PCMMS — Professional Certificate in Mediation & Mediation Skills

The course

Confidence to address conflict — wherever it arises.

Conflict affects our everyday lives — at home, in business, in the boardroom and in large projects. This innovative professional certificate is firmly rooted in personal and professional experience. You'll learn why conflict escalates, how to help people in conflict, and develop the skills required to resolve disputes.

Combining theory and practical application, you'll gain the confidence to effectively address conflict, disagreement and difficulties between individuals and teams — offered in partnership with Queen Margaret University Edinburgh.

Key features

Equips you for a wide range of leadership and people-management situations
Develops communication techniques to de-escalate conflict and manage strong emotions
Practical, hands-on experience in a safe environment
Deepens your understanding of conflict escalation and resolution
Explores environment, balance of power, rapport and body language

At a glance

Course summary.

AccreditationTriple-accredited — 15 academic credits at SCQF Level 9 (QCF Level 5)

QMU EdinburghScottish MediationCIArb

LengthSix full daysFour days' tuition · one reflective study day · one assessment day

AssessmentObserved mediation practice 60% · Reflective essay 40%

FeesOn application

Study methodLectures, group work, reflection and practical scenarios — drawn from grievances, relationship breakdown, commercial disputes, and conflict in the boardroom and workplace.

Next cohort19–22 May 2026

What you'll cover

Grounded in theory, built on practice.

Interactive and practice-based with a case-study focus — designed and taught by mediators with real, 'in the room' experience.

Theory

Alternative Dispute Resolution
Effective communication
Dealing with difficulties
Exploring potential issues
Mediation in context
Conflict and conflict styles
Models of mediation
Mediation ethics
Agreements
Reflection

Practical skills

Questioning and listening skills
Clarifying issues and options
Building workable solutions
Having difficult conversations
Opening discussions confidently
Inviting parties to talk
Maintaining control
Remaining impartial
Finding common ground
Encouraging participation

By the end

What you'll be able to do.

Have challenging conversations in your workplace and beyond, with confidence
Effectively carry out a structured mediation
Critically explore a range of mediation practice-based issues
Reflect on your own and others' mediation practice
Appraise the practice of mediation across a range of disputes
Apply mediative skills in a range of real-world contexts

Your course lead

Craig Cathcart MSc, LLB, Dip, LP, DTS

An experienced academic lawyer and Senior Lecturer in Dispute Resolution at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh. An active mediator, Craig is a member of the Law Society of Scotland's Regulatory Committee and Consumer Law Sub-Committee, a director and trustee of Scottish Mediation, and served as director of Citizens Advice Edinburgh.

Who it's for

Leaders, lawyers, people managers, project managers, directors, HR specialists — and anyone who is, or will be, involved in resolving conflict or disputes.

About us

The Resolution Centre is a social enterprise with deep knowledge and broad experience of conflict resolution that avoids costly litigation. We aren't here to make judgements — our role is one of independence and impartiality — and we're passionate about the personal growth and wellbeing that come from collaborative problem-solving.

Register your place.

We recommend registering as early as possible — places fill up quickly and we operate a waiting list.

Or contact us directly — info@theresolutioncentre.com · +44 (0)1534 730234