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.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Students who have a qualifying Bachelor’s degree and want to obtain a ‘civiel effect’ certificate must complete 10 EC in selected EU Law courses and papers. This will allow you to qualify as a lawyer following this degree.

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.