Diploma in International Arbitration (Sub-Saharan Africa)

Who is this course for

The Diploma in International Arbitration is designed for professionals across the built environment and related sectors who are looking to gain a recognised qualification in arbitration. This course is ideal for those aiming to act as arbitrators, represent parties effectively in arbitration proceedings, or build their expertise in resolving disputes.

This qualification is particularly suited for:

• Senior professionals: Directors, Associate Directors, Partners, and Vice Presidents seeking to broaden their expertise and take on arbitration responsibilities.
• Technical specialists: Engineers, Project Engineers, and Operations Directors involved in resolving technical disputes within construction, infrastructure, and energy sectors.
• Commercial leaders: Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and Claims Consultants who handle contractual disputes and are looking to strengthen their arbitration capabilities.
• Legal and contract advisors: In-house counsel, Contract Managers, and Legal Advisors seeking to expand their skills in arbitration and dispute resolution.
• Independent practitioners: Entrepreneurs, consultants, and founders of legal or technical practices who want to offer arbitration services to clients.
• Infrastructure and property experts: Project Managers, Development Managers, and other professionals responsible for managing disputes related to large-scale developments, including government employees involved in public sector projects.

Course programme

The Diploma in International Arbitration is structured across three key modules, designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of arbitration principles and processes, both domestically and internationally. Each module builds practical skills and knowledge essential for handling complex disputes.

Learning outcomes

• Develop your understanding of the Law of Obligations within the contexts of the English Legal System and Civil Law, providing a foundation for a deeper study of dispute resolution.
• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the Law of Arbitration, including the key requirements for presenting evidence effectively to a tribunal.
• Examine arbitration practice and procedure as defined by the Arbitration Act 1996 and international arbitration rules, with specific relevance to the South Africa and wider African region.
• Build the necessary skills for drafting, evaluating evidence, and award writing, enabling you to operate confidently in arbitration scenarios.

Assessment format

What to Expect

Throughout the Diploma in International Arbitration programme, you will engage in a variety of assessments designed to test your understanding of arbitration principles and enhance your practical skills.

Submission of questions:

During the programme, you will submit questions for marking. This allows you to receive detailed feedback from experienced trainers, helping you refine your knowledge and skills.

Written assessments:

Participants must successfully complete three written assessments, including:

• Two law papers: These papers assess your understanding of the Law of Obligations, the Law of Arbitration, and their application in both domestic and international contexts.
• Award writing paper: This assessment focuses on your ability to draft legally sound and enforceable arbitration awards.

Module assignments:

In addition to the written assessments, you will complete assignments for both Module 1 and Module 2. These assignments provide a practical opportunity to apply your knowledge and demonstrate your understanding of arbitration processes.

The assessments are a key part of the learning journey, ensuring that you gain both theoretical knowledge and the practical expertise required for international arbitration practices.

Resitting assessments

If you’re unsuccessful in an assessment, you can resit with the next cohort. Resits incur a fee ranging from ZAR 2,500 – 4,000 , depending on the type of assessment.