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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE International Law Personal Statement

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International Law Personal Statement

When discussing my future aspirations my family and friends ask me, why international Law ? International Law is no longer something that is unique to individual countries as in today's increasingly globalized world, legal problems are becoming universal. The aspect of promoting global peace and prosperity has influenced my choice of studying Law.

This interest in Law covers many areas of my life, as I am currently participating in a voluntary scheme befriending the elderly that is run by YOPEY. This enables me to interact with people that I normally would not communicate with. Interacting with different people who originate from different cultures and backgrounds triggers my desire to understand how and why certain sets of Laws have affected their experiences. For example, the free healthcare Law in place that is eligible to UK citizen’s aged 60 and above.

A Level History has provided me with further knowledge of policies, which have helped shape the society we know today. For example the Treaty of Versailles which has shaped historical events as well as political ones. For me learning about the legal side of making agreements is worthy of study and learning in greater depth, which is a contributing factor to why I am interested in studying international Law. An important skill that I have gained is being able to research relevant information in a fairly short amount of time; which is a vital skill under pressured working conditions. My English Literature experience has helped me understand the depiction of the Victorian legal system. I have seen this shape the storyline of Emily Bronte’s novel “Wuthering Heights” and Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Ernest”. Which is a reason to why I want to learn about how the Victorian legal system has affected today's Law and order. English Literature has enabled me to read between the lines and make fast and sensible decisions. Studying A-Level Sociology has helped me understand the different communities within a society and how different aspects of the legal systems have influenced decisions of lifestyle, for example, the increase in divorce rates in the UK and how the Law of divorce has led to increasingly diverse families in many societies.

Additional voluntary work I have undertaken was a sponsored silence, where I raised money for the RSPCA charity and I took part in a dress-up charity event at my school for Children in Need. Supporting voluntary events has raised awareness not only for myself but also for the community, as these events undoubtedly have a positive impact on millions around the UK. I believe that social responsibility is paramount to our values, beliefs, and systems.

I am fluent in Turkish as a second language. A second language provides a wealth of cultured experiences, as it is a beneficial skill to have in my future career that I aim to excel in. My favorite hobby is reading books from different genres is as it allowed me to not only think about what influenced the author, but it also allowed me to improve my literacy skills. I receive Current Awareness news feeds from the Inner Temple Library via email, keeping me up to date with current legal events, for example the Brexit negotiations. Being able to see how the legal system plays a huge part in the transition period the UK will undergo, the role of courts during this time provoked my passion to study and learn the aspect of what will in the near future affect the future society. Being able to shadow a fellow Law student and taking part in a Land Law lecture was a definite eye opener, not only was I able to experience a day in the life of a university Law student but able to have an unforgettable time as I was intrigued by the exquisite learning style.

My aspiration is to join an institution that will provide me with the opportunity to becoming a successful lawyer as well as being a part of a community socially and academically.

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LLM in International Economic Law

• Academic staff
• Student profiles
• How to apply

The LLM in International Economic Law is designed to provide you with an advanced knowledge and understanding of the international institutions, rules and principles which underpin the contemporary international economic order.

The LLM is suitable not only for students who seek to pursue a legal career in this area, but also those whose interests are intellectual or policy-oriented. The programme will provide you with a sound technical knowledge, and also equip you to think critically about the most pressing legal and policy issues arising from the globalisation of the world economy.

Why study International Economic Law?

During your studies you will be introduced to one of the most significant bodies of rules and institutions involved in constructing and shaping the contemporary international economic order, its boundaries, its relationships with other orders, and its effects.

International economic law is significant not only because it has played a central role facilitating the integration of world markets, but also because it is part of what determines how the gains, risks and losses from integration are distributed, from economic profit to environmental degradation.

International economic law helps to bring developing countries into the global economy – and also to set the terms on which they compete with more established economies. You will learn about why this body of law attracts such strength of both praise and criticism, and why controversies around globalisation, trade, investment and development seem right now to fill the daily newspapers.

Professionally, a sound knowledge of international economic law is increasingly valued by law firms, looking for those with the expertise to provide both technical and strategic advice to international clients with export-oriented businesses, or businesses in more than one country. Those who choose to practice in the specialised areas of trade and investment law will find them both vibrant, interesting and rewarding fields.

Beyond, expertise in the international rules governing the global economy is also valued in careers in the private sector and policy making, at the national and international levels. , where an understanding of international economic law is central to developing effective responses to contemporary business and public challenges

This programme is designed to provide graduates with a range of employment opportunities including:

• legal practice
• government legal service
• legal advisor to non-governmental organisations and private companies
• international civil servants
• specialised researchers in academic and think-tank institutions
• independent consultants

Three pillars: trade, investment and development

The wide range of courses available will enable you to tailor the programme to your areas of professional and personal interest. You will take foundational courses in at least two of the three pillars: international trade law; international investment law, and international development. You will also have the opportunity to select additional subjects from a range of other specialised courses, varying from year to year, and covering topics such as:

• law and sustainable development
• international monetary and financial law
• theoretical aspects of global economic governance
• investment arbitration procedure
• international dispute settlement
• advanced aspects of both trade and investment law.

You will also be able to choose from the specialised courses in others areas of public international law as part of your LLM in International Economic Law.

Across these courses, the goal is to provide you with both a theoretical and practical understanding of the core branches of international economic law, including their underpinning institutional and policy frameworks, as well as a deep knowledge of the contemporary challenges facing this dynamic field. You will develop the critical skills required for independent analysis of international economic legal and policy issues, and of its interactions with other areas of international law. You will also acquire the academic skills required to analyse the activities of international governmental and non-governmental organisations and private actors in the field of international economic law.

The LLM was not only an academically thought-provoking course, but was contemporary and relevant. There was never a dull moment. I credit it for giving me a competitive advantage in my career, and for inspiring me to explore issues of International Law I didn't know about before.

Edinburgh Law School is Scotland’s leading legal research institution, and is host to a large, vibrant and research-active community in international law. We take a research-led approach to teaching and academic staff teaching on our programmes are all experts in their field and involved in cutting-edge research.

Find out more about our research in international law

The established Edinburgh Centre for International and Global Law hosts workshops, conferences, and guest speakers, throughout the year. Students are actively encouraged to attend these events, and to take advantage of the many opportunities for engagement with leading professionals and intellectuals that they provide.

A number of the courses on the programme also provide opportunities for interaction with outside experts as guest seminar leaders, which in the past have included a number from the World Trade Organization, the European Commission, investment arbitrators, international law firms and global universities.

Visit the Edinburgh Centre for International and Global Law website

If you have any questions about the LLM in International Economic Law please don't hesitate to contact us.

[email protected]

This programme can be taken full-time over one year, or part-time over two years subject to visa restrictions.  It offers a wide range of subjects on economic law and commercial law with an international perspective, enabling you to tailor the LLM to meet your specific interests.

The programme consists of 180 credits, comprising taught courses worth 120 credits (60 credits per semester) and a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 credits. Full programme details for the 2024-25 academic year are available on the University Degree Programme Tables website.

View 2024-25 programme information for the LLM in International Economic Law

Courses listed below are scheduled for the 2024-25 academic year.

Depending on demand, space on specific courses may be limited.

You must take these courses:

WTO Law 1 (20 credits)

The aim of the course is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the multilateral trading system. The course will cover the institutional and the substantive law of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which since its establishment in 1995 has played a central role in, among other things, promoting the two underlying principles of non-discrimination and trade liberalisation. After analysing theoretical and practical arguments for and against free trade and the role of institutions in international trade, the course will then focus on the institutional structure and decision-making process of the WTO, including its unique system of the settlement of trade disputes. Students will then explore the key legal disciplines relating to international trade in goods (GATT) and services (GATS), particularly the principle of non-discrimination and market-access rules. In addition, the course will address the central issue of technical barriers to trade.

International Investment Law (20 credits)

This course will give an introduction to the major themes and issues of international investment law. The focus of study is the rules contained in the network of more than 3000 bilateral and multilateral treaties on investment protection, as well as the growing number of decisions by arbitral tribunals in this field. Students will analyse the substantive principles of investment law, such as most-favoured nation treatment, fair and equitable treatment, and the rules relating to expropriation. They will also study mechanisms for dispute settlement in the context of investment disputes, particularly investor-state arbitration. Throughout the course, students will consider the extent to which international investment law draws an appropriate balance between investment protection on the one hand and the ability of states to regulate on key public policy issues on the other hand. Students will also look at the challenges of developing a coherent regime of investment rules.

You must select between 20 and 40 credits from the following courses:

WTO Law 2 (20 credits)

The aim of this course is to allow students with a particular interest in global economic governance to explore a greater diversity of topics than is possible in one term only. It will focus on more specialised - but highly significant - issues of WTO law such as subsidies, trade remedies and anti-dumping. It will also cover the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the principle of special and differential treatment of developing countries. In addition, however, there is a much greater emphasis in this course (as compared to WTO Law 1) on addressing cross-cutting and contemporary issues of contemporary trade governance. These will vary from year to year, but may include: international economic law 'after the crisis'; the 'new regionalism'; the relationship between trade, investment and finance; the emergence of new developmentalism and its prospects; and the aesthetics of expertise in international economic governance.

• Law and Development (20 credits) What, if anything, is development, and what role does law play in its theories and practices? To answer these questions, the course will consider the history and evolution of some of the major economic theories of development; their translation into diverse political and social policies; and the traces and legacies they have left behind in today¿s development thinking. It will also consider the ideas about law embedded in these theories and the way they have been put into practice. In particular, the course will explore the role of law and institutions in the creation of markets and the allocation of capital and power.

You must select between 20 and 60 credits from the following courses:

Fundamental Issues in International Law (full-year course, 40 credits)

This is a course aimed at introducing students to fundamental debates about the nature of international law and the international legal order today, and its relationship to states, markets, conflict, justice and human rights. The course is historical, conceptual, theoretical and legal. It introduces students to key ideas and arguments about where the international legal order is coming from and where it is going, what its building blocks are, and how those components are changing. A theme uniting the course is the extent to which the international legal order is shifting from a classical jus inter gentes to something else: a law of global governance, a global administrative law, a law of rights and regulation, or some combination.

The Law of International Trade (20 credits)

This course examines the legal aspects of international trade in a broad context. The legal framework of the course is English law as well as the relevant international conventions and standard terms. The course examines international sale of goods which are transported by ship/road/air with emphasis on sea transport. It investigates the trade terms used in international sale contracts (in the context of English common law and Incoterms in particular) and analyses the resulting obligations of the parties regarding payment methods (with emphasis on letters of credit and bills of exchange), transportation of the goods (focusing on bills of lading and waybills) and marine cargo insurance in the manner in which these relate to one another. Due to the international nature of each of these transactions the relevant aspects of international private law and dispute resolution are examined.

EU External Economic Relations Law (20 credits)

The objective of the course is to provide students with a thorough knowledge of the legal and institutional framework governing the external economic relations of the European Union (EU), an area of EU law that has increasingly captured scholarly attention over the past two decades. Students will also gain a critical understanding of the growing and complex role of the EU as an actor in global economic affairs, including through the analysis of specific policy measures. The course is broadly divided into two parts. The first group of seminars will address the constitutional foundations of the EU as an actor in international economic relations, examining both the EU treaties and the relevant case law of the European Court of Justice. The topics that will be covered include: the EU as an international actor with attributed powers; the EU and its Member States on the international scene; and the legal status and effect of international agreements in the EU’s legal order. The second group of seminars will instead look at the legal framework and instruments of the EU external economic policies, starting with the common commercial policy as the oldest and most developed EU external policy, followed by the EU development and economic cooperation policies as well as the external dimension of other EU economic policies (e.g. the economic and monetary union). Students will also explore how the EU’s external economic policies interact with, and are used to promote the objectives of other EU policies (such as the common foreign and security policy or environmental policy).

• International Political Economy (20 credits) This option introduces the main schools of thinking about International Political Economy by focusing upon the patterns of evolution in the global political economy since the Second World War. The course considers the main theoretical approaches to understanding IPE, before considering the subject areas of trade, transnational corporations, international finance, development, globalisation and regionalisation. It is designed for students with no prior experience of the subject or of economics.

You will have the option to take between 0 and 40 credits of courses from different subject areas offered by the Law School, depending on availability and with the express permission of the Programme Director. Depending on demand, space on courses outside the core courses may be limited.

Full programme details, including core and optional courses is available on the University Degree Programme Tables website.

Having successfully completed 120 credit points of courses within the LLM, you will be ready to move onto a single piece of independent and in-depth research. The 10,000 word dissertation allows you to focus on a preferred topic from within the field of international economic law, normally based on a subject you have studied in one of your courses during the programme.

You will be assigned an academic dissertation supervisor who will provide you with support and guidance while you prepare and write your dissertation.

The dissertation is a challenging but rewarding endeavour, asking you to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the relevant literature and an ability to engage critically with a range of sources, drawing on the skills and knowledge you have developed during the course of the programme. Students are encouraged to show originality and evidence of independent thinking, whether in terms of the material used, or the manner in which it is presented.

The dissertation is written in the summer months (April to August) after the taught courses are successfully completed.

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances or lack of demand for particular courses, we may not be able to run all courses as advertised come the start of the academic year.

If you have any questions about the LLM in International Economic Law please don't hesitate to contact us.

Page update: Courses for the 2024-25 year were published on the 3rd May 2024. 

Staff teaching on the core courses of the LLM in International Economic Law for 2023-24 are experts in their field and are actively involved in cutting-edge research in the fields of international and economic law.

Dr Ana Maria Daza Vargas - Programme Director 2023-24

Dr Ana María Daza Vargas joined the Law School as a teaching fellow in 2013. Ana María’s research interests cover International Investment Law, International Law, Water Law and Water Management, WTO Law and Economic Regulation.Ana María has been and continuous to be an independent consultant for AACNI International Law Firm. She is also the editor of the online newsletter Arbitration Watch.

Find out more

Dr Filippo Fontanelli joined the Law School in 2015. Before joining the School he lectured law at the School of Law of the University of Surrey (2012-2014), where he taught public international law, law of the World Trade Organisation, EU law I and II, international law of foreign investment protection and international law of human rights protection.

He is a member of the Centre for Judicial Cooperation of the European University Institute of Fiesole (Italy) and routinely provides training sessions to judges and practitioners on matters of EU law and human rights protection in Europe.  He is also admitted to the bar in Italy (Rome).

Dr Simone Lamont-Black (née Schnitzer) qualified as civil lawyer in Germany where she practised law as Rechtsanwältin for several years.  She specialises and researches in the (private) law of international trade and carriage of goods and has a keen interest in international commercial dispute resolution. Simone also established the Edinburgh Willem Vis Moot Team and the annual Edinburgh Willem Vis Pre-Moot.

Simone is on sabbatical in semester 1 of the 2022-23 academic year.

Find out more 

Prof Andrew Lang joined the University of Edinburgh in 2017 as Chair in Public International Law and Global Governance. He was formerly Professor of Law at the London School of Economics, where he taught from 2006-2017.

His current research thematically focusses on a number of themes around global economic governance, including the relationship between law and expert knowledge, theoretical international law and economics, and sociological approaches to the study of international economic law. He is co-authoring a commentary on the WTO’s Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, and has ongoing projects relating to the treatment of subsidies in WTO law, the WTO implications of Brexit, and the SPS agreement.

Deval joined Edinburgh Law School in 2020 as Lecturer in International Economic Law. He previously held research positions at Harvard Law School and the Graduate Institute, Geneva; and taught on international law and development at the Graduate Institute, Harvard, Manchester, SOAS, and Universidad de los Andes. Deval also has a decade of experience working for the World Bank on rule of law and governance in Nigeria, Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Uganda; as well as advising the UN on rule of law issues. Trained in history and French literature (M.A., Oxford), and law and social theory (LL.M. and S.J.D., Harvard Law School), he is a member of the Bar of England and Wales.

His current research spans law and development, expertise, (de)colonial patterns of knowledge and authority, and theories of the state in the Global South. His ongoing projects focus on the administrative structures of social welfare provision in the South; the effects of decentralization on mining governance in the South; the nature and function of legal expertise in development projects; and the politics of social scientific comparative methods as they are applied in Southern contexts.

The staff teaching on this programme are subject to change for 2023-24. Staff listed as on sabbatical will not be available to teach for the duration of their sabbatical.

If you have any questions about the LLM in International Economic Law please don't hesitate to contact us.

Find out what it's like to study for an LLM in International Economic Law at Edinburgh Law School from our current and former students.

Maxron, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

"My time at Edinburgh Law School was enriching. I attended Edinburgh to broaden my understanding of international economic law. When I decided to pursue an LLM, I embarked on a thorough search for the right law school. Edinburgh stood out for several reasons. Of course, its reputation for academic excellence made it an attractive choice. However, the LLM the Law School offered had a comprehensive curriculum that allowed me to explore various aspects of international economic law.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated academic staff. Their classes did not only provide me with the solid foundation in international legal principles but also encouraged critical thinking and lively classroom discussion with colleagues on current international economic issues.

Living in Edinburgh was an absolute joy. The city is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The stunning architecture, beautiful green spaces, and a vibrant art and culture scene made it an ideal place for study and exploration."

Rebecca, from the United States of America, studied for an LLM in International Economic Law in the 2022/23 academic year, graduating in 2023. In this video she talks about her experience of studying for an LLM at Edinburgh Law School, life in Edinburgh and her plans for the future.

Evelyn, from Malaysia, studied for an LLM in International Economic Law in the 2019/20 academic year, graduating in 2020. In this video she talks about her experience of studying for an LLM at Edinburgh Law School, life in Edinburgh, completing her studies during the Covid-19 pandemic and her plans for the future.

Caroline, a student from Australia, talks about her reasons for studying for an LLM in International Economic Law and her experiences of studying for an LLM at Edinburgh Law School.

Ara Lee studied the LLM in International Economic Law in the academic year 2019-20, graduating in 2020.

When I was in Japan as an exchange student, I was fascinated by a course called International Economic Law. However, unfortunately, I got a job in a completely different field for a living after graduating from university. One day, I decided that if I did not take the step to study what I have a keen interest in, I would live to regret it. Therefore, I quit my job and decided to go back to study.

This outstanding LLM programme specialising in International Economic Law caught my eye among numerous programmes and it brought me to the University of Edinburgh. It was no easy option for me but I learned tremendous things in my area of study from fantastic academic staff.

The courses in this programme address not only fundamentals but also contemporary issues in this field such as Advanced Issues in International Economic Law. Moreover, certain courses provide practical applications including International Investment Arbitration: Theory and Practice.

Throughout my whole Edinburgh life, I have felt the full support from academic staff, especially my personal tutor and supervisor. Under the supervision of the faculty, I have developed considerable abilities to conduct research independently and tackle International Economic Law issues.

Apart from the programme itself, students can get involved in extracurricular activities via various events, fairs, or societies. I participated in a team preparing for the WTO Moot Court held by the European Law Students' Association. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, literally.

I hope you also enjoy this marvellous opportunity, both personally and professionally.

Kaoru, a student from Japan, studied the LLM in International Economic Law in the 2018-19 academic year, graduating in 2019. In this video he talks about his experience of studying for an LLM at Edinburgh Law School and his time in Edinburgh.

Ekin, a student from Turkey, studied the LLM in International Economic Law at Edinburgh Law School and graduated in 2019. In this video she talks about her experience on the programme and life in Edinburgh.

Yining, a student from China, talks about her experience of studying the LLM in International Economic Law at Edinburgh Law School.

Prior to the LLM program I successfully achieved a Bachelor in Law degree at Saint-Louis University Brussels as well as a two-year Master in Law degree at the KU Leuven.

As I wished to further specialise in international economic law, WTO and EU trade law in particular, I decided to pursue an LLM degree in this field. As a top-class university in Europe, Edinburgh was amongst the institutions topping my list.

Overall the programme was of a satisfying level. Some courses I enjoyed more than others, as is to be expected. Without a doubt, the two courses taught by Professor Andrew Lang were my favourites. Not only were those courses (WTO law and Advanced issues in international economic law) those I most wanted to attend given my wish to specialise in that area of law, but also Professor Lang's combination of passion for the topics taught and his very high-level understanding of the law and capacity to question it, made the courses enjoyable with the added-value I was expecting from LLM courses.

As far as the others courses are concerned, I enjoyed them a little less given I had less of a peak-interest in them. That being said, in all courses I enjoyed the challenge of the written assessments.

Edinburgh has a lot to offer. This hold true for more cultural and historical aspects with many museums and historical buildings, as well as for more social sides with plenty of pubs and clubs (though they close quite early). Besides the lovely historical side of the city that I much enjoyed going for a walk in, nature and the magnificent Highlands are just a bit outside the city. Scotland's nature is truly breath-taking and definitely one of the many more enjoyable sides of it (especially if enjoyed with a rare ray of sunshine).

I would certainly recommend the programme. As with any other institution, it is not perfect but there is a noticeable commitment to continue to improve. Plus, the building is awesome.

Importantly for me, my choice was not primarily based on academic aspects. Edinburgh Law School stands its ground amongst the top Law Schools in Europe, so I made my decision to come to Edinburgh on those elements surrounding the law school and the program and that made a difference with other law schools. And in this regard, the commitment from the Law School as well as the city itself and nature around it did play an important part.

At the moment I am undertaking an internship in International Trade Law at an international law firm in Brussels, thus continuing on the path of my LLM where I focused on this area of law. Next up is most probably taking the Bar in Brussels. And then, we will see what comes next.

"I really enjoyed being a student on the LLM in International Economic Law as it provided an amazing learning experience during the full year of study.

In addition to practical cases in daily class exercises, leading tutors and special guests in this field imparted knowledge and guided us in humorous and informative approaches which not only taught you how to learn "law on books" but also how to think critically in legal practice.

Please note that the information provided is for entry in the 2024-25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. 

This programme can be taken full-time over one year, or part-time over two years subject to visa restrictions. 

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through a competitive process.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible. This is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test, for overseas students who may need time to satisfy necessary visa requirements and/or to apply for University accommodation.

We require a minimum 2:1 honours degree from a UK university, or its international equivalent, in law. We may also consider a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a social science subject. Entry to this programme is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study.

Supporting your application

• Relevant work experience is not required but may increase your chances of acceptance.
• Relevant professional qualifications will be considered.
• Preference will be given to those with grades above the minimum requirements due to strong competition for places on this programme.

International qualifications

You can check whether your degree qualification is equivalent to the minimum standard before applying.

Check your degree

Students from China

This degree is Band A.

Find out more about our postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

Postgraduate study in the field of law requires a thorough, complex and demanding knowledge of English, so we ask that the communication skills of all students are at the same minimum standard.

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic Online : total 7.0 (at least 7.0 in the writing component and 6.5 in each other module)
• TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 25 in writing and 23 in each other module)
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 (at least 185 in writing and 176 in in all other components)
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components
• PTE Academic: 70 overall with at least 70 in the writing component and 62 in each other component
• Oxford ELLT (Global and Digital): 9 overall with at least 9 in the writing component and 8 in each other component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, that was taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The UK Government's website provides a list of majority English speaking countries.

View the UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or equivalent, that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.

Approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

View approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries

Your application may not be successful if you do not currently satisfy any of these requirements; alternatively, you may be offered a place conditional on your reaching the satisfactory standard by the time you start the degree.

Find out more about the University's English language requirements

Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes

We also accept satisfactory completion of our English for Academic Purposes programme as meeting our English language requirements. You must complete the programme no more than two years and one month before the start date of the degree you are applying to study.

Find out more about the University's Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes

English language support

The University runs a series of programmes for English Language Education, including a pre-sessional English Language Programme intended to strengthen your English Language skills before you start your programme of study.

Find out more about English language support offered by the University

Deadlines for applicants applying to study the LLM in International Economic Law in 2024-25 are provided in the table below.

We monitor application numbers carefully to ensure we are able to accommodate all those who receive offers. It may therefore be necessary to close a programme earlier than the published deadline and if this is the case we will place a four-week warning notice on the relevant programme page.

Please note that the deadline for meeting the conditions of an offer is 18 August 2024.

If you receive an offer of admission, either unconditional or conditional, you will be asked to pay a tuition fee deposit of £1,500 (within 28 days of receiving your offer) to secure your place on the programme.

Find out more about tuition fee deposits

Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.

Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:

• You will need to submit a personal statement of around 500 words, outlining your academic history and relevant experience. Guidance on writing your personal statement .
• Degree certificates showing award of degree
• Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes (please upload the full transcript showing results from all years of study)
• A reference in support of your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme
• Evidence of English language proficiency, if required

If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.

Please be aware that applications must be submitted and complete, i.e. all required documents uploaded, by the relevant application deadline in order to be considered in that round. Your application will still be considered if you have not yet met the English language requirement for the programme.

View full detailed application guidance

Students at this University must not undertake any other concurrent credit bearing studies in this (or in any other) institution, unless the College has granted permission. The College must be satisfied that any additional credit-bearing studies will not restrict the student’s ability to complete their existing programme of study. Students will not be permitted to undertake concurrent degree programmes in any circumstances.

If you are studying at this or another institution just prior to the start of your postgraduate studies you must have finished these studies before the start of the programme to which you have an offer.

After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University's applicant hub.

Application processing times will vary, however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.

You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:

• You may be offered a place unconditionally
• You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.  Please note that the deadline for meeting the conditions of an offer is 18 August 2024.
• Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision. View the University's guidance for unsuccessful applicants

Deferring your offer

We do not normally offer deferrals, however, we may be able to make a very limited number of offers for deferred entry in exceptional circumstances.

View full guidance on deferral requests

The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.

University of Edinburgh admissions terms and conditions

If you have any questions about applying to the LLM in International Economic Law please don't hesitate to contact us.

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Ll.m. applications: the personal statement.

The personal statement can be a daunting part of the LL.M. application process—what to write, and how to write it? Here are some tips from admissions officials to help guide you through the process.

While it’s only one of many elements going into an LL.M. application, the personal statement can be a tricky one to master. 

Many law schools are not very specific about the requirements for the personal statement, aside from word count. Georgetown University Law Center, for instance, asks applicants to describe their background, goals, and reasons for applying to the program; Stanford is looking for information about the applicant’s experience in legal practice, interest in graduate study, and professional goals.

“To be honest we are purposefully broad in our description because we want applicants to have the freedom to express themselves in whatever way they see fit,” says Justin Swinsick, director of graduate admissions at Georgetown. 

“However, applicants should think about what they would say to the admissions committee if they were sat in front of them and had the chance to highlight the very best things about themselves and how the program and school will take them where they want to go.”  

Other law schools are more explicit; Northwestern asks applicants to answer two essay questions, while Harvard requires a two-part statement—one addressing a theoretical framework or analysis to a current legal problem, and another that says something about the applicant’s motivations for the LL.M. and how it relates to his/her future plans.

This year, University of Pennsylvania also updated its personal statement requirement to include a bit more guidance, calling for a statement of no more than two pages, and specifically recommending that the applicant avoid repeating his/her CV. 

For some schools, like Trinity College Dublin, the personal statement is optional; around 10 to 15 percent of each year’s pool of applicants sends one as part of their applications, according to Kelley McCabe, senior executive officer of the School of Law at Trinity.

“We’re looking for further insight into the applicant's current research interests and their career plans and goals for the future,” she says. “But we focus mostly on academic transcripts, the two academic references and the applicant's CV.”

“These documents give us a holistic picture of the applicant.” 

Tackling the LL.M. personal statement

One of the cornerstone pieces of advice is: be specific. Admissions officers read many personal statements, and you want yours to stand out in their memories. 

“Spend some time really thinking about why you want to get an LL.M.” and why that specific program fits this reason, says Elise Kraemer, director of graduate programs at UPenn.

Be honest and open about yourself; you could be moved to write about an inspirational figure in your life, an important event, or even about the school itself—which is fine, as long as you direct the statement back to you, Georgetown’s Swinsick recommends. 

Kraemer agrees: “Although a personal and/or family stories can be moving, if you use one, be sure that it directly supports your application.”

Sometimes, a well-justified directness can pay off. Swinsick says one applicant start her statement by writing that she wanted to pursue an LL.M. in order to make as much money as possible. “This was certainly an unusual way to start and played into negative stereotypes of why one pursues legal education,” Swinsick recalls. But she went on to tie this into how she planned to leverage her legal studies, career and financial success into bringing help and visibility to problems plaguing her community in a developing country.  

“It was very well written, highlighted her best qualities, and tied together why she wanted to pursue the program and why Georgetown’s program in particular would help her achieve her goals.” 

Mistakes to avoid in your personal statement

While it’s a good thing to be personal, don’t overdo it either. “Some of the more colorful statements I have read entail very personal details that usually would only be shared with clergy, partners or close personal friends,” Swinsick says.

And polish is key: proofread, check your word limit, and make sure it looks as professional as possible. For Kraemer, a minor typographical or grammatical error—especially from non-native speakers—is not a deal-breaker, but a statement that is “poorly written or contains unprofessional content” can be. 

“Take some time to work on it,” Kraemer says. “Don’t leave it to the last minute.”

And the resounding consensus from every law school is: always, always check the name of the school at the top of the page. Every year, every admission committee receives personal statements addressed to the wrong school. “I tend to be relatively forgiving on this one, but it never looks good,” Kraemer says. 

How much does your personal statement matter?

The value of the personal statement can vary from school to school, but in general, a strong one can significantly bolster the merit of an application. 

“It’s the only communication that we receive in the applicant’s own voice and is one of the best ways for the committee to ‘get to know’ the person applying,” says Kraemer. “It is not uncommon for a personal statement to have a significant impact on how we evaluate a candidate—a particularly strong or weak statement can be determinative.”

It can also afford an opportunity for the applicant to explain or put in context to the admissions committee a negative element of their application—a poor grade or language score, for instance. And this effort will show; an applicant that puts time and thought into their personal statement shows that they are serious about pursuing graduate legal education, Swinsick says.

“A personal statement is just that—personal,” says McCabe. “It gives the admissions committee a sense of who the applicant is so, when writing it, they should be true to themselves.”

LL.M. personal statement quick tips

• Be specific. Address why you want to get an LL.M. and your career goals.
• Be honest, about your background and the reasons for applying for an LL.M.
• Address any negative elements of your application, such as a low TOEFL or ITELTS score.
• Make sure to proofread your personal statement and check your word count.
• Make sure that you've addressed the statement to the right law school.

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© 2001–2024 Pritzwalks – LLM GUIDE – Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs Worldwide

LL.M. in International Economic Law, Business & Policy

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Economic Law, Business & Policy offers rigorous academic and professional training in subjects relating to international economic law, business, and related policy issues. This specialized program seeks to provide foreign international business lawyers, government policymakers and academics, with a broad base of expertise in such areas as international trade, international dispute resolution, international business transactions, international investment law, international environmental law, international intellectual property law, and other aspects of international business.

The LL.M. in International Economic Law, Business & Policy is limited to students with a primary law degree earned outside the United States. Except under unusual circumstances, candidates must have at least two years of professional legal experience before commencing the program.

Prospective applicants to the Stanford Law School LL.M. program with a primary interest in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance or securities should apply to the Stanford Law School’s program in Corporate Governance and Practice (CGP) instead of the International Economic Law, Business & Policy program.

LL.M. students are required to be in residence at Stanford during the full (nine-month) academic year.  They are required to take a minimum of 35 credit units and a maximum of 45 credit units.

HOW TO APPLY

Note to applicants: The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program awards full funding to Stanford graduate students from all disciplines, with additional opportunities for leadership training and collaboration across fields.

Applications for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars are due in early Autumn one year prior to enrollment. View dates and deadlines . You can also sign up for Knight-Hennessy Scholars email alerts to stay up to date on the availability of their online application.

Learn more about the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program

Degree Requirements 2022–2023

IELBP LL.M. students must successfully complete all three (3) of the following course requirements:

• Introduction to American Law: 3 units (pre-Fall quarter)
• Professional Responsibility: 3 units (pre-Fall quarter)
• IELBP Colloquium: 4 units, consisting of: 2 units (Autumn) PLUS 2 units (Spring)

*The six units for Introduction to American Law and Professional Responsibility count towards your total unit minimum/maximum, but are not counted as part of the Fall Quarter unit distribution.

Strongly encouraged but optional (and mandatory for those taking the New York Bar, however consultation with Associate Dean of Student Affairs John Dalton is required to confirm course selection for Bar Exam requirements).

• Adv. Legal Writing: 3 units (Autumn, Winter, or Spring)

Pre-Fall Quarter units count toward the graduation requirement, but do not count against the Fall quarter ceiling on units.

Candidates for the LLM in International Economic Law, Business and Policy must successfully complete at least four (4) of the following courses totaling a minimum of 9 units:

• Arbitration: Law, Practice & Politics
• Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Law, Economics, Business, and Policy
• Blockchain Governance
• Business, Social Responsibility, Human Rights
• Climate: Politics, Finance and Infrastructure
• European Union Law
• Global Litigation
• Immigration Law
• IP: International & Comparative Copyright
• International Business Negotiation
• International Commercial Arbitration
• International Investment Law
• International Law
• Tax: International
• International Trade
• Mediation Bootcamp
• Negotiation
• Redesigning Dispute Systems

Some of the courses listed above in the Core Distribution Requirements menu may have prerequisites or are subject to limited enrollment, requiring you to lottery for the class or otherwise obtain the instructor's consent.

This list may be revised from time to time to reflect changes to the Law School’s course offerings for the current academic year.  Students should consult the registrar’s website for the most up-to-date information on course offerings and availability.

All IELBP LL.M. students will have opportunities to take additional courses of interest offered by SLS.

You are welcome to take non-law classes, e.g. , those offered by the Graduate School of Business (GSB) and other schools and departments (Economics, Political Science, etc.). You may count a maximum of 9 quarter units of non-law classes towards your LL.M. degree. Note the SLS Student Handbook rules regarding "Cross Registration in Other Schools and Departments of the University."

For those taking a Bar Exam (e.g. New York), you must confirm with the Associate Dean the maximum number of non-law classes allowed by the bar examiners.

SLS has put together an online curriculum guide , which lists non-law classes for students interested in particular areas of practice. For instance, on the International Trade page, you will find courses relevant to the subject in International Relations and Political Science. To take non-law classes for law credit, you must have approval from the Registrar’s Office. If a non-law course is listed, it has been pre-approved for law credit. If the course you are interested in is not listed, you must submit a petition to the Petitions Committee (via the Registrar’s Office) to take the course. You can find physical copies of this petition in the Registrar’s Office and digital copies on the Registrar's website .

You can find descriptions and schedules for all Stanford classes at http://explorecourses.stanford.edu and you may browse syllabi for many of those courses at http://syllabus.stanford.edu . Please refer to individual course descriptions for more information on prerequisites, suggested background prior to enrolling, and enrollment restrictions. Please note that individual departments and schools set their own requirements for cross-registration, but your Teaching Fellow can advise you on how to pursue these offerings.

Note these requirements are subject to revision. Confirmed guidance respecting course selection is distributed to students at the start of the academic year.

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To qualify for an LLM in International Business and Economic Law admission, you must have earned your first law degree (JD, LLB or equivalent) within or outside of the United States by the time you enroll at USC Gould School of Law.

If you are currently earning your law degree and will complete it prior to the start of your studies, you may be admitted, but will be required to complete certain continuing registration requirements. You must submit final transcripts showing your degree was awarded before your studies.

If your degree was issued by an institution located outside the United States, you must have your transcripts authenticated and evaluated by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). If you hold a degree from a university within the United States, USC Graduate Admissions requires that it must be a regionally accredited institution. JD degrees must be earned from law schools accredited and approved by the American Bar Association.

We do not require work experience or an LSAT/GRE score to be considered for admission to any of our graduate degrees. Should you elect to submit an LSAT or GRE score report to supplement your application, such score will not play a key role in our admission decision-making process to ensure an equitable process for all applicants.

USC Gould School of Law offers two starts in fall and spring. Applications become available in September for Fall semester and in June for Spring semester. To receive priority consideration and a $75 application fee waiver, apply by our Priority Deadline (see date below for each semester). After our Priority Deadline, applications will only be accepted on a rolling basis as space is available until the final application deadline.

Below are the start dates and application deadlines:

*Final Application Deadline for international students who require initial I-20 documentation for their student visas is May 1, 2024  for Fall semester and October 1, 2024  for Spring semester. We highly encourage you to apply by our Priority Deadline in order to provide sufficient time to process any required documents, including I-20 documentation for student visas, and to apply for USC campus housing.

If you are planning to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam after our Priority Deadline, we highly recommend that you go ahead and submit your application (and any other completed materials) prior to taking the exam and we will accept your test scores after you receive your official results. The Admissions Committee will make a final admissions decision upon receipt of your complete application file.

All applicants will be automatically considered for a scholarship award and do not need to submit any further documents to request an award. In addition, applicants who apply by our Priority Deadline will be automatically considered for a housing stipend.

USC Gould requires a $75 application fee, which will be waived if you apply by the priority deadline.

To apply for admission, the following information and documents must be submitted:

1. Online USC Gould or LSAC Application

Note: Once you start your application by clicking above, you may be directed to complete your online application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). If you have earned (or will earn) a degree from outside of the U.S., applicable instructions and links will then be provided within the USC Gould application.

2. Personal Statement Following the directions provided in your online application, provide a two or three-page document that includes your personal, academic, and professional background and your reasons for pursuing the LLM in IBEL degree. If you have prior education or experience in alternative dispute resolution, please take a paragraph or two to tell us about it.

3. Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) Following the directions provided in your online application, provide a record of your employment history and list of any distinctions, publications, and licenses/credentials.

4. Official Transcripts and Degree Verification You must have earned your first law degree (JD, LLB or equivalent) by the time you enroll at USC Gould School of Law. Following the directions provided in your online application, submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.

Domestic Applicants: If all of your degrees are from within the U.S., you must submit official transcripts directly to USC Gould at the address below or by email to  [email protected] . Official transcripts must be received directly from the institutions.

LLM in International Business and Economic Law (LLM in IBEL) Degree USC Gould School of Law 699 Exposition Boulevard, Room 105 Los Angeles, California 90089-0071

International Applicants: If you hold any degree from outside the U.S, you must submit official transcripts to LSAC for evaluation using its International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service (ITAES). Credential evaluation takes 2-3 weeks to complete once LSAC has received all of your documents; there may be further delay during LSAC's peak processing periods or if LSAC determines that additional information is required to complete its review. We therefore suggest that you apply as early as possible so that there is no consequential delay in LSAC transmitting its evaluation report to us. Fees charged by LSAC for utilizing its services, including for ITAES, are payable to LSAC. Please visit LSAC's website for more information about fees charged by LSAC, including its refund policy. USC Gould requires a $75 application fee, which will be waived if you apply by our priority deadline.

5. English Proficiency If you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (Green card), you must are take the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL/IELTS waiver requests will only be considered if (1) your native language is English, or (2) you possess an undergraduate degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree from an institution in which English is the primary language of instruction in accordance with the USC Graduate Admissions Policy .

• USC Gould does not have a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score; however, we recommend a 90 TOEFL iBT and a 7.0 IELTS or above.
• Please have your official scores sent to LSAC if you submit your application through LSAC. LSAC's institutional code is 8395.
• Test scores must be dated within two years (24 months) of the application date.
• USC does NOT accept MyBest TOEFL scores of applicants as valid proof of language proficiency. We will consider the single best total TOEFL or IELTS score you submit along with the sub-scores from that test.

The LSAT or GRE exam is not required for admission. In addition, letters of recommendation are not required.

The Admissions Committee will not review your application until all transcripts and supporting documents are received. It is your responsibility to ensure that all of your documents are submitted by the final application deadline. Be sure to regularly check the email address you have provided on the application in the event that the Admissions Committee request additional materials or information.

After you submit your application through LSAC, we will send you a confirmation email that provides you with a username and password for the  Application Online Status Check  system. Then you may log in and create a new, personalized password and periodically check your application status.

Admissions decisions are made upon receipt of complete application files. Incomplete applications are not reviewed. We encourage you to apply by our Priority Deadline to provide sufficient time for you to complete your application file. Our Admissions Committee will provide admissions decisions generally within 2-3 weeks upon our receipt of completed applications, beginning in January for Fall semester start and beginning in July for Spring semester start. You will be notified via email and postal mail. No admissions decisions will be released over the phone. We will contact you if the Admissions Committee recommends an interview or additional submissions.

If you are admitted, you will be required to provide a financial statement that certifies that you have sufficient funds available to meet your living (housing, meals, etc.) and tuition expenses while at USC (unless you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have been granted political asylum). At that time, you also must submit a copy of the photo page of your passport (and passport copies of any dependent(s) traveling with you).

USC Gould School of Law 699 Exposition Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90089-0071 213-740-7331

USC Gould School of Law

699 Exposition Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90089-0071

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International Economic Law LLM

Awards: LLM

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: International Economic Law

The LLM was not only an academically thought-provoking course, but was contemporary and relevant. There was never a dull moment. I credit it for giving me a competitive advantage in my career, and for inspiring me to explore issues of International Law I didn't know about before. Caroline LLM in International Economic Law, 2019

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Join us online on the 19th June or 26th June to learn more about studying and researching at Edinburgh.

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Programme description

This programme seeks to provide you with in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of:

• international legal institutions
• the rules and principles of the international economic system
• key legal and policy issues arising from the globalisation of the world economy

Combining detailed technical legal and policy analysis with an engagement with history and political economy, it will help you to place the current chapter of globalisation in its larger context, and to understand where it might be heading.

You will take foundational courses in international trade law and international investment law, and select additional subjects from a range of other courses, varying from year to year. These may include:

• law and development
• law and sustainable development
• international monetary and financial law
• investment arbitration procedure
• dispute settlement
• advanced aspects of both trade and investment law

Programme structure

You must complete 180 credits of study - 60 credits are taken in the compulsory dissertation and the remaining 120 credits are taken in taught courses.

You will experience a range of teaching styles on these courses, led by members of Edinburgh Law School academic community and experienced legal and industry practitioners.

You are expected to prepare in advance by reading the required materials and by reflecting on the issues to be discussed, and your participation in classes will be assessed.

For the dissertation you will have a supervisor from whom you can expect guidance and support, but the purpose of the dissertation is to allow you to independently design and conduct a piece of research and analysis.

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances or lack of demand for particular courses, we may not be able to run all courses as advertised come the start of the academic year.

• Programme structure and courses

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Learning outcomes

This programme is designed provide an advanced understanding of the law, institutions and policy concerning international economic relations and their ongoing development by the:

• United Nations
• World Trade Organisation
• Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

Career opportunities

This programme is suitable for professionally qualified lawyers wishing to practise international law professionally, whether in law firms or at the bar, as legal advisers in foreign ministries, other government departments, international organisations or NGOs.

It may also be of value to anyone seeking to develop a career in global public policy, diplomacy or international relations.

Recent graduates are now working as:

• attorneys and lawyers in commercial private practice
• government officials and government lawyers
• international policy-makers
• officials in international organisations
• officials in international non-governmental organisations
• tax consultants
• legal analysts

Student testimonial

Entry requirements.

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in law.

We will also consider candidates with a degree in a related discipline which includes relevant prior study.

In evaluating your application for postgraduate study, greater emphasis may be placed upon results of prior learning in subjects relevant to the intended degree programme.

Entry to this programme is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study.

Supporting your application

Relevant work experience is not required but may increase your chances of acceptance.

Relevant professional qualifications will be considered.

Preference will be given to those with grades above the minimum requirements due to strong competition for places on this programme.

Students from China

This degree is Band A.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other components. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 25 in writing and 23 in all other components.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 185 in writing and 176 in all other components.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 70 in writing and 62 in all other components.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

If you receive an unconditional offer of admission, you will be asked to pay a deposit of £1,500 within 28 days or by the start of the orientation period, whichever is sooner, to secure your place on the programme.

Find out more about tuition fee deposits:

• Tuition fee deposit policy

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.

Tuition fees

Scholarships and funding, uk government postgraduate loans.

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Edinburgh Law School Postgraduate Office
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 2386
• Contact: [email protected]
• Old College
• South Bridge
• Central Campus
• Programme: International Economic Law
• School: Law
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

LLM International Economic Law - 1 Year (Full-time)

Llm international economic law - 2 years (part-time), application deadlines.

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through a competitive process.

Deadlines for applicants applying to study in 2024/25:

Please note that the deadline for meeting the conditions of an offer is 18 August 2024.

Please be aware that applications must be submitted and complete, i.e. all required documents uploaded, by the relevant application deadline in order to be considered in that round. Your application will still be considered if you have not yet met the English language requirement for the programme.

• How to apply

You must submit one reference with your application.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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• How to write a great LLM personal statement »

Writing A Law School And LLM Personal Statement

Find your perfect llm program search our database of over 2500 courses.

A great LLM (Master of Laws) personal statement should be persuasive, concise and easy to read:

Persuasive – you want the admissions board to choose you over the competition.

Concise – you need to compress information about your past, present and future into a limited word count.

Easy to read – you don’t want the admissions board to give up on it halfway through.

Why is your LLM personal statement so important?

Your LLM personal statement is a vital part of the process of applying to an LLM course, and together with your academic record and relevant work experience , it is a key element to the success of your LLM application.

It is crucial that you allow yourself enough time to craft the perfect LLM personal statement, one that showcases all your skills, qualifications, experience and personality.

1. An LLM personal statement explains gaps

If you've got a few spaces in your work history or a job that ended poorly, then the LLM personal statement is your chance to explain what happened and what you have learnt from the experience. An unhappy or bad experience can be a significant learning experience and might have provided you with additional skills or motivations that will make you able to contribute to the course in a unique or significant way. Many law schools encourage students to explain any career gaps.

2. Provides insight into motivation

It's important that your motivations for applying for and doing the LLM course match with the law school's ethics and ethos. Your LLM personal statement is your chance to show that you are a good match for the law school and the LLM course. Explain your reasons for wanting to do this course and why you are passionate about the law or the particular part of the law you are planning on studying. You can show what you will bring to the course and why you will be an asset to the law school.

3. Make yourself stand out

A popular LLM course at a prestigious global law school will receive many more applications than spaces on the course. Everyone applying to that course will have an excellent academic record and a wealth of relevant work experience. Your LLM personal statement might make the difference between being accepted onto the course and not. Make yourself stand out with the language you use, but don't overdo it. Explain the finer details of your experience and why you've chosen to attend this course at this particular law school.

4. Important part of the law school’s decision making

Almost 90% of universities use the LLM personal statement to make their decision about applicants. This means the time you spend on your personal statement is crucial. Try and get some other people to read through your statement and offer their advice/opinion, especially if you know someone who has completed the LLM course recently. Make sure that your personal statement is your own work and that any revisions you make on the recommendation of others don't change your personal statement beyond recognition and lose the essence of you.

5. Proves you can follow instructions

There will be guidelines and advice provided by the law school or university to help you write your LLM personal statement. Use these instructions to prove that you can follow directions. It's also an opportunity to show off your written English skills, this could be particularly relevant if English is not your first language, and your English test scores are not what you would like them to be.

6. The first chance for potential professors to ‘meet’ you

Your LLM personal statement is your introduction to your future law school professors and the people who you might connect and reconnect with throughout your legal career. View your personal statement as the first introduction to this new part of your future network.

What information should you include?

Key things to bear in mind to achieve success when crafting the perfect LLM personal statement are:

1. Conciseness:  whatever you do, you MUST remain within the institution’s word limit. Legal professionals are expected to be able to summarise masses of information without losing any essential facts, and your personal statement is an indicator of your ability to do this.

2. Language:  don’t use complicated words in an attempt to impress. As a legal professional, you will be working with clients who may not understand technical terms so your ability to communicate in a formal yet simple style will not go unnoticed.

3. Format:  keep your LLM personal statement uncluttered, with lots of spacing and white space, to make it easy to read. It's important for the document to look good as well as to read well.

4. Structure and flow:  your intro could summarise the reasons why granting you a place is the right decision for the admissions board to make. The main body should be broken up into your past (academic, professional and personal info; relevant experience, your interests and motivations and what led you to the point of applying), your present (all the details about the LLM; why you chose it at that particular institution, which modules you’re really keen on) and your future (what you plan to do after you complete the LLM). Your conclusion is a summary of your main points and should end on a memorable note. After you’ve written your first draft, print it out and review it to see if it makes sense, making notes in the margins along the way as if you were an editor editing another writer’s work.

LLM personal statement top tips

Here are some tips and strategies to creating the perfect LLM personal statement.

Academic history

Discuss what you studied as an undergrad and whether the LLM is a natural progression or would represent a change in career path. Do you have a first degree in law and are you working your way towards a PhD in Law and a future in legal academia? If your first degree was not in Law, how would the LLM complement it; do you have a first degree in Economics and want to do an LLM in International Business Law for example?

Make it personal

Mention what interests and motivates you, and what has happened in your life that put you on the path to applying for an LLM at that institution. If you’ve chosen a small college, explain why you prefer institutions with a small population. If you’ve opted for a large law school, let the admissions board know why you thrive in a busy environment. It’s important to explain your preferences so the admissions board gets a sense of who you are and why you fit in with their law school. Include relevant information – like volunteer experience or extra-curricular activities – that have inspired you with your choice. The admissions team want to understand the personal reasons why you want to study their LLM course.

Don’t make claims you can’t support

Since you are applying for a postgrad legal program you should be familiar with making persuasive arguments. As legal arguments are evidence-based, be prepared to apply the same approach in your statement by avoiding unsubstantiated claims. If you state that certain modules are ‘relevant to your career’, state specifically how. Don’t leave it to the admissions board to try to work it out for themselves. If you claim that you are a top student, highlight your grades even though you will submit transcripts as part of your application. Use clichés like ‘leadership skills’ only if you can give examples of instances when you demonstrated these traits. And don't forget that if you are subsequently called in for an LLM interview, this personal statement will probably be used as the basis for the interview, so always tell the truth!

Don’t just write it, craft it

When it comes to the actual writing of your LLM personal statement be prepared to write, edit and rewrite your personal statement several times. Remember all those essays you wrote in your undergrad days? Well, the same rules of presentation, structure and flow apply to your personal statement; the only difference being that this time, the essay is about you. And once you think you’ve written the perfect LLM personal statement get a trusted friend or colleague to read it through to offer you constructive criticism and to pick up any typos or grammatical errors.

Relevant referees

Pick a referee who can provide you with a good academic reference, so choose a tutor and lecturer who will remember you from your undergraduate studies. Including your employer as a referee is a good idea if your current job is relevant to the course, or include someone you did relevant work experience for. You will need to ask potential referees before you submit your application.

10 things to avoid in your LLM personal statement

Here are the top 10 things that you should avoid doing when writing your LLM personal statement.

Including a mini dissertation – you are meant to explain your interest in the area that you wish to specialise in, which doesn’t mean writing an essay on your proposed dissertation topic! That can wait till you start your LLM program and are asked to submit a thesis proposal.

Underselling yourself – rather than blaming yourself later on for missing out on listing achievements from your work experience or undergraduate study, make it a point to highlight all the relevant information; ranging from past work experience on specific projects, skills acquired and applied, publications, moot courts, etc.

Being ambiguous – all your efforts will be futile if you didn’t make your personal statement read clearly with details relevant to the LLM course that you are applying for and clearly stating your interest for that course.

Writing too much or too little – usually universities provide the word count/A4 page limit for the LLM personal statement. Some students will have a tendency to write less hoping that the CV will cover all their academic and career highlights, whilst others may be tempted to write too much describing everything they have done in all possible detail. The sensible approach would be to mention enough to match the word count/page limit and to highlight only what is important to put your case forward.

Obsessing with templates – it might be a common trend to scour the internet for templates on personal statements but be warned that some may have been copied off the others and may all end up looking very similar. Your LLM personal statement should be unique and well drafted to make logical sense to the reader.

Making stupid mistakes – sometimes we tend to overlook minor mistakes that can have significant bearing on the outcome of our application. Things such as addressing the statement to the wrong university (or with a wrong date/address) can give a very bad first (and almost certainly final) impression!

Doing it last minute – our general advice when it comes to university applications is to never leave anything to the last minute. Some students tend to work hard on their personal statement redrafting it a 100+ times, while others only pick up this part of the application on the last day of its submission. Time must be given to this vital part of your application so that any mistakes including ones listed here can be corrected in good time.

Repeating information – although you may feel that you are trying to make a point by explaining a situation in different ways, university admissions staff may see this as a repetition of information that they don’t need to know. Once you make a point about a particular skill/achievement, move on to the next piece of information to show varied experience, knowledge and interest.

Name dropping – in professional services we tend to mention names of high-profile clients or popular legal representatives to get ahead of competition through our application. This may work in a casual networking setting, however when it comes to application processes for admissions, the focus is usually around your contribution to legal matters, your ambition to progress your career further through further studies, rather than just throwing some names in!

Making grammatical errors – although legal eagles tend to be careful on this one, it is best to proofread your LLM personal statement several times before handing it in. Ideally, you should share it with friends or colleagues to spot any noticeable errors.

Writing a personal statement – real-life examples

With all this key information on writing the perfect LLM personal statement – explore our law expert’s analysis of real applications to help you craft the ideal introduction and give yourself the best chance of getting onto your dream LLM program.

Introduction to our law admissions expert

To help you achieve the success you deserve with your LLM applications we have taken four genuine (and successful) LLM personal statements from four genuine LLM students and asked LLM admissions expert Robynn Allveri to fine-tune them to make them as good as they possibly can be. To put it simply, our admissions expert cast her (very) critical eye over all four law school personal statements – that had already proved successful – and offers advice on how they can be improved. She highlights where the LLM personal statements let the candidates down, and of course also shows where and why they enable the candidate’s qualities to really shine through.

Our genuine LLM personal statements have been written by both international students and home students, applying to law schools in the UK, the USA and Canada. This unique selection of real law school personal statements will give you real insight into how to make you own law school personal statement a success. Armed with our knowledge of the dos and don’ts of LLM personal statement writing and unique admissions tips , you should be just a hop, skip and a jump away from LLM admissions success!

So here is our real-life guide on how to write a law school personal statement to guarantee success with your LLM application .

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Law with International Law and Development

Pathway of Law General (LLM)

Application options include:

Course Overview

This LLM Law with International Law and Development gives you the opportunity to focus on the operation and relationship of the systems of public international law and international economic law in the post-colonial context. 

It will equip you with a solid conceptual understanding of these systems and, whether you are from a law or non-law background, it will enable you to engage with questions of international justice.

Our teaching is underpinned by legal, critical, policy, social sciences and humanities-oriented perspectives. You can look forward to a stimulating learning environment, alongside others with diverse backgrounds and professional experiences. Our students include those with pre-existing knowledge or experience of law, and those with a desire to pursue a specialism in this area. This course is ideal if you would like to advance in your existing career or are ambitious to carve out a new career path.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Law with International Law and Development (LLM).

Key information and modules

Law with international law and development: on-campus study, october start llm: 1 year full-time, on campus, starting october 2024, law with international law and development: january start llm: 1 year full-time, on campus, starting january 2025, law with international law and development: on-campus study, october start llm: 2 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2024, law with international law and development: january start llm: 2 years part-time, on campus, starting january 2025, other pathways for law general (llm).

This course has additional Pathways to offer you the chance to specialise depending on your interests and career goals.

• Law with Commercial Law (LLM)
• Law with Law and Political Economy (LLM)
• Law with Law and New Technologies (LLM)
• Law with International Intellectual Property (LLM)
• Law with Human Rights (LLM)
• Law with Environmental Law, Governance and Policy (LLM)
• Law with Constitutional Politics, Law and Theory (LLM)

Find another course:

• We have a proud tradition of critical scholarship in law and you will be taught by staff who address issues of law through power and inequality and who are led by principles of social, economic, political, environmental and racial justice.
• You will be able to attend our Law School Annual Lecture and specialist research seminars which feature international scholars speaking to current issues and path-breaking interdisciplinary research. 
• We are home to the  Birkbeck Law Press  which publishes  Law and Critique: The International Journal of Critical Legal Thought . You can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including those of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (LSE Library) and the British Library.

Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

Entry Requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in law, the humanities or social sciences; other honours degrees will be considered. Equivalent international qualifications will also be considered.

Other relevant qualifications and appropriate professional training and experience are welcome and will be taken into account.

Excellent English language skills are essential.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now  to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement,  we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our  English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country .

Visa and funding requirements

If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

• Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
• Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

For full information, read our visa information for international students page .

Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country .

Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

If you have studied at university, you may have accumulated credits through the modules you studied. It may be possible to transfer these credits from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Law with International Law and Development: on-campus study, October start LLM: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25

Academic year 2024–25, starting october 2024.

Part-time home students: £7,080 per year Full-time home students: £14,160 per year Part-time international students : £10,935 per year Full-time international students: £21,870 per year

Law with International Law and Development: January start LLM: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25

Academic year 2024–25, starting january 2025.

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the  College Fees Policy .

If you’ve studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our  Lifelong Learning Guarantee  to gain a discount on the tuition fee of this course.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

International scholarships

We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. Discover if you are eligible for a scholarship .

At Birkbeck, most of our courses are taught in the evening and all of our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

In addition, you will have access to pastoral support via a named Personal Tutor.

Methods of teaching on this course

Teaching on this course is through a combination of lectures and seminars.

Teaching hours

Our evening hours are normally between 6pm and 9pm (6-7.30pm and 7.30-9pm). Some programmes also offer teaching during the day and this will be clearly signposted to you where it is available.

On our taught courses, you will have scheduled teaching and study sessions each year. Scheduled teaching sessions may include lectures, seminars, workshops or laboratory work. Depending on the modules you take, you may also have additional scheduled academic activities, such as tutorials, dissertation supervision, practical classes, visits and field trips. On our taught courses, the actual amount of time you spend in the classroom and in contact with your lecturers will depend on your course, the option modules you select and when you undertake your final-year project (if applicable).

Alongside your contact hours, you will also undertake assessment activities and independent learning outside of class. The amount of time you need to allocate to study both for taught sessions (this might include online sessions and/or in-person sessions) and personal study will depend on how much you are studying during the year and whether you are studying full time or part time.

Birkbeck’s courses are made up of modules and allocated ‘credit’. One credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning time. Modules are usually in 15, 30 or 60 credit units. A 15-credit module will mean around 150 hours of learning, including taught sessions and independent study or group work. This is spread out over the whole period of that module and includes the time you spend on any assessments, including in examinations, preparing and writing assessments or engaged in practical work as well as any study support sessions to help you in your learning.

On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, discussion, collaboration and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students is encouraged and enabled through various learning technologies.

Timetables are usually available from September onwards and you can access your personalised timetable via your My Birkbeck Profile online (if you have been invited to enrol).

Indicative class size

Class sizes vary, depending on your course, the module you are undertaking, and the method of teaching. For example, lectures are presented to larger groups, whereas seminars usually consist of small, interactive groups led by a tutor.

Independent learning

On our taught courses, much of your time outside of class will be spent on self-directed, independent learning, including preparing for classes and following up afterwards. This will usually include, but is not limited to, reading books and journal articles, undertaking research, working on coursework and assignments, and preparing for presentations and assessments.

Independent learning is absolutely vital to your success as a student. Everyone is different, and the study time required varies topic by topic, but, as a guide, expect to schedule up to five hours of self-study for each hour of teaching.

Study skills and additional support

Birkbeck offers study and learning support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed. Our Learning Development Service can help you in the following areas:

• academic skills (including planning your workload, research, writing, exam preparation and writing a dissertation)
• written English (including structure, punctuation and grammar)
• numerical skills (basic mathematics and statistics).

Our Disability and Dyslexia Service can support you if you have additional learning needs resulting from a disability or from dyslexia.

Our Counselling Service can support you if you are struggling with emotional or psychological difficulties during your studies.

Our Mental Health Advisory Service can support you if you are experiencing short- or long-term mental health difficulties during your studies.

Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.

Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.

Methods of assessment on this course

Assessment varies depending on the modules you take but may include short written exercises, essays, quizzes and multiple-choice questionnaires, practical assessments and case studies.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in the legal profession, government, the private sector, and research or journalism. Possible professions include:

• chartered legal executive
• licensed conveyancer
• human resources officer
• patent attorney.

We offer a comprehensive  careers service  - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply - read more about suitable forms of identification .

When to apply

You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

You will also receive information about subject-specific induction sessions over the summer.

Help and advice with your application

Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

Apply for your course

Apply for your course using the apply now button in the key information section .

Other pathways for Law General (LLM)

Course structure.

This pathway is available to take via the on-campus route only, however some modules may become available online too, depending on the module.

Course structure listing

Course structure and modules for law with international law and development: on-campus study, october start llm: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting october 2024.

You must complete modules worth a total of 180 credits, consisting of:

• two compulsory modules (30 credits each)
• three option modules (30 credits each)
• a research methods and project module (30 credits).

Compulsory modules

• Law, Post-Colonialism and Political Economy
• Law, Post-Development and the Critique of Political Economy

Indicative option modules

• Land, Law and Dispossession
• Law, Nature, and Planetary Justice
• Law, Solidarity and Alternative Economies
• Social Justice
• The International Economic Constitution

LLM Law with International Law and Development project

• Research Methods and Project

Course structure and modules for Law with International Law and Development: January start LLM: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting January 2025

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The Journal of International Economic Law is dedicated to encouraging thoughtful and scholarly attention to a very broad range of subjects that concern the relation of law to international economic activity …

2021-2022 SIEL/JIEL/OUP Essay Prize Competition

The SIEL/JIEL/OUP Prize Committee has decided not to award the prize this year.

Winner of the 2020-2021 SIEL/ JIEL /OUP Essay Prize

Congratulations to Scott Falls for his article, "RTA Panel Blocking: Evaluating Solutions to a Perennial Problem".

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Celebrating 25 Years of JIEL

Our anniversary issue, the Agora , was curated by our Editorial Board members and features articles that are both retrospective and future-oriented on the field of international economic law. Discover key insights from industry experts and leadership alike.

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Highly Cited Articles

Explore a collection of highly cited articles from Journal of International Economic Law . These articles range in topics, from the role of the WTO in international data flows, to the renegotiation of NAFTA, and international trade and investment.

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Editors' Choice collection

The editorial team aim to build on JIEL 's pre-eminence in international trade while expanding the academic line of inquiry into areas such as international investment, monetary affairs and financial regulation. They have selected 10 papers, now freely available, which demonstrate the expansion of legal analysis and the future direction of JIEL scholarship.

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In Tribute to John H. Jackson

John h. jackson prize winners.

2020 Winner Congratulations to Harlan Grant Cohen, winner of the 2020 John H. Jackson Prize with his article Nations and Markets . 2019 Winner Congratulations to Andrew Lang, winner of the 2019 John H. Jackson Prize with his article  Heterodox markets and ‘market distortions’ in the global trading system  2018 Winner Congratulations to Menno Broos and Sebastian Grund, winners of the 2018 John H. Jackson Prize with their article The IMF’s Jurisdiction Over The Capital Account—Reviewing the Role of Surveillance in Managing Cross-Border Capital Flows .

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Special issue in remembrance

Volume 19 Issue 2 was put together in memory of Professor John H. Jackson, founding editor of the Journal of International Economic Law . Contents include a Guest Editorial by Michael Gadbaw and sections on Professor Jackson’s contributions to the field from International Economic and Sovereignty, Trade and Linkages with other Disciplines, and International Law and Human Rights to personal remembrances.

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International Economic Law

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Personal Statements

Holger baer.

I had the pleasure of being part of the first delegation of Model United Nations at the University of Erfurt, which started out as a student initiative. We ended up representing the Central African Republic and São Tomé und Príncipe at NMUN-NY 2004. And yes, we also didn͛t know at first where to look for them on the map ... For me, it was the beginning of a longer journey of personal growth and of falling in love with Model UN as a method of learning and teaching about international relations. After having been a delegate in 2003/2004, I wanted to ͚give back͛ to the project in Erfurt and served as head delegate in 2005/2006. Based on these great years, I joined the staff of NMUN-NY, on which I served for seven years. During these many years, Model UN allowed me not only to organize Model UN conference in various countries, to work with people from different countries and different cultures and to build friendships around the globe. The great things at Model UN as a way of learning is that, no matter how long you͛ve done it, every year there are new motivated people, new countries to learn about, new events to organize and new experiences to make, which allow you to learn about yourself – as a student, as an organizer, as a teacher. And this, in a nutshell, makes Model UN so special. The history of Model UN in Erfurt, now in its second decade, and the enthusiasm of the students and organizers is testament to this all of this and something that we - as MUN-EF alumni – and the university can be proud of.

Juliane (24) studies law

MUN is not just about getting inside international policy and learning how to behave diplomatically but most of all about improving your English and your skills. By the way you can be sure to find lots of new friends from the MUN-family. I was part of the 2012 delegation and represented Chile in the General Assembly 2nd committee. Afterwards I was a member of the organizing team 2013 which was a truly enriching experience. All in all MUN was a lot of fun and helped me to become more self-confident, to learn how to work effectively on compromises and how to speak freely and confident in front of at least 400 people. With MUN you develop significantly as a person. Therefore I recommend MUN to everyone who wants to experience something really special and who has the courage to learn something completely new. It is a lot of work but it’s worth it so much. By the way the trip to Washington D.C. and New York was one of my best journeys so far. And after you have been a participant at NMUN, organizing the next MUN-seminar is the best way to share your knowledge and experiences. 

Lydia (24) studies communication studies

"MUN was a great opportunity for me. I think during the first simulation I was really shy and didn’t speak too much and my language skills also were kind of bad. But during the sessions and each simulation I got more self-confident and easy-going. It was also a great success for me, that I won a Position Paper Award at the NMUN simulation in New York. Therefore I decided to participate in the Orga Team the following year which was also a very unique experience. To see a group of strangers becoming friends, was amazing.  My MUN highlights are the meetings in the State Department in Washington D.C. because for me it was really interesting to hear from those young people, who are already working in the UN. Another highlight was definitely seeing Ban-Ki Moon during the Closing Ceremony and listening to his remarkable speech.  With my participation in the MUN program I learned a lot about International Politics and I improved my intercultural and language skills. Moreover, which is most important, I learned about myself. Without question the Model United Nations Stufu was the best course I took in university!"

Nora, Assistant of the Directors Pakistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan Regional Integration Programme

Having participated in MUN is clearly one of the most enriching experiences of my undergraduate studies at the University of Erfurt which than shaped my academic and professional career. As a member of the 2013 delegation I represented Pakistan in the Security Council. The country assignment raised my interest in the area geographically, culturally, and politically. In this sense MUN was a door opener for my Masters in International Peace and Security at King´s College London but also for my current job. Being fully aware that Model UN is a simulation and not reality, however, it provides its participants with important skills that are urgently needed when people come together to find solutions for the challenges that societies have to cope with. These are the skills that are needed in real life which eventually enable you to make a difference and change the world for the better.

Dimitri (25) studies International Relations

"NMUN was a unique experience. Not because it was ought to, since our delegation flew all over the Atlantic Ocean to attend the biggest Model United Nations conference there is. Not because everyone was adequately dressed in business attire and behaved professionally as if we all were in the shoes of real diplomats.  It was because of the overall enriching experience. The informal talks after each session that yielded opportunities to get in touch with people from other cultural backgrounds, while never letting our common goal of creating worthy resolutions on urgent international topics out of sight. It was also great to see our days of effort finally bore fruit in form of a resolution, that was adopted in the UN General Assembly Hall, which we first stepped into for the closing ceremony. Together with the preparational trip to DC, where we had the chance to visit institutions such as the World Bank, US State Department and several Embassies, we got more than a glimpse into international relations and politics."

Mareike (23) studies communication studies

"Being a delegate at NMUN 2015 has been a thoroughly enriching experience. I represented Egypt in the General Assembly II and I can only recommend it – regardless of whether you want to work in the political field or not. There is no better opportunity to improve your language and rhetorical skills, and to learn how to find a compromise that combines several different approaches. Moreover, you get a real inside view into the working methods of the United Nations and you meet so many people from all over the world. Even Ban Ki Moon stopped by briefly during the Closing Ceremony at the UN Headquarters and honored us with an impressive speech. Who else can say to have met the General Secretary in person?"

Lukas (22) studies International Relations

"Signing up for MUN I was a bit unsure what MUN can teach me or what my experience was going to be like. Having participated I know it exceeded all my expectations easily. Gathering all the courage you have in your body to speak in front of a huge crowd with people from all around the globe, you don't only learn to trust in your abilities, but you also learn a lot about yourself. But besides making this great step in character constitution you make a ton of friends"

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