Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution

Bond University

Australia, Gold Coast

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Home/Australia/Gold Coast /Bond University/Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution

Bond University

Australia , Gold Coast

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesFebruary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 semester(s)

Next Intake February-2026

Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution

About

Note: This program has been suspended from January 2025. There are no further intakes of students planned. The following information is retained for students currently enrolled in the program.

The Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution, suitable to both law and non-law graduates, focuses on the impact of separation and divorce on families, as well as the management and resolution of post-separation parenting and property disputes.

The program consists of eight compulsory subjects which can be completed over four semesters part-time, with students completing two subjects each semester. Students can start in January of each year.

The program covers both the theory and practice of family dispute resolution to ensure that graduates have a deep knowledge base, and sophisticated skill set, for practising as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP).

The program will be of interest to non-law graduates who are professionals working in psychology and social work, such as counsellors, social workers, and psychologists, who wish to enhance their theoretical knowledge and develop their family dispute resolution process skills and strategies. The program will also be of interest to law graduates who are practising in family law and related areas.

The Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution is ideal for anyone who wishes to become an accredited FDRP as it satisfies the requirements for accreditation through the National Mediation Accreditation System (NMAS) as well as the requirements for registering as an FDRP with the Attorney General's Department

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Recognised 4 year Bachelor degree equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree

4 year Bachelor degree - 4 point grading scale

Successful completion of an Australian Qualification Framework Level 7 equivalent bachelor's degree in either law, psychology, social work, conflict management, mediation, or dispute resolution from an approved institution.

Recognised 4 year Bachelor degree equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree

4 year Bachelor degree - 5 point grading scale

English Program Requirements

English language proficiency requirements

Bond's programs are taught and assessed in English, so depending on your educational background and citizenship, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements. This may include submitting results from an approved English Language Test taken in the past two years - you can see the required results for the most common approved tests below. There are other ways to demonstrate English language proficiency and gain entry into this program, including demonstrating prior study in English, or other qualifications. If your qualification does not meet the English language requirements then you will need to provide an English proficiency test for admission.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Overall score 7.0 with no sub score less than 7.0
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic Overall score 65 with no Communicative Scores below 65
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT): Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) Overall score 94, no scores below 27 Writing, 23 Speaking, 24 for Reading and Listening

Career

Where will your degree take you?

Successful completion of the Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution will allow you to gain accreditation as a Mediator through the National Mediations Standards Board (NMAS) and an FDR practitioner with the Federal Attorney General's Department.

Graduates of the course will be equipped to apply to the relevant accreditation bodies for accreditation. This is a process managed by individual graduates.

Graduates of the Master of Laws in Family Dispute Resolution can work as Mediator or a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

The family law systems prioritise approaches to dispute resolution that avoid litigation. Parties to family law disputes must now demonstrate that they have taken genuine steps to resolve matters between them before they are able to file proceeding in a family court.

Outcomes

Mediator

A mediator helps people manage and resolve disputes and conflict. Mediators facilitate a structured process to enable the parties to communicate appropriately and reach consensual outcomes.

FDR Practitioner

A Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) is a specialist dispute resolution person who helps parents who have separated to manage and resolve disputes and conflict about parenting and property matters.

FDRP Mediators facilitate a structured process to enable the parties to communicate appropriately and reach consensual outcomes. Accredited FDRPs can have the authority to issue relevant certificates under the Family Law Act.