The Postgraduate Programme will run throughout the 2026 calendar year, delivered primarily online, with some optional in-person sessions (when applicable).

Classes are scheduled in the evening (after-work hours), making the programme accessible to professionals working full-time or residing outside Porto.

Assessment is continuous and conducted per course unit.

It may include open-book or take-home exams, written assignments, presentations, reflection papers, multiple-choice questionnaires (MCQs), simulations, and case studies.

The focus is on practical application and skills development, using methodologies tailored to the nature of each discipline.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Postgraduate Diploma issued by the Porto Faculty of Law, Universidade Católica Portuguesa.

The programme also includes an International Mediation Certification, recognized both nationally and internationally, for those who meet the necessary requirements.

Yes.
Successful completion of the Postgraduate Programme in International Arbitration, International Mediation and Online Dispute Resolution (ADR and ODR), with a positive assessment in the Bootcamp modules on Conflict Mediation, grants access, upon request, to the Private Mediators List of the Portuguese Ministry of Justice.

After registration, graduates may also apply to join the List of Conciliators of SISPACSE in Portugal and the List of Public Mediators of the Justices of the Peace, as well as international mediation panels such as those of the ICFML and the institutions recognised through its certification.

To join the Private Mediators List of the Portuguese Ministry of Justice, applicants must:

• Successfully complete a mediation training course recognised by the Ministry of Justice;
• In this postgraduate programme, complete the modules “Bootcamp in Conflict Mediation – Understanding Conflict and the Fundamentals of Mediation” and “Bootcamp in Conflict Mediation – Strategies and Professional Practice”;
• Hold a university degree (or equivalent qualification);
• Be of legal age and of good standing, with no convictions for relevant intentional offences;
• Submit an application to the Directorate-General for Justice Policy (DGPJ), including the official form, training certificate, academic qualifications, criminal record, and a declaration of adherence to the Code of Conduct.

Upon validation, the mediator’s name is added to the official list published by the Ministry of Justice.

To join the ICFML Private Mediators List, candidates must:

• For direct ICFML training: Candidates who have successfully completed ICFML training and signed the ICFML Code of Conduct are automatically added to the institute’s list of certified mediators.

• For training through an ICFML-Accredited Course (ACI):
  Candidates must apply to the ICFML by submitting an application form, CV, training certificate, and declaration of adherence to the ICFML Code of Conduct.

Applications are reviewed by the ICFML Certification Committee.
Once approved, mediators are listed on the official register, recognised both nationally and internationally.

Below is a comparison of the two programmes:

Focus and Themes

• Postgraduate in International Arbitration, International Mediation and ODR
  • International orientation: arbitration, mediation and online dispute resolution.
  • Addresses legal-technological aspects and the use of digital platforms.
• Postgraduate in Negotiation, Mediation and Dispute Resolution
  • Multidisciplinary approach integrating negotiation and mediation techniques.
  • Does not include content on arbitration or ODR.

Approach and Objectives

• Arbitration, Mediation and ODR Programme
  • Prepares students to work in international settings with strong legal and technological components.
  • Includes self-awareness development through the Conflict Dynamics Profile assessment.
• Negotiation, Mediation and Dispute Resolution Programme
  • Focused on developing practical conflict-resolution skills with emphasis on negotiation and mediation.
  • Includes self-awareness development through the Conflict Dynamics Profile assessment.

Content and Methodology

• Arbitration, Mediation and ODR Programme
  • Topics: foundations and procedures of international arbitration; global mediation mechanisms; digital platforms for ODR.
  • Includes modules such as Principles of International Commercial Arbitration, Mediation – Theory and Process, and International Negotiation.
  • Combines theory and practice through clinics and practicum, with emphasis on online mediation and arbitration.
  • Students completing sufficient mediation modules with positive assessment may access the DGPJ Mediators List.
  • Methodology: case studies, simulations, and debates.

• Negotiation, Mediation and Dispute Resolution Programme
  • Topics: negotiation techniques; mediation processes; legal framework for mediation in Portugal.
  • Includes modules such as Conflict Mediation, The Lawyer in Mediation, Communication Techniques, Negotiation and Risk Theory, and Public Mediation Systems.
  • Students completing sufficient mediation modules with positive assessment may access the DGPJ Mediators List.
  • Methodology: case studies, role-plays, and group dynamics.

Format

• Arbitration, Mediation and ODR: exclusively online teaching.
• Negotiation, Mediation and Dispute Resolution: blended or in-person teaching.

Teaching Staff

• Arbitration, Mediation and ODR: national and international faculty providing a global perspective.
• Negotiation, Mediation and Dispute Resolution: national faculty offering context-specific expertise.

Target Audience and Career Prospects

• Arbitration, Mediation and ODR:
  • Target: legal professionals, lawyers, judges, arbitrators, and mediators seeking to work or update their skills in international and digital contexts.
  • Careers: international institutions, arbitration and mediation chambers, and ODR platforms.
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• Negotiation, Mediation and Dispute Resolution:
  • Target: professionals from various backgrounds (law, management, HR, consulting, etc.) seeking to develop negotiation and conflict-management skills.
  • Careers: mediation practice, leadership roles, crisis management, and internal mediation within organisations.