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Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution

This program is only available to domestic students. Your preference is currently set to international.

Program overview

Note: This program has been suspended from January 2025. There are no further intakes of students planned. The following information is retained for students currently enrolled in the program.

The Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution, suitable to both law and non-law graduates, focuses on the impact of separation and divorce on families, as well as the management and resolution of post-separation parenting and property disputes. 

The program consists of eight compulsory subjects which can be completed over four semesters part-time, with students completing two subjects each semester.   Students can start in January of each year.

The program covers both the theory and practice of family dispute resolution to ensure that graduates have a deep knowledge base, and sophisticated skill set, for practising as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP).

The program will be of interest to non-law graduates who are professionals working in psychology and social work, such as counsellors, social workers, and psychologists, who wish to enhance their theoretical knowledge and develop their family dispute resolution process skills and strategies.  The program will also be of interest to law graduates who are practising in family law and related areas.

The Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution is ideal for anyone who wishes to become an accredited FDRP as it satisfies the requirements for accreditation through the National Mediation Accreditation System (NMAS) as well as the requirements for registering as an FDRP with the Attorney General's Department

Program code: LA-43062

Program overview

Note: This program has been suspended from January 2025. There are no further intakes of students planned. The following information is retained for students currently enrolled in the program.

The Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution, suitable to both law and non-law graduates, focuses on the impact of separation and divorce on families, as well as the management and resolution of post-separation parenting and property disputes. 

The program consists of eight compulsory subjects which can be completed over four semesters part-time, with students completing two subjects each semester.   Students can start in January of each year.

The program covers both the theory and practice of family dispute resolution to ensure that graduates have a deep knowledge base, and sophisticated skill set, for practising as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP).

The program will be of interest to non-law graduates who are professionals working in psychology and social work, such as counsellors, social workers, and psychologists, who wish to enhance their theoretical knowledge and develop their family dispute resolution process skills and strategies.  The program will also be of interest to law graduates who are practising in family law and related areas.

The Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution is ideal for anyone who wishes to become an accredited FDRP as it satisfies the requirements for accreditation through the National Mediation Accreditation System (NMAS) as well as the requirements for registering as an FDRP with the Attorney General's Department

Program code: LA-43062

About this program

The Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution (LLM (FDR)) is a postgraduate program offered by the Faculty of Law, which, on completion may also lead to national mediation accreditation and family dispute resolution practitioner registration. The subjects offered as part of the Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution run in conjunction with the Dispute Resolution Centre which is recognised as a leader in mediation excellence. Graduates of this program will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and understanding of the ethical principles as required by the National Mediator Accreditation System and will also have completed subjects that satisfy the six core competencies prescribed under the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008. The Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution focuses on family law, family dispute resolution and other relevant dispute resolution processes, as well as the social, psychological and other implications related to the impact of separation and divorce on families and the positive resolution of post-separation parenting and property disputes. The program develops advanced legal research and writing skills and enhances the ability of students to critically evaluate complex legal issues within the context of mediation and family dispute resolution

What you'll be studying

Study Overview

The Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution is completed in mixed mode delivery with a flexible learning environment for participants ensuring the course can be completed online providing you with flexibility in both your professional and personal life. 

Some of the subjects will also include an online intensive which may range from three to five days.   Participants can start the program in January of each year completing two subjects in each semester.

Participants will study Mediation and Dispute Resolution, Family Dispute Resolution, Dispute Resolution Theories and Principles, Negotiation in Family Dispute Resolution and more.

Program features

  • Graduate work ready

    With your enhanced mediation skills and your understanding of the mediation process, you will be able to effectively work with families and couples to resolve their matters.

  • Accreditation eligible

    You will graduate the program with the necessary requirements to apply for accreditation as a Mediator with the Mediation Standards Board (MSB) as well as a Family Dispute Practitioner with the Federal Attorney General’s Office.

  • Learn from experts

    You will learn from well-respected mediators and outstanding trainers in their field.  You will gain valuable learning and insights as well as networking with industry professionals.

  • Gain practical training

    The course includes all the practical training needed which includes the required 50 hours of training for FDRP accreditation purposes.

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Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the essential abilities, knowledge and skills required to successfully complete the program. Learn more about the inherent requirements and make an informed decision about your capacity to undertake the program.

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Hear from our Bondies

  • Learning and Teaching

    “The program provides an opportunity for students to undertake a suite of subjects that will enhance their theoretical knowledge in the context of family dispute resolution to enable them to apply the knowledge and skill within a practical framework in the field of family dispute resolution.”

    Libby Taylor - Associate Dean
PreviousNext

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the essential abilities, knowledge and skills required to successfully complete the program. Learn more about the inherent requirements and make an informed decision about your capacity to undertake the program.

LEARN MORE

Hear from our Bondies

  • Learning and Teaching

    “The program provides an opportunity for students to undertake a suite of subjects that will enhance their theoretical knowledge in the context of family dispute resolution to enable them to apply the knowledge and skill within a practical framework in the field of family dispute resolution.”

    Libby Taylor - Associate Dean
PreviousNext

Similar programs

  • Graduate Certificate in Family Dispute Resolution

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Program not available for international students

Your preference is currently set to international. If you’re a domestic student, return to the program.