The Graduate Certificate is an academic course that provides an opportunity for students to study and reflect on interpersonal conflict in its broadest sense. It is equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree programme and enables the Institute and Birkbeck to offer training to a wide range of students of varying academic backgrounds.

The course is structured around the study of relevant theory, the examination of different techniques and approaches to Conflict Resolution and Mediation, and consideration of how theory and technique are integrated into the practice of Conflict Resolution. It approaches the subject from a variety of perspectives and involves lecturers practicing in different fields to illustrate the diversity and complexity of this fast developing field.

The course attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds from both socially oriented and commercial fields. This course is particularly valuable for those working in situations where conflict arises, and for those wishing to extend both their knowledge and their skills in applying this understanding in conflict resolution.

The Graduate Certificate provides a comprehensive introduction to conflict resolution processes and theories.  Mediation is one form of conflict resolution and dispute resolution and the one most practised and familiar.  The course looks at different models of mediation and speakers from different fields such as community, family, workplace and schools are invited as guest presenters to talk about their practice.  This is an academic course to which we have now added a practical skills based section to complement theory and reflective practice elements.

Students are very much at the cutting edge of developments in conflict resolution and mediation in the UK and students are contributing to establishing an academic base. 

Entrance Requirements

The course is aimed at those who are interested in the new and developing field of mediation and conflict resolution and for those already practicing who wish to obtain an academic qualification. This is an academic course so students are expected to have an aptitude for undertaking the associated written assignments.

Aims of the Training

• To provide a theoretical foundation to the study of conflict and different approaches to conflict resolution
• To introduce participants to mediation and conflict resolution practices in differing fields: e.g. family, community, education, health, restorative justice, commercial, organizations/workplace and international contexts
• To consider social, legal, ethical, cultural, and pychological perspectives
• To familiarise participants with a mediatory approach to managing conflict, the principles underlying this and the main approaches used
• To facilitate the assimilation of the knowledge gained into the participants' work setting through the use of practical workshops and experiential training
• To encourage a critical approach to theory and practice in the light of differences in race, class, gender, sexuality and an ability to encourage an anti-discriminatory approach to ways of working
• To encourage participants to reflect on, and learn about, their own responses and reactions to conflict and to find effective ways of managing conflict in their work, social and personal environments

Course Structure

The Graduate Certificate is a 60 credit programme consisting of two modules:

Module 1 - Theories of Conflict Resolution and Mediation (30 credits)

Module 2 - Applied Theory and Integration (30 credits)

The course will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm;for two terms and the final term will be three blocks of two full days.The content will include presentations by visiting speakers, input from the course tutors, small group discussions, and experiential exercises.

In previous years we have had Masterclasses by Bernard Mayer, author of The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution and Beyond Neutrality ; Joseph Folger, author of The Promise of Mediation ; Kenneth Cloke, author of Mediating Dangerously . Visiting speakers have included Barbara McKay, the Director of IFT, Dr David Campbell from the Tavistock Clinic, Professor Linda Mulcahy from the Law School at Birkbeck College, and many other leading practitioners in the field.

Assessment

Each module has a 2,000 word essay and a learning portfolio.

Applications

Closing date for applications is the 30th of June. Late applicants are advised to contact the Institue after this date to check availability of places.

Selection is made on the basis of application form, and applicants will not normally be required to attend an interview.

Please contact Becky Curtis for an application pack.

Fees

The fee for 2010/11 is £1,776 p.a. A non returnable administration fee of £40 is payable to the Institute of Family Therapy on application. The course fee is due at registration and payable to BIRKBECK COLLEGE.

IFT POLICY ON FEES

Once registered with IFT students (or their employer/sponsor) remain liable for the full course fee. In the event of students failing to complete the course for any reason (including voluntary withdrawal on notice) they will remain liable for the full fee.

Programme Chair (Institute of Family Therapy)

Barry Winbolt, MSc

Birkbeck Liaison Tutor

Virginia Elgar, MA

Please see Frequently Asked Questions for further information.