Understand strategic management concepts, including the formulation and implementation of business strategies to drive long-term success in competitive environments. - Financial Management and Decision Making
Develop financial analysis skills, focusing on budgeting, forecasting, and financial decision-making to support business growth and stability. - Professional Project
Apply your knowledge and skills to a professional project, focusing on a real-world business or ADR issue. The project is tailored to your area of interest, offering an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and critical thinking.
