Students discover to critically analyse the rules of the Geneva-based World Trade Organization (WTO). They study the rules of trade agreements providing for the opening of markets, impacting the domestic regulation of intellectual property rights, the services economy, product regulations, and food safety standards. Students also learn to operate within the legal framework for the treatment of foreign investors and the settlement of investor-state disputes. They gain a critical understanding of its impact on domestic law and policy-making. The track includes discussion of alternatives for, and reform of, the current trade and investment regime.

Why International Trade and Investment Law at the UvA?

5 reasons to choose this LLM programme at the UvA

• This LLM programme is unique in Europe. International Trade and Investment Law focuses on the legal rules that govern economic relations between states and regions.
• This Master’s track offers the opportunity to learn how to practice your legal skills through experiential education. You can participate in a moot court or do an internship with one of our partner institutions.
• The international environment at the university, with people coming from different (legal) cultures and backgrounds, will make it easy to adapt to diverse working environments and functions.
• The small sized classroom provides an excellent opportunity to engage in interesting legal debates.
• In the Amsterdam International Law Clinic students work on public interest cases for NGOs and other clients under the guidance of our clinical staff.

The study programme

The programme focuses on the rules of the WTO, which provide the legal framework for the multilateral trading system and its regional agreements, and the rules governing the protection of transnational investments, . 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 as a part of the Amsterdam Law Practice. Guided by lecturers with experience in international adjudication and rule-making, students assume the role of lawyers, diplomats or adjudicators in simulated negotiations, arbitrations and trade disputes.

Is this programme for you?

Do you feel challenged by an international career and solving and mastering the problems of a new legal field? Are you interested in the economic aspects of international trade and law? Do you want to become a lawyer that really makes a difference? If so, this Master’s programme suits you perfectly.

Students with a Bachelor of Laws degree or a related degree with a strong legal component are eligible for admission. Students with a Dutch PPLE degree with a major in Law or a Dutch University College degree are eligible for admission.

English language proficiency

Both Dutch and international students must provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge certificate). Dutch students are exempted if they passed English for their VWO diploma (sufficient mark, 6 or higher) or possess a VWO certificate in English.

Career prospects

Graduates of the track in International Trade and Investment Law pursue careers in international law firms, governments and international organisations, or as legal advisers to companies or NGOs with an international focus. International Trade and Investment Law students who have a qualifying bachelor’s degree and want to obtain a ‘civiel effect’ certificate, which allows them to qualify as lawyers following this degree, must complete 10 EC in selected EU Law courses and papers. Go to the Study programme to read more about the conditions.

Did you know …?

• ASA International Law is the UvA student-led association for International Law students? The Board organises events, lectures and trips to international law institutions.
• we are located on Roeterseiland campus, in the centre of Amsterdam? On the campus you'll find cosy cafés, libraries, labs, lecture halls and nice study and workplaces.

Contact and location

Would you like to learn more about the programme or do you have a general question? Go to programme contacts.