SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Mediation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94801  Advanced Diploma in Mediation 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to equip prospective learners with general and specialist knowledge in mediation with regards to family disputes, divorce proceedings and commercial disputes.

The qualification will enhance the skills of the learners so that they will be equipped as mediators and that are able to encourage discussions and be assisted in gaining a greater understanding of disputes. The qualification seeks to equip learners who will be able to facilitate reconciliation through assisting disputing parties in communicating and exploring their issues. The learners should be able to establish and enforce procedures which are fair and which allow all sides a chance to be heard. The purpose of the qualification is to develop mediators to help parties in conflict to achieve settlement. The mediation must also provide confidential, risk-free opportunities for parties to resolve their disputes.

This qualification aims to develop theoretical competencies and practical skills for individuals to effectively operate as mediators. Conflict management interventions, starting from the extreme of avoidance, to conciliation, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, litigation, to the extreme of violence/war require mediation efforts. The qualification seeks to empower learners who will become mediators and perceive mediation as a process that values voluntariness, self-determination, confidentiality, and an impartial third party facilitator. To promote better relationships through cooperative problem-solving and improved communication, a well-trained individual is ideal to deal with situations.

Rationale:
There is a pivotal need for a mediator who is able to listen and help the parties identify the underlying causes of conflict and how they would like to resolve or manage their problems. The entire international community is expected to exert active and efficient efforts to resolve current conflicts and to prevent potential disputes. Because of the need to maintain confidentiality in the process, it is of crucial importance for a mediator to comply with the confidentiality of the process of negotiations as well as to avoid actions or statements about the process that may compromise the parties. The qualification aims to develop mediators who will propose flexible but values-based strategies from the beginning of the process and be able to present a common vision to the parties of a dispute. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has appropriate policies and procedures for RPL including the identification, documentation, assessment, evaluation and transcription of prior learning against specified learning outcomes, so that it can articulate with current programmes and qualifications. Assessment instruments are designed for RPL in accordance with the institution's policies on fair and transparent assessment. See CHE document addendum for RPL policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum admission requirements for entry into an Advanced Diploma are an appropriate:
  • Relevant 360-Credit Diploma.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in the field of Mediation.
    Or
  • Bachelor qualification within the field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 10 compulsory modules at NQF Level 7, totalling 120 credits:
  • Language and Life Skills (Listening and communication skills), 8 Credits.
  • Family Law (Financial implications of divorce), 10 Credits.
  • Family Law (Family and Divorce), 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to the process of divorce mediation, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) - based on above, 15 Credits.
  • Language and Life Skills (Listening and communication skills), 8 Credits.
  • Law of Alternative Dispute Resolution, 10 Credits.
  • Mercantile Law (Other), 12 Credits.
  • Mediation Ethics, 15 Credits.
  • WIL - based, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Gather, evaluate and manage information required for the mediation process in order to reach an amicable solution for all parties involved.
    2. Develop advanced knowledge of theoretical concepts and skills underlying a range of approaches to mediation in a variety of settings.
    3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of fundamental principles of ethics in a comparative multi-disciplinary perspective.
    4. Demonstrate integrated knowledge and understanding of mediation and alternative dispute resolution. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A relationship between conflicting parties is managed.
  • Knowledge and skill to conduct a mediation meeting are applied.
  • The knowledge acquired to solve problems in the mediation context is applied and the process and techniques used are evaluated for reference.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Theory and best practices with regards to mediation between family members, couples, parents and within the corporate environment are applied.
  • Different process models: family, community, business; stages of the process: pre-mediation/case development and mediation parts are analysed.
  • Mediation Styles: facilitative, evaluative, transformative, problem solving; process management are applied.
  • A list of mediation skills, techniques and behaviours to include rapport and negotiation skills are identified.
  • Mediation is delivered and practiced using key skills such as rapport and negotiation.
  • Contexts and different approaches when dealing with conflict and impasse are considered and used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Mediation principles, codes of ethics, ethical dilemmas, values and principles are understood observed and adheres to.
  • Key principles and practices underpinning Mediation are applied.
  • Ethical guidelines and principles to include empowerment, mutual respect and equity of exchange are followed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Ideas, possible solutions and proposals based on problem-solving methods within the mediation process are developed and communicated.
  • Personal learning and development journey are comprehensively described, and informed practice and findings are presented clearly showing evidence of critical thinking and analysis.
  • Core communication skills required in skilful mediation are demonstrated.
  • A case for mediation including drafting effective position papers is prepared.
  • Regulation and case law relevant to the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) are cited.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Different methods of assessment will be applied in alignment with the assessment criteria and the prescribed assessment methods as described in the learner guide for each particular module. Both formative and summative assessment will be used to determine if the learner has achieved the desired outcomes for the module. Summative assessment will consist of a written examination at the end of each semester. The Work Integrated Learning component will be subject to continuous assessment, which will include role play, case studies and portfolios.

    Formative assessment will also include tests, group and individual assignments, case studies and portfolios. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education in the United Kingdom offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Arbitration and Mediation. The qualification was launched to meet the expanded application of Arbitration and Mediation.

    The Communications and Management Institute in the United Kingdom offers a Diploma in Mediation and Conflict resolution. The qualification is ideal for anyone wishing to work in the application and practice of mediation particularly in contexts such as family, organisational and workplace mediation, community, commercial and civil mediation, peer mediation and restorative justice. The qualification includes analysis of conflict theory, negotiation theory and approaches to conflict.

    The Uniting Care Institute of Family Practice is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and offers a Vocational Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution. This is a post-graduate qualification that prepares learners to work in a variety of settings in providing Family Dispute Resolution services and interventions for families experiencing high levels of relationship conflict, and may be involved in the Family Law System.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably in terms of purpose and modules. The qualification prepares learners from a range of disciplines for advanced practice in areas involving conflict management. The qualifications cited are similar as this one and develop skills in the mediation process, analysing conflict, framing issues, generating options, designing intervention strategies to promote cooperation and resolving impasses. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates with qualifications within the field of dispute resolution which may include the following:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Law and Humanities at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Law at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Law at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Vaal University of Technology 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.