Students’ progress and understanding are assessed through a combination of written examinations and practical assignments, designed both to evaluate theoretical knowledge and to develop and apply the practical skills essential to dispute resolution.

Each course unit includes either a written exam or a written paper, to be completed or submitted at the end of each semester.

In more practice-oriented modules, the professor may establish an alternative assessment method best suited to the pedagogical content.

Written examinations may be used to assess students’ understanding of theoretical concepts and principles of dispute resolution.

Case studies, research projects and practical exercises may be used to evaluate their ability to apply learned concepts to real-world scenarios.

Students may also be asked to deliver oral presentations, demonstrating their communication, negotiation and persuasion skills in a professional context.

Practical simulations — such as mock mediations or arbitrations — are assessed based on students’ ability to manage complex disputes and apply appropriate processes, techniques and professional standards.

Peer assessment may provide valuable feedback on teamwork and leadership skills.

In addition, students are evaluated on their professionalism, ethics and adherence to the codes of conduct governing mediation, arbitration and online dispute resolution (ODR).

The entire assessment process is designed to provide comprehensive feedback on each student’s strengths and areas for improvement, supporting the development of a continuous professional growth plan and guiding future career decisions.

Accreditation

Successful attendance and completion of the programme leads to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate.
Completion of the programme without assessment results in a Certificate of Attendance.

In both cases, students must attend at least 80% of the total class hours of the compulsory modules.

Students may also obtain International Mediation Certification through the ICFML  and the IMI (International Mediation Institute).

As the ICFML is an institution certified by the Portuguese Ministry of Justice as an authorised accrediting body, students who successfully complete the evaluation process may be included in the official lists of the Ministry of Justice.

This certification grants them the competence to sign mediation agreements that, provided legal requirements are met, acquire immediate enforceability, equivalent to a first-instance judicial decision.

In addition, certified students will be qualified to act in Justices of the Peace Courts, Consumer Dispute Arbitration Centres, Judicial Proceedings, and Private International Mediation.

Graduates who successfully complete the programme may also become members of the International Council for Online Dispute Resolution (ICODR).