Course overview
Advance your career path in Mediation with this applied learning Diploma in Mediation. Conflict can occur in any employment relationship, and it is best dealt with early. If left unchecked, it can escalate, potentially leading to larger disputes and costly tribunals. Mediation avoids these more formal avenues by helping participants to reach an agreement in a more informal and constructive manner.
This course introduces participants to the concept of mediation, its use in settling disputes and conflict, and how best to introduce mediation into an organisation for effective conflict resolution. It also equips participants with a range of skills useful in both conflict resolution and many other interpersonal situations, including people management. With the introduction of the Mediation Act, 2017, this is an area has gained increasing momentum, and this course provides the ideal preparation.
What you'll learn
- Explain and demonstrate with confidence the differences between mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and other approaches to dispute resolution
- Articulate the process and skills involved in mediation and have demonstrated this in practice.
- Understand the advantages and disadvantages of using mediation and where to apply it appropriately in an organisation
- Understand the behavioural differences between individuals and how conflict is dealt with in different ways, with real-life examples
- Know the characteristics necessary for effective mediators and apply this learning to your roles
- Understand and practise an ethical approach to mediation using role plays to enhance your role as an effective mediator
- Adapt and practice a range of skills for effective conflict resolution and gain an insight into one’s own approach to conflict and how to hone this more effectively in the workplace
Recognition
Study method
- Blended
- In-class
- Online
Locations
- Dublin
Duration study load
- 12 sessions
Professional recognition
Accredited by: Technological University Dublin
Assessment
This course is fully accredited by the Mediators Institute of Ireland for Associate membership level and has academic accreditation by the Technological University Dublin. An optional extra day will be arranged for those who may be interested in proceeding to the Certified membership level of the MII.
To achieve CPD Level 6 NFQ accreditation by TU Dublin, this course is assessed by exam and assignment submissions. Individual assessments are an integral part of the programme and count towards end-of-year results as follows:
Module 1:
- Project: 2500-3000 words 50%
- Role play 30%
- Learning Journal 20%
Module 2:
- Project: 2500-3000 words 50%
- Exam 30%
- Learning Journal 20%
70% attendance is required.
Testimonials
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Angela KienleCPD Diploma in Mediation"One of the main advantages of this Diploma in Mediation programme at Ibec is how intensely the lecturers and the group, practice and discuss real life cases. It really is a team effort and we benefited significantly from each other's experience."
Start dates
- Tue 11 Nov 2025 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Ibec, Dublin Head Office
- Wed 12 Nov 2025 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Tue 2 Dec 2025 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Wed 3 Dec 2025 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Ibec, Dublin Head Office
- Tue 20 Jan 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Wed 21 Jan 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Tue 17 Feb 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Wed 18 Feb 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Ibec, Dublin Head Office
- Tue 10 Mar 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Wed 11 Mar 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Tue 14 Apr 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Wed 15 Apr 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Ibec, Dublin Head Office
Delivery
Delivery Style
- Programme starting 13 May 2025- Blended [4 days classroom (13 May 2025, 11 June 2025, 10 September 2025, 05 November 2025) / 8 days online]. Venue for classroom days: Ibec, 84-86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
- Programme starting 11 November 2025- Blended [4 days classroom (11 November 2025, 03 December 2025, 18 February 2026, 15 April 2026) / 8 days online]. Venue for classroom days: Ibec, 84-86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
Approach
This programme is delivered over a series of 12 full-day sessions spread over 7 months to fit in with a full-time work schedule. A learning environment is created that is supportive, encouraging, and welcomes participation to support learning and applying it in practice.
Subjects
- Different mediation contexts
- Characteristics of a proficient mediator
- The mediation process
- Tasks required at each stage of the process
- Demonstration of a mediation case
- A range of skills is introduced and
- Participants practice each skill as well as
- Integrating these skills into a mediation
- Role play
- Dealing with barriers and impasses
- Why people fight and what to do about it
- The cost of conflict
- Approaches to conflict resolution
- Uses of mediation:
- Employment – bullying and harassment, discrimination, grievance and discipline, performance management, personality clashes, change management.
- Supplier relationships
- Customer complaints handling
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Commercial – viable alternative to litigation
- Medical negligence
- Ombuds schemes
- Systems thinking – one change affects the whole system
- Mediation and leadership
- Advantages of using mediation as a business strategy – the business case
- Conflict analysis
- Resolution systems
- Managing change and dealing with impasse
- Mediation ‘fit’ with organisational
- Culture
- The legal system and mediation
About Ibec Academy
We are the specialists who deal with the thorny issues faced by employers every day in key areas such as Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Employee Relations, Management, Employment Law, and Occupational Safety and Health.
We advise and represent companies in these areas every day, and this knowledge and practical know-how then informs all of the programmes we design and run.
The learning is based on real examples, which teach you how to get things right the first time and avoid mistakes that are costly and time-consuming to resolve. Our facilitators are experts in their fields, which brings the learning to life and gives participants practical takeaways, insights, and action plans that can be implemented in the workplace.
