LLM in
Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Trade and Investment Law (TRAIL+) World Trade Institute
Introduction
Be a TRAIL-blazer!
The TRAIL+ is an advanced master’s programme in Trade and Investment Law combined with courses in international law and economics. This programme is offered at the World Trade Institute in cooperation with the Faculty of Law of the University of Bern. The programme includes more law courses and fewer courses on economics and political science than the MILE programme. Upon the successful conclusion of the TRAIL+ programme, the student is awarded an LL.M. in International Trade and Investment Law, as well as a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law and Economics.
To find out if the TRAIL+ programme is right for you, check out the 'frequently asked questions (FAQs)' tab at the end of this page.
What we offer
- A one-year, intensive graduate programme (can also be taken part-time)
- Teaching and guidance from leading scholars and practitioners
- The latest research developments in international trade and investment regulation, and economics
- The opportunity to join a vibrant WTI alumni network with over 600 members worldwide
- Strong networks and mentoring programmes to help students secure internships and entry-level positions
What you bring
You are a student or a professional with a law degree and wish to further your legal career as a lawyer, or wish to pursue a PhD in international economic law.
Admissions
Curriculum
The TRAIL+ programme is a non-consecutive LL.M. in Trade and Investment Law programme combined with a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law and Economics programme. Successful completion of the TRAIL+ programme includes both the LL.M. and DAS components. Students who successfully fulfil the requirements of the TRAIL+ programme are awarded the following degrees:
- Legum Magister/Legum Magistra
and - Diploma of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics
ECTS: the TRAIL+ programme counts for 90 ECTS
Language of instruction: English
Studies begin: January or September
Length of studies: The TRAIL+ programme is designed for full-time completion in 12 to 15 months. The programme can also be taken on a part-time basis within three years.
Additional Information: In addition to the courses offered during the autumn and spring semesters, TRAIL+ programme students are able to take advantage of WTI Winter and Summer Academy courses.
For questions about the curriculum, please contact the Academic Coordinator.
The TRAIL+ programme is interdisciplinary and emphasises the rules, regulations and institutions - both domestic and international - which govern foreign trade, investment, the operations of multinational enterprises, and the interests and roles of stakeholders. Courses consist of lectures and case studies offering students opportunities for classroom discussions and individual research. For a full list of available courses, please refer to the TRAIL+ curriculum (link to the right).
Fall Semester Courses (14 September to 24 December 2022)
14, 15 & 16 September
Induction days at the WTI
Foundations of Economics (DAS)
19 September – 23 December
Lecturers: Achim Vogt, Irene Garcés Iriarte, Patrick Tomberger (Microeconomics) & Octavio Fernandez- Amador (Macroeconomics)
ECTS: 15
International Trade Regulation (LL.M./DAS)
19 September – 23 December
Lecturer: Michael Hahn
ECTS: 10
International Investment Law (LL.M.)
19 September – 23 December
Lecturer: Rodrigo Polanco
ECTS: 5
Academic Support
29 September, 27 October, 17 November, 8 December and 15 December
Lecturers: Peter Van den Bossche and Rodrigo Polanco
Global Political Economy (DAS)
19 September – 23 December
Lecturer: Manfred Elsig
ECTS: 5
Global Economic Governance Seminars – Fall Series (DAS)
19 September – 23 December
ECTS: 1.5
Every session features an expert lecturer.
**Other optional courses available at UNIBE
Winter Academy Courses 2023
WTO Law on Border Measures and Trade Facilitation
23 – 27 January 2023
Monday – Friday 10 am – 3 pm (Central European time)
Lecturers: Roy Santana
ECTS: 3
WTO Law on Anti-Dumping and Safeguard Measures
30 January – 3 February 2023
Monday – Friday 10 am – 3 pm (Central European time)
Lecturers: Fernando Piérola and Edwin Vermulst
ECTS: 3
WTO Law on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures
6 - 10 February 2023 (Take-home assessment on 11 February)
Monday – Friday 9 am – 4 pm (Central European time)
Lecturers: James Flett and Luca Rubini
ECTS: 3
The Law and Policy of Trade in Services
13 - 17 February 2023 (Take-home assessment on 18 February)
Monday – Thursday 9 am – 4 pm (Central European time)
Lecturers: Pierre Sauvé and Jan Bohanes
ECTS: 3
Scholarships and Funding
Full tuition waiver
A full tuition waiver will be awarded to one person for outstanding performance during the Grand Final of the Final Oral Round of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition (formerly ELSA Moot Court).
Global Impact Association (GIA) Scholarships
The Global Impact Association (GIA) offers scholarships to talented students from least-developed and developing countries who wish to pursue advanced master's studies in international economic law and policy.
If you are a Bulgarian national, you are eligible for the exclusive financial support of the Fonds Katzarovi, specially designed for Graduate and PostGraduate studies in Switzerland. Deadline 15 March.
Internship programmes
The Global Impact Association (GIA) provides financial and/or other support to WTI master's students who wish to do an internship upon completion of their studies.
John H. Jackson Scholarship
The John H. Jackson Scholarship was set up to honour the legacy of John Jackson, the most influential academic of his era in the field of international trade law and policy. Prof. Jackson was a long-term friend and supporter of the WTI. Established in close consultation with his family, the Scholarship offers financial support to one WTI master's student each year to pursue an unpaid internship at an NGO or public institution. During his or her internship, the student will be expected to work on a multidisciplinary project relating to trade and/or investment law and policy.
Luzius Wasescha Scholarship
Named after the late Luzius Wasescha, former Swiss ambassador to the WTO and long-term Chair of the WTI Board, the Luzius Wasescha Scholarship allows one WTI master's student per year to pursue an unpaid internship at an international organisation, Geneva-based diplomatic mission, non-governmental organisation or law firm active in the field of international economic law and policy.
Thomas Cottier Scholarship
The Thomas Cottier Scholarship was set up to honour Thomas Cottier, the founder and first Managing Director and Director of Studies of the World Trade Institute (WTI). This Scholarship allows one WTI master’s student per year to pursue an unpaid internship at an international organization, diplomatic mission, non-governmental organization or law firm active in the field of international economic law and policy.
Geneva Internship Scholarship
Funded by Pierre Sauvé, Senior Trade Specialist at the World Bank Group in Geneva, and WTI faculty member, the Geneva Internship Fund offers financial assistance to one deserving WTI master's student per year to pursue an unpaid internship at a Geneva-based international organisation, diplomatic mission or non-governmental organisation active in the field of international economic law and policy. Eligibility for financial support is contingent on a candidate’s selection to an unpaid internship in Geneva subsequent to completing WTI course work, financial need, overall academic performance at the WTI, quality of participation in WTI courses taught by the sponsor and propensity to laugh heartily at all his jokes. Students interested in being considered for financial assistance should send a short motivational message to Pierre Sauvé by June 15th. Funding decisions will be announced annually at the Closing Ceremony of the MILE and TRAIL+ programmes.
Internship opportunities at international law firms and organisations
Other internship opportunities for well-qualified WTI graduate students include:
- Appleton Luff, Brussels
- Fratini Vergano, Brussels
- VVGB, Brussels, Brussels
- WTI Advisors, Geneva
- Universal Postal Union, Bern
Student Testimonials
Gallery
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Many of our alumni have launched highly successful careers in several different sectors:
- International organisations, including WTO, World Bank, UNCTAD, WIPO, UNEP, ITC, and regional development banks
- National ministries of trade, investment, finance and foreign affairs
- Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Swiss Secretariat for Economic Affairs
- European Commission
- Private sector including PwC, JP Morgan, Audi Forum Ingolstadt, Syngenta, Novartis, Japan Tobacco International
- Leading law firms with a trade and investment practice, including the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL)
- Industry associations
- Non-governmental organisations