Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Trade and Investment Law and Diploma in International Law and Economics (TRAIL+)

The TRAIL+ is an advanced program that combines an LL.M. in Trade and Investment law with a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in international law and economics. It is offered at the World Trade Institute in cooperation with the Faculty of Law of the University of Bern, as part of their Continuing Legal Education (“Weiterbildungsprogramm in Rechtswissenschaft”).

The TRAIL+ program is interdisciplinary and emphasizes the rules, regulations and institutions – both domestic and international – which govern 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.

Requirements: To be considered for admission to the TRAIL+ program at the World Trade Institute, you are required to have completed a licentiate or master’s in law or equivalent degree, i.e. a degree in law which entitles you to sit for the bar exam or equivalent in your country of origin.

Information about the TRAIL+ program

Deadlines

Early bird deadline: 1 December (applications submitted before this deadline will be given priority)

Regular deadline: 31 January

What we offer

• A one-year, intensive LL.M. + DAS graduate program
• The latest research developments in international trade and investment regulation, economics and political science
• Teaching and guidance from world-class scholars and practitioners from leading universities, international organizations, think tanks and law firms
• Highly applicable real-world knowledge and the latest research developments in international trade and investment regulation, economics and political science
• A vibrant alumni network with over 600 members worldwide

What you bring

The TRAIL+ is designed for students and professionals with a Master of Law or equivalent degree and wish to further their legal career as a lawyer.

For information about living and studying in Switzerland, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

TRAIL+ structure and regulations

The TRAIL+ program is a non-consecutive MAS (LL.M. in Trade and Investment Law) combined with a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law and Economics.

Successful completion of the TRAIL+ program includes both the LL.M. and DAS components. Upon the successful conclusion of the TRAIL+ program, 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. The TRAIL+ LL.M. cannot be awarded separately from the DAS.

The TRAIL+ program counts for 90 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System Points):

• LL.M. (60 ECTS: 50 ECTS coursework + 10 ECTS for the master's thesis)
• DAS (30 ECTS: 22 ECTS coursework + 8 ECTS for the DAS paper)

Length of Studies: Regular course attendance is required from mid-September until the end of June in Bern. The TRAIL+ master’s thesis and DAS paper are researched and written over the subsequent summer and fall and do not require a presence in Bern. The program can also be taken on a part-time basis for three years.

In addition to the courses offered during the fall and spring semesters, TRAIL+ program students can take advantage of WTI Winter and Summer Academy courses (and obtain ECTS credits for those courses).

Do you have questions about the curriculum?

Contact the academic coordinator

To be considered for admission to the TRAIL+ program at the World Trade Institute, you are required to have completed a licentiate or master’s in law or equivalent degree, i.e. a degree in law which entitles you to sit for the bar exam or equivalent in your country of origin.

Please upload electronic copies of your documents, preferably in PDF format (jpg/png/gif are accepted), limited to 20MB:

• Detailed CV
• Letter of motivation (write about your academic & professional accomplishments, and explain why you believe the TRAIL+ will benefit you and your career)
• Transcripts and degrees of all completed college/university courses
• Two letters of recommendation
• Evidence of English proficiency for non-native speakers (please see requirements above)
• A two-page essay in English (instructions can be found here)

About the English language requirements

The MILE program is taught exclusively in English. Therefore, you need to arrive at the WTI with a level of English. In particular, the level of English needs to allow you to express yourself effectively in and outside the classroom, deliver on weekly writing assignments and adequately cover weekly readings.

You are required to submit objective test scores of one of the accepted tests listed below:

Test                         

Minimum Score 

TOEFL ibT 100 points or above  

TOEFL Paper 600 points or above  

IELTS 7.0 or above  

Cambridge CAE    A    

Cambridge CPE    C or higher  

Exemptions

The following applicants are exempt from submitting test scores:

• A student with an undergraduate and/or graduate degree from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction, and the degree was awarded no longer than five years ago
• A student who has completed at least one year of study in an English-speaking country and at an institution where English was the primary language of instruction immediately prior to joining the MILE program
• Native English speakers: Students with an undergraduate and/or graduate degree from an institution in the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand, where English was the primary language of instruction, and the degree was awarded no longer than five years ago.

Important: If you believe you are exempt from submitting an English test score, please state the relevant reasons in the comment box in the online application form.

How to apply

Please use our online application form to apply for the TRAIL+ program and to view details of our requirements.

Apply now

Tuition for the TRAIL+ program is CHF 21,000 for both full and part-time studies.

You may benefit from either one of the following two payment methods:

• A 2% discount is applied if you pay your entire tuition fee prior to the first day of the program.
• If you are unable to pay in full, you can pay in installments.

A one-time, non-refundable registration fee of CHF 200 is required upon admission to the program. Once we confirm your admission to the TRAIL+ program, we will provide you with bank details. The applicant must bear any charges incurred during the transfer of the tuition fee or registration fee.

Financial aid

Opportunities for financial aid are available here