MSc Dispute Resolution - MINI PROSPECTUS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MSc
Dispute
Resolution
MINI PROSPECTUS
AN ONLINE AND BLENDED
LEARNING COURSE FOR
PROFESSIONALS INTERESTED IN
DISPUTE RESOLUTION BETWEEN
CONSUMERS AND BUSINESSES
AND BETWEEN CITIZENS AND
THE STATE
MSc Dispute Resolution
ExIT AWARDS: MSc (180 credits)/ PgDip (120 credits)/ PgCert (60 credits)
SINGLE MODULES: Some modules are available to study as single modules for individuals who
register as associate students.
This innovative MSc gives those with a strong Content overview
interest in dispute resolution a deep understanding The MSc Dispute Resolution provides a
of both theory and practice in this crucial area. comprehensive survey of the main forms of
Taught mainly online by our experienced team of dispute resolution and the principles that underpin
academics and practitioners, the course provides each one. This includes looking at mediation,
tailored and flexible learning for professionals investigative and adjudicative approaches, and
seeking to deepen and widen their knowledge of complaint handling. In addition, the course allows
disputes and how they are resolved. students to consider issues that are relevant to all
Our unique focus forms of dispute resolution through modules such
There are several distinctive aspects of the MSc as Communication in Dispute Settings. In keeping
Dispute Resolution: with the practice-related nature of the course,
we offer students the opportunity to undertake
• We focus on a particular type of dispute – those a project-based module in an area of particular
between ordinary individuals and powerful interest to them. Students completing the full MSc
organisations, such as consumers and banks, also have the opportunity to undertake a significant
for example, or citizens and the state – and we piece of empirical research, with the potential to
are particularly concerned with the mechanisms help develop the theory and practice of dispute
and principles which relate to these areas. resolution.
• W
e provide both theoretical and practice-related Teaching, learning and assessment
learning, drawing on our expert team to provide The student learning experience has been
a learning experience that is theoretically rich as designed to be interactive, rich and rewarding.
well as highly practical. The online modules use the latest technology to
• The course is available as a PgCert, PgDip engage students in a variety of tasks, discussions
or MSc according to each student’s preferred and quizzes to assist their learning. The course
outcome. The PgCert is available entirely online is based around the idea of creating an online
while the PgDip and MSc are available by learning community with fellow students,
blended learning (a mix of online and campus where experiences and insights are shared and
-based modules). developed together. Our campus-based modules,
each taught face-to-face over four days, offer the
The teaching team are enthusiastic about their chance to meet fellow students and engage in a
areas of expertise and just as enthusiastic about range of innovative learning exercises. Across all
sharing their knowledge with you. Your fellow modules, you will be involved in a range of varied
students will come from a wide range of both and relevant activities, including group work,
geographical and organisational backgrounds, reports, case studies, personal reflections, essays
enhancing the overall experience. What our and projects.
students have in common is an enthusiasm for
learning and an ambition to succeed. If you are
considering applying and can add your mix of
enthusiasm and ambition to the course we would
be delighted to discuss entry.Course structure and modules
Students undertaking the full MSc must achieve Careers
180 credit points. The course’s structure and The MSc Dispute Resolution allows interested
the modules currently available are shown below professionals to develop within their current
(all modules are 15 credit points, except the roles or branch out into related or completely
dissertation which is worth 60 credit points). new areas of dispute resolution.
PgCert Dispute Resolution (60 credit points)
All students must first complete the four modules
which form part of the PgCert Dispute Resolution,
before progressing to the PgDip or the MSc. The Module spotlight
PgCert modules below are only available online. The Fundamentals of Dispute Resolution
(online)
• The Fundamentals of Dispute Resolution This is the core introductory module. It
provides an introduction to the course and
• Independent Investigation and Adjudication helps students to gel into an online learning
• Complaint Management and Consumer Behaviour community. The module seeks to introduce
core concepts that underpin all forms of
• Mediation Theory dispute resolution, as well as looking at key
controversies in the field and the developing
PgDip Dispute Resolution (120 credit points) policy context for dispute resolution.
Students who successfully complete the PgCert Sessions include looking at the development
Dispute Resolution may proceed to the PgDip. of informal justice, exploring the differences
between adjudicative and non-adjudicative
All students must complete the following online
dispute resolution, and considering broader
modules: issues, for instance the relationship between
• Communication in Dispute Settings various forms of dispute resolution and
access to justice for consumers and citizens.
• Research Methods Module assessment includes a short piece of
group work and the production of a briefing
Students must also choose between two of the paper where students must imagine they are
following three optional modules: a civil servant briefing a government minister.
• Complaint Handling Practice (campus-based)
Complaint Handling Practice (campus-based)
• Mediation Practice (campus-based) This module is offered over four days at
QMU’s campus. The module provides
• Dispute Resolution Project an in-depth exploration of advanced
MSc Dispute Resolution (180 credit points) complaint handling practices, such as
negotiating complaint resolutions, managing
Students who have successfully completed the investigative conversations and managing
PG Dip may proceed to the MSc. This involves stakeholders during investigations. The
completion of a dissertation worth 60 credit points, module uses a mix of teaching methods
which allows students to conduct a substantial piece including role play, peer-observation and
of empirical or theoretical research into a dispute feedback, and expert review. Assessment
for the module includes observation of
resolution topic of their choice.
practice during the campus based teaching
and a personal reflective statement.“The Consumer Insight Centre
Key details
is delighted to offer this new
Delivery: Online learning (PgCert) or blended
learning (PgDip, MSc). Part- time only. qualification to professionals
Minimum and maximum completion times: interested in dispute resolution
PgCert (1 – 4 years); Pg Dip (2 – 5 years);
MSc (2.5 – 7 years).
between consumers and
businesses and between citizens
Entry requirements: Students will normally
have a degree or equivalent in any subject and the state. We are passionate
and relevant professional experience. about supporting dispute
Prospective students without a degree
but with substantial relevant professional
resolution professionals in the
experience are also welcome to apply development of their careers and
following discussion with the programme look forward to welcoming our
leader.
first students in January 2015.
International: Where your honours degree
As course leader, I would be
has not been studied in English, you will
be required to provide evidence of English pleased to discuss the course
language competence at no less than IELTS with you and to answer any
6.5 with no individual component score less
than 6.0.
questions you may have. I look
forward to hearing from you.”
Accreditation of prior learning: You may be
granted exemption from studying a module Chris Gill, MSc Dispute
or modules up to a maximum of 60 credit Resolution Course Leader
points, provided you can demonstrate
successful achievement of all the learning
outcomes.
Start date: September (except in 2015,
where there will also be a January start date)
Application deadline: none
Useful links
How to apply: www.qmu.ac.uk/prospective_
Apply: www.qmu.ac.uk students/advice_on_applying/how_to_apply.htm
More information: Chris Gill (cgill@qmu. Fees and funding: www.qmu.ac.uk/registry/
ac.uk) or +44(0)131 474 0000. fees_charges.htm
Fees PG study at QMU: www.qmu.ac.uk/prospective_
In academic year 2014/15, the fees for students/postgraduate/postgraduate.htm
UK/EU students are: Full MSc £6,000, or
£600 / 15 credit module and £1,200 for
Contact Details
Please contact us for advice on how to apply or
the dissertation. The fees for international
with any application queries you may have on:
students are £11,300 for the full MSc.
Tel: +44(0)131 4740000
It is anticipated that for entry in 2015/16, the
fees for UK/EU students will rise to £6,400 Email: admissions@qmu.ac.uk
for the full MSc or £640 / 15 credit module
Queen Margaret University, EH21 6UU
and £1,280 for the dissertation. The fees
for international students are likely to be We look forward to hearing from you.
£12,000 for the full MSc.The Consumer Insight Centre
The effective resolution of disputes between achieving deeper insights into their current area
consumers and businesses and between citizens of expertise. It is, therefore, ideally suited to those
and the state is an area of increasing importance wishing to progress their careers within their own
in the UK and internationally. Alternative dispute organisations or those wishing to break into a
resolution and the informal justice system more new area of dispute resolution. For professionals
generally have been subject to significant growth working in aligned areas or simply interested in
over the last few decades. Driven by demands dispute resolution (for instance policymakers,
for greater access to justice, simplicity and advocacy staff or managers) the MSc Dispute
consumer empowerment, more and more Resolution offers a unique chance to develop
disputes are now being dealt with by complaint their understanding of the theory and practice of
handlers, adjudicators, ombudsman schemes dispute resolution.
and mediators, rather than by the courts. This
is an area both of significant development and of Our expertise
underlying controversy: what are the best ways The Consumer Insight Centre (the Centre) is a
of dealing with disputes and are current systems specialist unit within the University’s Division of
of justice delivering for consumers and citizens? Business, Enterprise and Management. The MSc
sits at the apex of a suite of short, undergraduate
Why study with us? level courses offered by the Centre, which
There has never been a more challenging time has been described as having “an excellent
to study in this field and the Consumer Insight reputation as a centre for ombudsman and
Centre’s MSc Dispute Resolution seeks to provide complaint handling practice” by the International
students with a rich, theoretically informed and Ombudsman Institute. The Centre offers two
practical understanding of the context, principles Ombudsman Association approved qualifications:
and practices of dispute resolution. The MSc the Professional Award in Ombudsman and
Dispute Resolution is aimed at ‘professionals with Complaint Handling Practice and the Professional
an interest in the resolution of disputes between Certificate in Ombudsman and Complaint
consumers and businesses and between citizens Handling Practice. We have also worked closely
and the state’. This is a unique focus amongst with major UK ombudsman organisations,
available postgraduate dispute resolution including the Financial Ombudsman Service and
courses, with the MSc being specifically aimed the Legal Ombudsman on in-house accredited
at professionals in the workplace and targeted training courses. As a result of this work, we have
at a particular form of dispute resolution: that played a key role in starting to professionalise this
between individuals (often with limited power and area of dispute resolution, developing unique and
resources) and large organisations. innovative learning solutions for dispute resolution
professionals.
The MSc Dispute Resolution offers students
already working in the field of dispute resolution The Centre also offers a range of courses for
(be that complaint handling, adjudication, complaint handlers. This includes the Public
investigation or mediation) or those with a Services Complaint Management Award, an
demonstrable interest in these areas, with an accredited qualification aimed at staff working
opportunity to develop a broader understanding in public service organisations including health
of dispute resolution at the same time as services, local government and housingassociations. We also work with private sector online modules provide students with a varied
complaint handlers, such as a pioneering and challenging experience. Students also have
in-house programme of complaint handling the opportunity to complement online modules
training for a major UK bank. In addition, we with a more traditional learning format, and two
run Masterclasses on topics such as apology, campus based modules are available. These
managing difficult behaviour and root cause provide opportunities for interactive learning, role
analysis. We also run short courses in mediation play, peer and expert observation and a range
as part of our ever-developing offer for those of interactive exercises designed to provide
interested in dispute resolution. students with deep practice-related insights into
dispute resolution.
Industry links and insights
The Centre’s team brings together the best Career prospects
aspects of academic and professional expertise The MSc Dispute Resolution has been developed
in order to deliver the highest quality learning in close consultation with employers and
experience for students. Our academic expertise professionals in the dispute resolution area. The
is in consumer policy, communication, law, MSc will provide students with a qualification
socio-legal studies, dispute resolution, and which is relevant to the workplace and will
ombudsman studies. This is complemented maximise students’ potential to develop within
by a ‘panel of experts’ drawn from the dispute their existing and new careers. One of the key
resolution sector, who bring a wealth of senior benefits of the course will be the opportunity to
professional experience, knowledge and insight network with fellow professionals from a diverse
to our courses. These include former Deputy range of backgrounds and organisations.
Ombudsmen, mediators and legal experts. We
also have excellent wider contacts in the sector, Further information
allowing us to draw on professional insights for Please contact the course leader (Chris Gill,
guest lectures and online seminars. Together, our cgill@qmu.ac.uk) to discuss your application.
team delivers high quality, rigorous, academically- Please email us or arrange a visit to talk about
underpinned learning that is tailored to the your options.
workplace and the industries we serve.
Innovative learning and teaching
The Centre prides itself on offering unique and
innovative learning experiences for our students.
The MSc Dispute Resolution is available through
a combination of online distance learning and
face-to-face teaching. The online learning
experience is designed to provide a flexible and
stimulating learning environment which is ideally
suited to busy professionals who are studying
part time. Through discussions, quizzes and
a range of interesting tasks and exercises, ourPostgraduate study at QMU
Queen Margaret University is committed to • Excellent on-site student halls of residence
providing thoroughly relevant teaching and that have the capacity to house up to 800
research. A high proportion of our academics students (and which are available for students
participate in research and our specialist attending short, campus-based modules).
research centres have gained worldwide
• A sports centre that includes a fitness suite,
recognition. We have the highest proportion of
weights room, exercise studio, sports hall and
research active staff of all the ‘modern’ Scottish
Astroturf.
universities and we perform at the highest level
in developing pioneering expertise that cuts • A University café, shop, JobShop, and
across our specialist fields, the three flagships: Contemplation Room (non-denominational).
health and rehabilitation; creativity and culture;
and sustainable business. The latter includes Course structure
the Consumer Insight Centre, which specialises
All postgraduate degrees on offer at QMU
in the area of dispute resolution.
are research-based and develop the skills of
Our approach to learning and teaching is analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking
student-centred and we will do our utmost with a strong theoretical and practice-related
to equip you with the expertise you need to focus. Generally our courses have the following
develop in your career. Many of our students features:
become accomplished leaders in their chosen
• modular in structure;
field. As a vocationally-focused university,
our courses are designed to ensure that our • flexible delivery formats (including online
graduates develop the skills which are sought distance learning);
after by the public, private and commercial
• designed for your ongoing career and
sectors.
personal development; and
Although the MSc Dispute Resolution is
• provide a combination of research, theory
available largely by online distance learning,
and practice.
Queen Margaret University offers a fantastic
campus for those who decide to join us on
the campus-based modules. Our modern,
purpose-built campus features: “It was really beneficial to
• An outstanding Learning Resource have a Personal Academic
Centre with modern high-tech facilities and
incorporating a wide range of flexible study
Tutor: one point of contact
spaces to suit different learning styles (many who I could turn to when I
resources are also available online for distance needed a bit of advice.”
learners).
Isabel Mendes
MA Arts and Cultural ManagementPersonal Academic Tutor
At QMU, each student is assigned a Personal
Academic Tutor (PAT) who will help guide you
through your studies with us. Your PAT will
normally be your main source of advice and
guidance relating to your academic studies and
can also expertly refer you to other support
services if needed.
Financial support
We generally expect that students applying for
the MSc Dispute Resolution will be self-funded
or part funded by their employers.
However, some additional financial support
may be available. This will vary according
to where you live, what you are intending to
study, your family circumstances and whether
you have previously received funding as a
student and your country of origin. QMU is
pleased to offer a number of opportunities to
apply for Scholarships and Bursaries for both
undergraduate and postgraduate and to UK,
EU and international students. Full details
regarding the types of funding that are available
can be found at www.qmu.ac.uk/registry/
scholarships.htm
Or if you want more information please contact:
Student Funding Adviser
T: +44 (0)131 474 000 (ask for ‘Student Services’)
E: studentfunding@qmu.ac.uk
8 | Dietetics and NutritionYou can also read
