MSc Mediation Studies

Overview

The MSc Mediation Studies is taught through the Department of Behavioural Sciences, St. Augustine Campus, UWI. The programme builds on the existing rigorous Post-Graduate Diploma in Mediation Studies and in the longer term, is an important basis for MPhil and Doctoral scholarship in Mediation and the development of research projects focusing on social issues in the country.

Rationale

The Master of Science Degree in Mediation aims to enhance the rigorous standards, training and certification in mediation offered by the Post-Graduate Diploma in Mediation Studies. It provides opportunities for advanced study and mediation practice. Graduates will be equipped to contribute to the development of mediation as a profession within the Caribbean, and the development of social policy as a means of influencing public policy within the context of a changing world. The programme provides graduates with the skills and knowledge for competent and effective employment as mediation professionals within the judicial system and community and organisational settings. It also contributes to increasing the research profile within mediation by developing research knowledge and skills and in promoting the value of research as a foundation for practice and policy.

Aims and Objectives

The aims of the Master in Mediation Studies are:

To educate professionals in the theory and practice of mediation
To equip programme participants with the requisite skills base for effective practice and other conflict resolution and negotiation positions and agencies in the region.
To encourage and promote a culture of peaceful, and non-violent approaches to disputes.
To develop expertise and capacity (and growth) in the mediation field
To facilitate the growth of the knowledge base required for on-going training and supervision in the discipline.
To utilise a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods within mediation settings
To be able to undertake advanced policy analysis (on conflict prevention and / or conflict management) and evaluate the impact of social policies on client groups (through conflict analysis methodology).

Specifically, the expected outcomes and completionof the programme are that students would be able:

Describe and analyse conflict theory and conflict resolution strategies
Demonstrate the requisite skills to assess disputes, perform pre-mediation tasks , analyse and evaluate potential for conflict resolution
Demonstrate the practice skills of the generic mediation process in simulated and live opportunities.
Apply the process in community, family, victim/offender and organisational disputes (though hands-on opportunities in the practicum).
Demonstrate the ability and skills to develop and promote mediation and restorative justice processes
Demonstrate the capacity to evaluate mediation, including demonstration by students of key skill sets and management of the entire process

Department of Behavioural Sciences