Academic Master's Degree
Master's Degree in International Trade Law
The Master's Degree in International Trade Law at the College of International Justice (CI Justice) is an advanced academic and applied programme designed to meet the growing needs of legal advisors, arbitrators, and decision-makers in the global business sect...
Duration2 years
Credit hours60
DegreeMaster's Degree
Language of studyArabic
Terms4
About the program
The Master's Degree in International Trade Law at the College of International Justice (CI Justice) is an advanced academic and applied programme designed to meet the growing needs of legal advisors, arbitrators, and decision-makers in the global business sector. The programme focuses on the legal complexities associated with the cross-border movement of capital, goods, services, and investments within a rapidly transforming global economic environment.The programme adopts a flexible and intensive study structure spanning four academic semesters (two academic years). The student studies 8 advanced courses (5 compulsory and 3 elective) distributed over the first and second semesters. These courses are studied sequentially through "research seminars" relying on directed self-learning and critical analysis of international contracts and arbitral precedents. In the third and fourth semesters, the student transitions to the applied and research aspect through the "Practical Application" courses to refine advisory and knowledge-transfer skills, and the "Master's Thesis" courses which culminate in original scientific research and a public defense.
Vision
To be the premier international academic and professional reference in preparing and qualifying international trade law experts and investment dispute arbitrators, capable of engineering cross-border transactions and consolidating justice in the global business environment.
Mission
To deliver an advanced postgraduate programme that integrates academic rigor with modern contractual and arbitral practice, through a flexible case-study-based learning environment, to qualify legal leaders possessing the analytical and negotiating competence to protect investments and resolve commercial disputes efficiently and proficiently.
Objectives
- Jurisprudential and Legislative Depth: Equip scholars with an advanced critical understanding of international conventions regulating trade, investment, and intellectual property.
- Mastery of International Contractual Engineering: Build high competence in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex international commercial contracts.
- Developing Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Skills: Qualify students professionally and academically to manage international commercial and investment arbitration proceedings and draft their awards.
- Handling Emerging Legal Challenges: Develop the ability to characterize legal issues related to e-commerce, financial technologies (FinTech), and international taxation.
- Developing Rigorous Research Faculty: Qualify researchers to produce original scientific theses addressing contemporary issues and contributing to the development of international trade law.
Educational philosophy
The College of International Justice adopts the philosophy of "Preventative Legal Engineering and Critical Dispute Analysis" for this programme. This philosophy transcends rote memorization of texts to reach critical analysis of conventions, deconstruction of international arbitral awards, and understanding global market mechanisms.This philosophy is embodied in the reliance on Research Seminars which require the student to analytically read multiple references according to scientific research methodology. The programme also focuses heavily on Case-Study Learning in drafting contracts and arbitral awards, while providing a flexible (distance) educational environment catering to the needs of learners worldwide and supporting directed self-learning.
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge and Understanding: Comprehending complex legal frameworks of international trade, WTO rules, and commercial and investment arbitration systems.
- Cognitive and Intellectual Skills: The ability to critically analyze commercial disputes, evaluate legal and financial risks in cross-border transactions, and legally characterize digital developments.
- Practical and Professional Skills: Mastery of drafting contracts and arbitration memoranda professionally, preparing and designing rigorous publishable legal research, managing lectures (in Practical Application courses), and managing complex commercial negotiations.
- Basic Transferable Skills: Effective communication, managing legal dialogue and pleading with confidence and objectivity, research independence, and the ability to think strategically in multicultural business environments.
Career prospects
- Multinational Corporations: Legal advisors, and managers of contract and legal compliance departments.
- International Arbitration Centers and Bodies: International arbitrators, arbitral tribunal secretaries, and dispute resolution experts.
- International Law and Consultancy Firms: Lawyers specializing in international trade, investment, intellectual property, and contract drafting.
- Governmental Economic Ministries and Authorities: Legal experts in ministries of trade and economy, and investment authorities, to represent the state in international trade negotiations.
- The Academic and Research Sector: Completing PhD studies to join teaching faculties and research centers as trade policy analysts.
Curriculum
In-depth Scientific Research Methodology & Commercial Legal Analysis 4 credit hours · MITL501Advanced Studies in International Trade Law and Customs (Lex Mercatoria) 4 credit hours · MITL502Advanced International Commercial Arbitration and Award Drafting 4 credit hours · MITL503International Economic Law and WTO Agreements 4 credit hours · MITL504
International Contractual Engineering and Complex Trade Contracts 4 credit hours · MITL505Conflict of Laws and Jurisdiction in Commercial Transactions (Private International Law) 4 credit hours · MITL506قانون الاستثمار الأجنبي المباشر وتسوية منازعاته (ICSID) 4 credit hours · MITL507Intellectual Property and E-Commerce in the International Environment 4 credit hours · MITL508International Construction and Engineering Contracts (FIDIC Contracts) 4 credit hours · MITL509International Economic and Financial Crimes 4 credit hours · MITL510
Frequently asked questions
How does the mechanism for studying the eight courses work? What is the role of Seminars?
Master's studies at our college rely on directed research methodology and deep analysis, not rote learning. The student studies 8 courses. Each course is conducted through "research seminars" relying on multiple references according to scientific research standards. Studying a single course takes a minimum of 4 weeks, and may take longer depending on the student's ability and pace. After completion, a competency test is held for the course, and upon passing it, the student begins the next course in the same manner.
Is there flexibility in finishing the first-year courses if I cannot complete them on time?
Yes, the system fully considers the circumstances and commitments of the learners. The student has the right to extend the study period for first-year courses for an additional period not exceeding a maximum of a second year, giving them sufficient flexibility to absorb the scientific materials deeply and without undue pressure.
What is the nature of the "Practical Application" (Virtual Course) training? Does it require on-site attendance?
The practical training in the courses (Practical Application 1 & 2) is a "virtual" course that does not require on-site attendance but aims to refine your leadership and academic skills in knowledge transfer. You will be asked to restructure an undergraduate course into 12-14 lectures (distributed over the 3rd and 4th semesters), providing a written summary (Word) and recording a voice-over presentation (PowerPoint) for each lecture (lasting 10-20 minutes). This training places you in the role of an expert trainer.
When can I start the Master's thesis? What are the requirements for the Jury and approval to defend it?
Thesis preparation (Master's Thesis 1 & 2) effectively begins after passing the courses and practical training, and takes from 9 months (minimum) up to two years (extendable exceptionally for a third year, provided total enrollment does not exceed 4 years). The supervisor submits a semi-annual progress report.To defend: The supervisor must submit a report on the thesis's validity for defense (evaluating your performance out of 140 marks) and propose names for the Jury committee, whose validity period is 6 months. At least 15 days must pass after the committee's approval before the defense. Most importantly: You must obtain at least 70% from both the supervisor's evaluation (out of 140) and the Jury members (in their individual reports out of 100) before being allowed to defend. Post-defense, the committee submits a final collective grade report.
What services support me as a distance learning Master's student at the college throughout my studies?
As a student at the College of International Justice, you will enjoy continuous support including:An Academic Tutor for each module: Evaluates your assignments and practical training (TMAs), provides detailed feedback, and directs you to learning resources.e-Library: Comprehensive access to high-quality legal and research databases and resources, and other university libraries.Student Support Teams and Help Centre: To answer general questions and support your study skills via an online help center.IT Support: Providing comprehensive computing support and free access to Microsoft Office 365.Flexible Learning Environment: Includes discussion forums for collaborative work, a weekly study planner to schedule tasks, a tutoring booking system, and interactive Webinars, allowing you to study at times that suit your work and life.
Admission requirements
- Holding a Bachelor's degree (Licence) in Law, Jurisprudence, or a related field (such as Business Law or International Trade) from a recognized university.
- Applicants from strictly non-legal backgrounds may be required to pass foundational prerequisite courses.
- Appropriate language proficiency (in Arabic or English, depending on the study track) to comprehend in-depth references, draft contracts, and prepare scientific research.
- The ability to commit to the intensive study system based on research seminars and complete tasks on time.
Tuition & fees
Application fee$145.00
Start your academic journey today
Submit your application now and our admissions team will contact you to complete the process.
Apply to this programIn-depth Scientific Research Methodology & Commercial Legal Analysis
MITL501 4 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: Serving as the cornerstone for building master-level research and analytical capabilities in the context of international trade law, this is the first course students must take. It covers foundational philosophical and logical methodologies in legal research (inductive, deductive, comparative). Students train in critiquing commercial legislative texts, international conventions, and deconstructing commercial arbitral awards (Case-Law Analysis) to extract legal and commercial principles. It emphasizes applied skills for drafting rigorous research papers, from selecting trade-related topics to formulating core problems and hypotheses, culminating in intensive training on preparing and drafting Thesis Proposals according to global academic standards. The course is studied through research seminars utilizing multiple references according to scientific research methodology.
Advanced Studies in International Trade Law and Customs (Lex Mercatoria)
MITL502 4 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: This course provides an advanced foundational and critical study of the sources and evolution of international trade law. It goes beyond basic concepts to deeply analyze the principles of the Law Merchant (Lex Mercatoria) and the role of established commercial customs in filling legislative gaps. It discusses the role of international organizations (like UNCITRAL and ICC) in harmonizing commercial rules. The course also details the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and its application challenges, recent developments in Incoterms, and their interpretation in complex disputes. The course is delivered through intensive research seminars based on multiple references.
Advanced International Commercial Arbitration and Award Drafting
MITL503 4 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: A highly applied course diving into the procedural and substantive complexities of international commercial arbitration. Students train in drafting and interpreting complex arbitration clauses (Pathological Clauses). The course details the conduct of proceedings under major institutional rules (e.g., ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL). It extensively discusses the tribunal's powers, issuing interim orders and measures, and rules of evidence in international arbitration. The course culminates in practical training on the methodology of drafting arbitral awards to avoid grounds for annulment, and an in-depth study of challenges in enforcing foreign awards under the 1958 New York Convention, supported by relevant case law. The course is studied through research seminars.
International Economic Law and WTO Agreements
MITL504 4 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: This course provides an architectural analysis of the legal system governing global economic relations and trade movement. It deeply studies the legal and institutional frameworks of the WTO and governing multilateral trade principles (such as MFN, National Treatment, and transparency). It analytically covers the GATT, GATS, and rules on anti-dumping, subsidies, and safeguards. Significant space is dedicated to the critical analysis of the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU) and studying its jurisprudence. The course is delivered via research seminars based on multiple references.
International Contractual Engineering and Complex Trade Contracts
MITL505 4 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: An advanced applied course focusing on the art and science of professional legal drafting for international commercial contracts (Legal Engineering). Students study techniques for drafting Letters of Intent, MoUs, and preliminary clauses and definitions to avoid contractual ambiguity. The course delves into drafting and managing complex international commercial contracts, such as technology transfer, international franchising, and international distribution and agency agreements. It particularly analyzes the tight drafting of pricing and currency clauses, Force Majeure and Hardship provisions, and limitation or exemption of liability clauses. The course is studied through research seminars based on scientific methodology.
Conflict of Laws and Jurisdiction in Commercial Transactions (Private International Law)
MITL506 4 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: This course provides an in-depth and applied study of complex issues in commercial relations involving a foreign element. It focuses on determining the applicable law in international commercial contracts, the principle of party autonomy, and connecting factors in the absence of explicit choice. It deeply analyzes overriding mandatory rules and public policy exceptions as restrictions on applying foreign law. It also addresses contemporary challenges of international judicial jurisdiction for national courts in commercial disputes, and the rules and international conventions governing the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments (Exequatur). The course is delivered via research seminars.
Intellectual Property and E-Commerce in the International Environment
MITL508 4 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: This course examines the domestic and international legal protection of intellectual property rights and their connection to global trade, in light of WIPO treaties and the TRIPS Agreement. It analyzes legal challenges in technology transfer and cross-border protection of patents and trademarks. In its second part, the course addresses the advanced legal regulation of e-commerce and the digital economy, digital contracting, electronic signatures, ISP liability, and Domain Name disputes. The course is delivered via research seminars based on multiple references.
International Construction and Engineering Contracts (FIDIC Contracts)
MITL509 4 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: This course provides a specialized, in-depth applied study of major international contracting and construction contracts and infrastructure projects. It focuses on analyzing the FIDIC Standard Forms of Contract in their various editions (Red, Yellow, and Silver Books). It analyzes the obligations of the parties, the legal role of the Consulting Engineer, risk allocation between the Employer and Contractor, managing variations and time/financial claims, and engineering dispute resolution mechanisms via Dispute Adjudication Boards (DAB) and arbitration. The course is studied through research seminars based on multiple references.
International Economic and Financial Crimes
MITL510 4 credit hours Beginner
Academic Description: This course addresses the criminal dimension of international business law. It examines the penal liability of corporations, legal entities, and their directors for cross-border economic crimes. It focuses on international and domestic legislation combating white-collar crimes, such as money laundering and terrorist financing, international tax evasion, financial and banking fraud, and bribery and corruption in international business transactions (in light of laws such as the FCPA and the UK Bribery Act). The course is delivered via research seminars based on multiple references.
Practical Application 1
MITL601_PRAC1 5 credit hours Beginner
Academic Description: The student is assigned an undergraduate virtual course as applied practical training. This course aims to enhance the student's abilities in knowledge transfer and legal training presentation skills. The student must design a teaching structure for the first half of this course, dividing it methodically into six or seven concise lectures. For each lecture, the student prepares a comprehensive written summary in Word format, detailing the objectives and scientific content based on references. This summary is accompanied by a video recording where the student presents the lecture using a presentation program (PowerPoint). The presentation must be scientifically accurate and focused, lasting between 10 and 20 minutes per lecture. This practical training evaluates the student's competence in strategic summarization, presence, and presentation skills essential for legal consultants and arbitrators.
Master's Thesis 1
MITL602_THESIS1 9 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: This course represents the first half of the work on the master's thesis. In this section, the student begins the research and preparation phase under direct academic supervision. The student focuses on crystallizing the research problem in international trade law or arbitration, gathering primary and secondary references and sources (case law, conventions, doctrine), formulating the theoretical and conceptual framework, and defining the scientific methodology to be adopted. The student submits the research proposal for approval and begins drafting the preliminary chapters of the thesis, laying a solid foundation for the in-depth research to be completed in the fourth semester.
Practical Application 2
MITL603_PRAC2 5 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: The student completes the applied practical training on the virtual course started in the third semester. The student divides the remaining part of the course into another six or seven concise lectures. For each lecture, the student prepares a comprehensive written summary in Word format, accompanied by a video recording where the student presents the lecture using a presentation program (PowerPoint). The recording for a single lecture must not be less than 10 minutes and not more than 20 minutes. This course contributes to consolidating the student's executive presentation skills and successfully completing the requirements for legal and academic knowledge transfer.
Master's Thesis 2
995 9 credit hours Intermediate
Academic Description: This course represents the second and final half of the work on the master's thesis. In this section, the research and desk work started in the third semester is completed. The student writes the analytical and applied chapters, discusses the results, provides recommendations, and drafts the conclusion based on an in-depth analysis of conventions and arbitral awards. The final draft of the thesis is prepared for review by the supervisor, in preparation for submission to the discussion and arbitration committee to obtain final approval for awarding the Master's degree in International Trade Law.