نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Master in Arbitration Program

The Master of Arbitration Program is one of the leading specialized programs in the UAE, combining theoretical study and practical application to prepare legal professionals capable of resolving commercial, maritime, sports, and oil disputes in modern and effective ways, aligned with the latest national and international standards and legislation.

Program Overview

• Duration: 1.5 to 4 years
• Credit Hours: 33
• Semesters: Fall and Spring
• College: College of Law
• Program Type: Master's Degree
• Language of Instruction: Arabic

Program Objectives

1. Prepare and qualify students in dispute resolution through amicable and arbitration methods, enhancing their professional competence to meet labor market needs in the UAE and beyond.
2. Provide specialized knowledge on arbitration rules and negotiation skills for professional dispute resolution.
3. Deepen understanding of legal issues regarding arbitrator responsibility and enforcement of domestic and international awards.
4. Analyze arbitration centers' legal frameworks, operational rules, procedures, and applicable laws.
5. Promote a culture of legal research through specialised studies and theses in national and international arbitration.
6. Develop graduates combining academic and practical skills to lead in legal consultancy, law practice, and international arbitration centers.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Law or any other directly related specialization from an accredited university recognized by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education – United Arab Emirates.
• Students holding a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a field closely related to Law from an accredited institution recognized by the CAA may be exempted based on the evaluation of the College of Law Council.
• GPA requirements for admission:
  • CGPA 2.5 or higher (out of 4.0): Direct admission.
  • CGPA between 2.0 and 2.49: The student must successfully complete 3 preparatory courses with a GPA of at least 3.0.
• English language proficiency certificate according to one of the following tests or their CAA-approved equivalents:
  • IELTS: 4.5
  • TOEFL ITP: 450
  • TOEFL iBT: 45
  • TOEFL CBT: 133
  • Linguaskill: B1
  • Umm Al Quwain University Admission Test: 60
• Exemptions from English Language Requirements:
  • Any other CAA-approved proficiency test.
  • Students continuing from a Bachelor's program within one year of graduation.
  • Completion of an English preparatory course offered online or on campus by the university.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of 33 credit hours (mandatory and elective courses) and the thesis with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
2. Successful defense of the thesis (9 credit hours) with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
3. The minimum period for completing the thesis is nine months from registration.
4. Achieving a minimum overall GPA of 3.0/4.0.
5. Minimum program duration: 1.5 years; maximum: 4 years.
6. For GPA improvement, students may retake up to two courses during their study period.
7. Thesis registration is only allowed after completing all mandatory courses.
8. During the thesis period, the student may register for one elective course only.
9. No mandatory courses may be registered during intensive terms.
10. The College Council approves the thesis plan and appoints the supervisor.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Arbitration opens diverse professional avenues, providing students with skills and knowledge for leadership positions:

1. Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Centers:
   • Certified arbitrator at national and international arbitration centers.
   • Participation in mediation and arbitration centers for commercial dispute resolution.
2. Corporate Legal Consultancy:
   • Legal advisor for companies, banks, and major institutions, especially in commercial, maritime, and oil sectors.
   • Drafting complex contracts and protecting institutional interests in international trade.
3. Specialised Legal Practice:
   • Lawyer specialising in arbitration and dispute resolution.
   • Representing parties in commercial and investment disputes before international arbitration bodies.
4. Governmental & International Organizations:
   • Legal expert in government authorities handling commercial and investment disputes.
   • Working in international and local organizations with legal and commercial mandates.
5. Academia & Research:
   • Academic researcher at universities and legal research centers.
   • Conducting advanced studies and participating in arbitration and commercial law conferences.
6. Legal Management in Institutions:
   • Director of legal or contract departments in local and regional institutions.
   • Managing legal risks and drafting solutions in modern business environments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand legal frameworks governing arbitration agreements, procedures, and rulings, ensuring validity of arbitration actions.
2. Explain the rules of national and international arbitration centers, procedural flow, enforcement of awards, and arbitrator liability.
3. Compare arbitration rules for specialized disputes (oil, maritime, etc.).
4. Analyze court and arbitration rulings to identify applied principles.
5. Conduct in-depth research in arbitration, contributing to its effectiveness as a dispute resolution tool.

Program Delivery

The Master of Arbitration follows the credit-hour system at Umm Al Quwain University, requiring full-time attendance and active participation in on-campus lectures and learning activities.

Program Structure

The College of Law awards a Master of Arbitration degree upon successful completion of 33 credit hours, distributed as follows:

• Mandatory Courses: 18 credit hours
• Elective Courses: 6 credit hours (choose 2)
• Thesis: 9 credit hours
• Total: 33 credit hours

Course Details

Course Type | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours ---|---|---|--- Mandatory Courses (18 credit hours) | LAWARB1 | Arbitration Agreements & Procedures | 3 LAWARB2 | Legal Framework of Arbitration Centers | 3 LAWINT2 | Legal Research Methods | 3 LAWARB3 | Enforcement of National & International Arbitration Awards | 3 LAWARB4 | Supervision of Arbitration Processes | 3 LAWARB5 | Arbitrator Liability | 3 Elective Courses (6 credit hours, choose 2) | LAWARB7 | Arbitration in Administrative Contracts | 3 LAWARB8 | Arbitration in Oil & Gas Contracts | 3 LAWPR207 | Arbitration in Maritime Trade Disputes | 3 LAWARB11 | Sports Arbitration | 3 Thesis | LAWARB299 | Thesis Registration (after 18 mandatory credits) | 9

Study Plan

Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits ---|---|---|--- Semester 1 | LAWARB1 | Arbitration Agreements & Procedures | 3 LAWARB2 | Legal Framework of Arbitration Centers | 3 LAWINT2 | Legal Research Methods | 3 Semester 2 | LAWARB3 | Enforcement of National & International Arbitration Awards | 3 LAWARB4 | Supervision of Arbitration Processes | 3 LAWARB5 | Arbitrator Liability | 3 Semester 3 (Electives) | LAWARB7 | Arbitration in Administrative Contracts | 3 LAWARB8 | Arbitration in Oil & Gas Contracts | 3 LAWPR207 | Arbitration in Maritime Trade Disputes | 3 LAWARB11 | Sports Arbitration | 3 Semester 4 | LAWARB299 | Master's Thesis (requires completion of 18 mandatory credits before start) | 9

Thesis

The student prepares the thesis on arbitration topics in Arabic with an English abstract. A supervisor is assigned from the relevant department, and an external co-supervisor may be appointed if required. Thesis registration is only allowed after successfully completing all mandatory courses (18 credit hours). During the thesis period, the student may register for one elective course. The thesis plan and supervisor nomination are subject to College Council approval.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of arbitration principles, rules, and procedures to resolve disputes effectively.
2. Apply legal frameworks for national and international arbitration centers in real-world cases.
3. Analyze arbitration agreements, awards, and judicial decisions to propose optimal legal solutions.
4. Conduct legal research in arbitration, contributing to practical and academic advancement.
5. Develop professional negotiation, communication, and dispute resolution skills aligned with labor market needs.

Program Duration and Credit Hours

• Total credit hours: 33 (Mandatory, Elective, and Thesis).
• Minimum duration: 1.5 years (full-time study).
• Maximum duration: 4 years.
• Thesis minimum duration: 9 months from registration.
• Minimum GPA for graduation: 3.0/4.0.
• Students may retake up to two courses for GPA improvement within the allowed study period.

Skills Acquired

• Advanced arbitration and dispute resolution capabilities.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills for legal problem-solving.
• Legal drafting and contract management expertise.
• Ability to lead arbitration sessions and manage professional negotiations.
• Integration of theory and practice in commercial, civil, administrative, maritime, oil, and sports arbitration.

Career Paths

Graduates of the Master of Arbitration can pursue careers in multiple fields:

• Certified arbitrator in national and international arbitration centers.
• Legal advisor and consultant for companies, banks, and governmental institutions.
• Lawyer specializing in commercial, maritime, administrative, oil, and sports disputes.
• Academic researcher or lecturer in arbitration and commercial law.
• Director or legal manager in corporate and governmental legal departments.