Students and lecturers from this LLM talk about the programme and discuss career opportunities after graduation.
The study programme
The Master's in International Trade and Investment Law focuses on the rules of the Geneva-based World Trade Organization (WTO) and the international treaties governing foreign investment. It provides the legal framework for the multilateral trading system and its regional agreements, and the rules governing the protection of transnational investments, including Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS).
After studying the key aspects of the international legal regimes governing trade and investment and their dispute settlement mechanisms, you will take a practical course on trade or investment. Guided by lecturers with experience in international adjudication and rule-making, students assume the role of lawyers, diplomats or adjudicators. They act in simulated negotiations, arbitrations and trade disputes. These courses are part of the Amsterdam Law Practice, our unique, award winning experiential education programme. A contemporary way of learning, in which you learn by doing and develop your professional identity by reflecting on who you are as a legal professional. The Amsterdam Law Practice received a Higher Education Award in 2022.
Is this programme for you?
- You feel challenged by an international career and solving and mastering the problems of a new legal field.
- You are interested in the economic aspects of international trade and law and want to become a lawyer that really makes a difference.
- You would like to specialize in either trade law or investment law.
- You are interested in public international law in an economic setting and eager to learn how law works out at the global level in an economy.

The small group of students representing many nationalities makes for an intimate and friendly atmosphereLoek Foster, LLM International Trade and Investment Law ’18 Read more stories from students
This LLM focuses on the legal rules that govern economic relations between states and regions
You can participate in a moot court or do an internship with one of our partner institutions.
Excellent opportunity to engage in interesting legal debates with people from different (legal) backgrounds
In the Amsterdam International Law Clinic you work on public interest cases under the guidance of our clinical staff
After graduation
Graduates pursue careers in international law firms, governments and international organisations, or as legal advisers to companies or NGOs with an international focus. For Dutch students with a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) that qualifies for the requirements of the 'civiel effect’ from a Dutch university, completion of the Master’s programme in International Trade and Investment Law fulfils the requirements for ‘civiel effect’. For more questions about civiel effect you can contact our study advisors.
Discover the other tracks
Did you know that International Trade and Investment Law is part of the Master's programme International and European Law? European Union Law, Public International Law and European Competition Law and Regulation are also tracks of this programme.