Why Choose this Program

• This is the only postgraduate program in Australia focussing specifically on domestic commercial arbitration that gives students direct access to a grading process enabling them to practice as an arbitrator.
• The program has highly practical and experiential content – workshops have strong practical focus and support students’ understanding of arbitration proceedings. Assessments are focused on building skills in writing successful arbitral awards and understanding arbitration processes within a legal framework.
• Students acquire transferrable skill sets that benefit their careers and organisations in which they work – they may work as an arbitrator or work in roles, or for organisations, that are involved in arbitration proceedings at any stage, and are well placed to assist in settling disputes that might lead to arbitration, or drafting commercial arrangements to enable any dispute to take advantage of arbitration processes rather than having to proceed to a court process.

Flexible learning through interactive and engaging online tutorials.

Learners benefit from multiple learning channels and media formats, appealing to all learning styles.

• There is close industry partnering in the delivery of the program which provides many opportunities for students to experience and learn how arbitration works in real-world scenarios and cases. These partners include the University of Adelaide and Resolution Institute as well as numerous subject matter experts.
• Working with students from throughout Australia with different professional backgrounds creates a robust and interesting learning environment, and enables individuals to expand professional networks and obtain a broader understanding of arbitration applications.
• The Professional Certificate in Arbitration meets the educational requirements for a Grade 3 Arbitrator at Resolution Institute.  Students who successfully complete the certificate can apply to enter a grading process at Resolution Institute to become registered as a Grade 3 Arbitrator and be included on Resolution Institute’s Register of Arbitrators. 
• Students qualify for one year of free Associate Membership of Resolution Institute, which provides access to professional development and networking events and resources on arbitration.

• Students are able to explore additional career study options at the Adelaide Law School, which offers a wide range of post-graduate programs. The Professional Certificate of Arbitration courses can be used to count towards Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters qualifications at the University of Adelaide.

• This unique offering as a joint venture between the University and Resolution Institute combines strong academic content with practical workshops delivered by highly skilled and qualified practitioners.
• A recognised University qualification is awarded on successful completion of the Professional Certificate.  Students are permitted to use the post-nominals of ProfCertArb.
• Current and up-to-date content is constantly reviewed with changes to legislation and new cases and materials incorporated into the program, which is monitored by a Board of Management.
• A Quality Assurance program is supported by university evaluations and a university review process conducted periodically within the University’s Review framework, and co-ordinated by the Learning and Quality Support unit.

• The highest performing student in each cohort is recognised with “The Resolution Institute Award for Highest Academic Merit”.

• The program is delivered by Peter Kassapidis, legal practitioner, Adjunct Lecturer at Adelaide Law School, and tribunal member. Peter's main practice areas have included civil and commercial law (contentious and non-contentious), estates litigation, personal injuries, risk management and dispute resolution. Peter is a highly experienced NMAS accredited mediator and conciliator and has been a member of various mediation and conciliation panels since 2016. He was awarded ADR Practitioner of the Year in 2022 by the Australian Disputes Centre. Peter is a former member of the South Australian Chapter of the Resolution Institute and the Law Society of South Australia’s ADR Committee.
• Parts of the program are also facilitated by Resolution Institute tutors who are highly skilled and qualified arbitration practitioners with diverse backgrounds in law and other professions – they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the learning environment in the delivery of the practical workshops each semester.