CAS and DAS Programmes

Goals and content

The integration of national economies into a global multilateral economic system is one of the landmarks of the recent economic history. The growth of international trade has been boosted by the recent trends of globalization and trade liberalization and policy coordination. The current international trade system is a complex network shaped by trade regulation and policies. It is therefore a demand for informed policy-making to provide a quantitative evaluation of the effects of such policies.  

The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) on Applied Trade Policy Modeling (TradeMod) offers a research-oriented teaching in the field of trade policy. The courses provided show the different theories and quantitative models and techniques used to analytically evaluate the past effects of trade policies. Applied econometric and applied general equilibrium modeling approaches are covered, as well as the management of the relevant trade policy databases. These tools are the standard used in specialized units in international organizations and national institutions. The courses are applied and will emphasize the use of econometric and computational programs and specialized software. 

Structure and courses

The CAS TradeMod is structured around four one-week courses and a research paper that students write under the supervision of one of the lecturers.  Students are required to take a minimum of three of the courses, but have the right to follow all four as part of the program.

The summer 2023 courses will be announced soon.

The 2022 courses were:
Week 1: Foundations of Trade Policy and Trade Policy Data
Week 2: Econometric Analysis of Trade Policy  
Week 3: Introduction to Input-Output and Applied General Equilibrium Models
Week 4: Applied Trade Policy Modeling using Computational General Equilibrium Models

Requirements
For the CAS/DAS programmes, we accept applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree in law, economics, finance, commerce, international relations, or political science, or in an unrelated field when supplemented by relevant working experience. Participants are expected to have a strong command of written and spoken English and should be ready to read a large amount of material in English both prior to and during the courses. Students whose first language is not English are required to provide TOEFL or IELTS test results (see MILE Admission). Exceptions may be granted on further examination, particularly where students have obtained their previous degree from a programme conducted entirely in English.

For the CAS and DAS programmes, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic ability and provide credible references bearing witness to their research abilities. They also should possess at least one year of professional experience in a related field (lawyer, diplomat, export industry representative, trade economist, civil servant, etc). Exceptions to this rule may be granted upon reviewing individual applications.

How to apply
Applying to the CAS and DAS programmes is straightforward:

1. Consult the course offering above and choose the courses you wish to follow.
2. Fill out the registration form (found on the right side of this page) and send it, together with a copy of your CV, a short biography and portrait photo (head and shoulders) of yourself to us by email:
   • Email address for CAS/DAS applications

*Information on courses will not be provided until the tuition fee has been paid.

Deadline
Applications are accepted until the maximum number of participants is reached. 

Cancellation policy
The following deadlines and penalties apply for persons who apply and have been accepted to the programme, but who subsequently withdraw:

• Cancellations 8 weeks before the course: the WTI refunds the tuition fee but deducts a 100 Swiss franc administration fee
• Cancellations 4 weeks before the course: the WTI refunds 70% of tuition fee
• Cancellations 2 weeks before the course: the WTI refunds 50% of tuition fee
• No show = no refund

Tuition fees are due prior to starting your course(s). Information on courses will not be provided until the tuition fee has been paid.

The CAS and DAS tuition fees do not cover costs such as meals, housing or local transportation.

Weekly Courses

Participants may join one or more course(s) as a weekly student and receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion.

The tuition per week is 1,200 Swiss francs.

*Week-long WTI PhD courses also count towards meeting the requirements for a CAS or DAS.

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)

Participants who earn 8 ECTS in course work and 4 ECTS by writing a research paper are awarded a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Law and Economics.

The tuition fee for a CAS is 4,000 Swiss francs.

Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS)

Participants who earn 22 ECTS in course work and 8 ECTS by writing a research paper are awarded a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law and Economics.

The tuition fee for a DAS is 10,000 Swiss francs.

Financial aid
Special rates apply to students registered at the University of Bern.

A 50% tuition waiver is applicable to participants affiliated with the UNCTAD Virtual Institute (staff and students of university and think tank members, with proof of institutional affiliation and/or registration). For detailed information, please visit the UNCTAD VI website.

If you are a Bulgarian national, you are eligible for the exclusive financial support of the Fonds Katzarovi, specially designed for Graduate and PostGraduate studies in Switzerland. Deadline 15 March. More info here.

The WTI does not offer tuition waivers for CAS/DAS programmes or weekly courses. Financial aid, if needed, should be requested from other organisations or institutions.

Accommodation
Due to the high prices of hotel accommodation in Bern, it is highly recommended that you rent a room (double or single) in one of the student residences run by the Bernese Student Lodging Association. Please note that the WTI is not in a position to guarantee accommodation in Bern and cannot rent an apartment or other accommodation for you.

Important IT information
Participants registered for weekly courses à la carte or for CAS or DAS programmes will have access to the course syllabi and readings through the WTI online course management system.

Visas
Students need to apply for a visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country. The visa application process should be started as early as possible, as it can take several weeks for the Swiss immigration office to correspond with its Swiss embassies abroad. Citizens from EU and EEA countries do not require a visa.