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The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: Online professional course (20 credits) Study duration: 13 weeks
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Looking to pursue a career in international commerce? Understand the key issues of international commercial dispute resolution, with our online professional course. 

You’ll explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as negotiation, conciliation, mediation and arbitration. You’ll also consider the national and international framework in which ADR operates.  

The focal point of the module will be arbitration as it’s the most popular and formal ADR method to settle disputes arising from international contracts.  

The course covers a range of exciting topics, including:  

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods 
  • key concepts and principles in international commercial dispute resolution 
  • the legal framework surrounding international arbitration 

And upon completion, you’ll have the opportunity to progress onto one of our popular postgraduate law courses.    

  

Why we’re great

  • Receive your online professional courses certificate from the University of Essex, a top 12 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026).
  • Develop key knowledge in international commercial dispute resolution.
  • Study at your pace – 100% online, part-time.
  • Gain 20 academic credits on successful completion, which are transferrable to further study on a PG Cert, PG Dip or full Masters degree.
  • Network with fellow students from around the world.

You’ll study the following topics as part of the online professional course: 

  • introduction to international commercial dispute resolution 
  • alternative dispute resolution methods 
  • key international legal instruments 
  • the arbitral agreement 
  • the arbitral tribunal and the arbitrators 
  • the arbitral proceedings 
  • the arbitral award 
  • challenging the arbitral award 
  • recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards 
  • transnational law and international dispute resolution 
  • online dispute resolution 
  • current issues in international dispute resolution 

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to complete your qualification when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or in a café.  

Our online professional courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments  
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the module content with fellow students  
  • live Q&A sessions with your tutors  
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team  

To ensure you receive high-quality tutor support, each class is capped at 20 students.  

 

Assessment methods  

You’ll be assessed exclusively through assignments. These include assessed discussion forums, written assignments and journal entries.  

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways:  

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent  
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start  
  • you’ll be able to clearly view your marks in your gradebook whenever you log on to the learning platform  
  • there’s a seven-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work  
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise  

 

Study duration 

Our International Commercial Arbitration Dispute Resolution online professional course has a study duration of 13 weeks, including a one-week induction to help you settle into online study. 

The International Commercial Arbitration Dispute Resolution online professional course offers a whole host of opportunities. On successful completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate confirming you’ve achieved 20 academic credits at postgraduate level. This will be beneficial whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or take the first step into business – helping you stand out amongst the competition.  

If you wish to continue your studies and boost your prospects, you could choose additional law online professional courses. Alternatively, you could progress on to the PG Cert International Business Law (60 credits); PG Dip International Business Law (120 credits) or the full LLM International Business Law (180 credits).   

Please note, acceptance on to a postgraduate qualification is subject to meeting the entry requirements of your chosen programme. 

No formal qualifications or experience is necessary.  

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency of English is required. If English isn’t your first language, your ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.  

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Full tuition fee: 

£1,429 UK / £1,492 International (2025-26) Δ  
£1,468 UK / £1,543 international (2026-27) Δ   

  • Our online professional courses are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included.  
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you’re a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.    
  • We offer a 14-day moneyback guarantee, so if you decide your course isn’t for you during the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund. Terms and conditions apply.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

What our students say

testimonials

Eli Friedland -LLB (Hons) Law

Studying online has allowed me to live in a country of my choice while having access to an amazing learning experience.

I recently completed my first year of the LLB (Hons) Law and I’m loving it. I’m originally from Vancouver, Canada, where I was born and raised, and now live in Israel. I live with my husband and our very cute dog, Buddy. Outside of my LLB, I am also completing a BA in Linguistics at a local university and work part-time at a cybersecurity company. I love to read, write, spend time in nature and travel.  I chose...

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