University of Ghana

What you'll study

The programme combines doctrinal study, comparative analysis and practical training in the principal modes of alternative dispute resolution. Core topics typically include:

• Foundations of ADR: theory and policy of dispute resolution, comparative approaches and the relationship between ADR and litigation.
• Mediation and Conciliation: principles, process design, mediator ethics, facilitative and evaluative techniques, and mediation practicum.
• Arbitration: domestic and international commercial arbitration, arbitration agreements, arbitral procedure, enforcement of awards and arbitration advocacy.
• Negotiation and Conflict Management: negotiation theory, bargaining strategies, interest‑based negotiation and multi‑party dispute dynamics.
• Dispute Systems Design and Management: designing institutional and organisational systems for prevention and resolution of disputes, including workplace and community mechanisms.
• Specialist ADR Topics: investor‑state dispute settlement, family and restorative justice approaches, human rights implications of ADR, and sectoral ADR practice (e.g. construction, natural resources).
• Research Methods and Dissertation/Project: legal research methods with a supervised dissertation or a practice‑based project that allows students to investigate a specialist ADR issue in depth.
• Clinical and Practical Components: simulated mediation/arbitration exercises, role plays, moot hearings and opportunities for supervised placements or internships with ADR institutions or law firms.

The programme is offered with options for full‑time and part‑time study and is structured to balance taught modules with supervised research or a professional practicum.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good first degree. Typical entry routes include:

• For the LLM pathway: an LLB from the University of Ghana or an equivalent recognised law degree from another institution.
• For the MA or multidisciplinary route: a relevant first degree (for example in law, social sciences or business) together with evidence of professional experience in dispute resolution, law, human resources or related fields where appropriate.
• Where applicable, applicants without a law degree but with substantial relevant practice experience may be considered, subject to satisfactory evidence of aptitude for postgraduate study.
• All applicants must provide academic transcripts and references; those whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English to the standard required by the University.

Career prospects

Graduates from the programme pursue a range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. Typical roles include:

• Professional mediator or conciliator in private practice or with community and government bodies.
• Arbitrator, or arbitration counsel in law firms and corporate legal departments, particularly in commercial, construction and natural resource sectors.
• Dispute resolution consultant or designer for organisations seeking to create prevention and resolution systems.
• In‑house counsel, compliance or dispute management roles in corporations, financial institutions and multinational firms.
• Positions with international and regional organisations, NGOs and human rights bodies where ADR skills support conflict transformation and access to justice initiatives.
• Academia and policy roles focused on the development of ADR law and practice.

Why study at University of Ghana

The University of Ghana’s School of Law provides a well‑established academic environment with faculty who combine scholarly expertise and practical experience in arbitration and mediation. The programme emphasises experiential learning through simulation exercises, clinic placements and engagement with local and regional dispute resolution bodies.

Studying ADR at the University of Ghana offers proximity to the evolving legal and commercial landscape of Ghana and West Africa, enabling students to develop regionally relevant practice skills while also engaging with international ADR frameworks. The programme’s links with practitioners, law firms and institutions support networking, professional development and placement opportunities for graduates.