This program was previously known as the LL.M. in International Economic Law and has been revised to LLM in International Trade and Investment Law. The program builds on the success and extensive experience of its predecessor, and is relaunched and delivered on-site at the EPLO premises in Rome, Italy.
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Trade and Investment Law is a one-year degree program. The program builds on the success and extensive experience of its predecessor, relaunched and is delivered on-site at the EPLO premises in Rome, Italy.
The carefully designed curriculum focuses on the core pillars of Trade and Investment, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the current trade and investment law system underpinnings, as well as how global economic law and policy is shaped by the currently changing geopolitical landscape. By combining rigorous academic theory with practical application, graduates leave equipped with advanced international legal knowledge and with the practical tools to succeed in careers in international trade and investment law and policymaking.
For further reference to the Academy of International Economic Law and Policy (AIELPO) and the previous Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Economic Law (IEL) please link here
To whom it is addressed
- Open to graduates and professionals interested in international trade and investment law
- Ideal for backgrounds in law, economics, political science, international relations, and business
- Designed for those aiming to work anywhere in the world : in international law firms, multinational corporations, trading houses, investment banks, and international arbitration practices across jurisdictions and continents
Program Benefits
- Explore real-world trade and investment challenges
- Build a strong foundation for a career in international legal and economic environments
- Enter the most dynamic areas of international law — from WTO dispute settlement and investor-state arbitration to AI regulation, global supply chains, and emerging investment protection frameworks
- Master the legal tools that drive the global economy — including bilateral investment treaties, international contract law, trade remedies, and cross-border regulatory frameworks
- Wide Spectrum: Understand not just the legal frameworks governing global trade and investment, but the economic and geopolitical forces shaping them.
- Build Expertise beyond any single region — international trade and investment expertise is recognized and sought after globally, not limited to one legal bloc or market
- Open doors to international organizations — including the WTO, UN bodies, OECD, and EU institutions, as well as governmental trade ministries and international policy roles
- Learn from practitioners inside the field — ELGS faculty includes academics and professionals actively working in international law, EU policy, and global economic governance
- Access EPLO’s institutional network — gain direct exposure to high-level policy dialogue and connect with EU policymakers and decision-makers throughout the year
Program Content
The LL.M. in International Trade and Investment Law is a one year taught degree programme with a 15,000-word thesis requirement, earning a total of 90 ECTS credits. Courses are led by key theorists and practitioners in their fields, and delivered through classic lectures and interactive sessions. Some courses will also integrate other teaching methodologies where appropriate, such as moot courts, site visits, as well as group presentations. Students must successfully complete 6 compulsory modules and 2 optional modules.
The list of available courses is as follows:
Courses
Compulsory Modules
1. Fundamentals of Public International Law & International Economic Law and Policy
Core rules and their historical background, treaty interpretation, main instruments, subjects and mechanisms relevant to economic relations.
2. Trade in Goods and Trade Remedies: multilateral and regional frameworks
Legal framework for trade in goods (GATT, SPS, TBT, customs law and rules of origin), antidumping, countervailing duties and safeguards under the WTO and major FTAs
3. International Investment Law
Treaty‑based protection of foreign investments. Investment policy. Investment facilitation for development (IFD)
4. Trade in Services: multilateral and regional frameworks
WTO GATS Agreement. FTA frameworks for trade in services. Linkages between trade in services and international investment law.
5. International Investment Arbitration
Investor-state arbitration procedure
6. Contemporary issues in trade and investment law and policy
E-commerce, AI, geopolitics, emerging technologies
Indicate Elective Modules*
1. Regional Trade Agreements and Economic Integration
Legal structures and effects of regional trade agreements and integration processes
2. ADR, Mediation and dispute prevention in Trade and Investment
Procedures and principles of ADR, mediation and dispute prevention in trade and investment disputes
3. Sustainable Development, Trade and Investment
Interaction between economic liberalisation, environmental protection and social standards
4. Economic Sanctions, Trade and Investment
Legal bases, operation and compliance aspects of economic sanctions in trade and investment
5. Trade-related intellectual property rights
Multilateral and regional frameworks for intellectual property rights
*Course availability is subject to adequate enrollment
Admissions Requirements and Procedures
Academic Requirements
Given its interdisciplinary nature, the LL.M. in International Trade and Investment Law is open to any prospective applicant with background in law, economics, political science, international relations, governance studies, business, international and European studies and/or related fields. Applicants with a particularly competitive profile with evidence of relevant professional experience and long-term dedication to the field will also be considered. Recent graduates demonstrating significant interest in international trade and investment law during their studies (in the form of research, conferences, publications, moot courts, etc.) will be given positive consideration during the application process. Due to the international nature of the program, degree equivalencies will be determined by the Faculty Board.
Language Requirements
All courses of the programme will be taught in the English language. As a result, students originating from non-English speaking countries must evidence their level of English language skills in accordance with the following:
• TOEFL Internet, Score of 90 or above
• IELTS, 5.5
• Duolingo, 95
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency, Grade B or above
• Any other internationally recognized test with equivalent marks
Students intending to study at a partner institution for their second semester must clearly demonstrate their ability to attend courses in the relevant language of instruction at the host university they are interested in attending.
Application
To apply for a program, students must first review the application form and ensure the collection of appropriate material. By the time they have gathered all documentation, they should proceed with payment of the one-time application fee either at the relevant online portal or via a bank transfer. Students should always add their surname, initial letter of their first name and Degree title in the deposit description. They can then, proceed with their application, which can only be conducted online and submit it along with the supporting documentation, listed below.
All support documents must be in electronic format and uploaded to be sent with the application, except for the 2 reference letters, which should be emailed directly from Referees to LL.M. admissions at (llm_ITIL@elgs.eu). Students may be invited to be interviewed.
At a glance, the application must include:
1. Completed online Application Form in English
2. Photograph and ID (scanned and uploaded)
3. Most Recent Academic Record, Undergraduate Degree (scanned and uploaded)
4. Certificate of Proficiency in English (if non-native speaker, scanned and uploaded)
5. Personal Statement with Scholarship request if applicable (400-600 words)
7. Two Reference Letters: one compulsory and one optional (To be sent directly from the Referee to program’s email (llm_ITIL@elgs.eu))
9. Application fee of 50€ (non-refundable)
Deadline
Applications for Session 2026/2027 are open for submission until 30 June 2026.
Tuition and Aid
Tuition for both EU and International students for the LL.M. programme is 13,000€.
Please be advised that there are other direct and indirect costs related to attendance, in addition to tuition fees, such as books, supplies, accommodation and living expenses which must be taken into consideration by students when applying.
Scholarships are available for a select number of students and take into consideration merit. If you are interested in receiving a scholarship, the appropriate box should be selected on the application form and a 400–600-word personal statement must be submitted, outlining the ways in which you satisfy the criteria.