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Unit of study_
LAWS6821: Mediation - Skills and Theory
2026 unit information
This unit will teach you the fundamental skills and theory of mediation. The skills component of the unit is extensive and is the reason for the limited enrolment. The unit is designed to enable students with relevant professional experience and strong communication skills in English to progress toward accreditation as mediators (additional external study with coaching and assessment will be required) and the content of the unit is designed to meet the content requirements of the National Mediator Accreditation System. In particular, the content of the subject is designed to explore the competency areas required for accreditation and the knowledge, skills and ethical understanding competency framework set out in the National Mediator Accreditation Standards. However, mediation is not simply a procedural template that can be learned and applied to every dispute with benefit. It raises interesting and complex issues of theory and ethics, which will be integrated with the skills components of the unit. Issues of culture, power, mediator neutrality and ethical dilemmas for the mediator will be considered. Students are expected to have advanced English communication skills to successfully engage in practical in-class exercises, work with complex material, and participate in challenging conversations. Students are required submit an Expression of Interest Form https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0U5Of9Fu8jJ4LDo to the Law School Postgraduate Team as part of the enrolment selection process. Please refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Law School
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Law |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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LAWS6935 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Critically evaluate theoretical frameworks to address complex issues in mediation and develop mediation approaches, processes, and skills.
- LO2. Apply the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required to partially meet the competency areas of the National Mediator Accreditation Standards.
- LO3. Employ tools and strategies to effectively manage mediation parties and clients during intake and throughout mediation stages.
- LO4. Develop and apply strategies to support mediation and alternative dispute resolution processes, fostering constructive negotiation and resolution.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Intensive October - November 2025
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Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Intensive May - June 2026
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Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.
You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.
Disclaimer
Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.
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