Sligo native and Independent Member of the European Parliament, Marian Harkin, on Monday 14th April hosted the launch of a new innovative course at St. Angela’s College, Sligo. The new course which is a Postgraduate Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, is accredited by NUI Galway and has full accreditation with the Mediators Institution of Ireland, with the first cohort of students expected in September 2014.

Ms. Harkin noted her delight at her visit to the College for the launch of this new postgraduate course in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. She added that St Angela’s has consistently developed new and innovative programmes in recent years that meet the needs of the region and this one-year part-time Postgraduate Certificate programme is no exception.

“This is the first course of its kind in the North West of Ireland,” explains Ms. Amanda McCloat, Head of Home Economics, “We are excited to introduce this new postgraduate course to the suite of courses in the Department for September 2014. It goes beyond basic skill training to lead candidates to the achievement of professional competence and confidence.” She added that upon successful completion of the NUI Galway Postgraduate qualification, graduates are also recognised as Certified Mediators by the Mediators Institute of Ireland. Ms. McCloat noted “This Postgraduate Certificate will challenge traditional views in conflict, and encourage students to develop a reflective, theory-based approach to the application of mediation skills. Practical instruction and exercise will take place within the theoretical framework and students will take an active part in their learning.”

Dr. Anne Taheny, President of the College said “I am delighted to announce the launch of the Postgraduate Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution in St. Angela’s College. Something we take pride in here in the college is in the development of new courses that complement our existing core disciplines and expand our menu of provision for the region.”

The Postgraduate programme combines evening lectures and weekend workshops with online learning, self-directed study and practical exercises. Assessment will be by means of written assignments and a practical mediation skills assessment. Lecturer on the course, Sabine Walsh added, “The new Postgraduate Certificate is one of very few mediation courses available that goes above and beyond practical skill-building to an in-depth study of the nature, effects and management of conflict, providing students with a solid foundation upon which to base their future mediation practice.”

This one-year part-time programme will be attractive to those already working within a position that requires strong mediation skills, such as education or law, or those working in community agencies or in public sector agencies.

Applications for the programme are now open. For further details and an application form please contact the Home Economics Department on 071 9143580 or visit the programme page

Image: Ms Amanda McCloat, Head of Home Economics; Ms Joanna Sweeney, Lecturer, Home Economics Department; Dr Anne Taheny, President St Angela’s College, Sligo; Ms Marian Harkin, MEP; Ms Sabine Walsh, Programme Director – PG Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution and Lecturer.