Foundations of Economics
15 Sep 2025 - 19 Dec 2025
Lecturers: David Baumann, Octavio Fernández-Amador, Kirti Jhunjhunwala
The TRAIL+ Program is an intensive, one-year graduate program that merges an LL.M. in International Trade and Investment Law with a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in International Law and Economics. The TRAIL+ is an advanced program that combines an LL.M. in Trade and Investment law with a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in international law and economics. It is offered at the World Trade Institute in cooperation with the Faculty of Law of the University of Bern, as part of their Continuing Legal Education (“Weiterbildungsprogramm in Rechtswissenschaft”). It is specifically designed for legal professionals and law graduates looking to deepen their expertise in global trade, investment, and regulatory frameworks.
The TRAIL+ provides a rigorous curriculum combining lectures, case studies, and research-based learning. You’ll explore the legal, economic, and institutional foundations that govern international trade and investment, while gaining hands-on insights into how multinational enterprises and stakeholders interact within these systems. The program features top-tier instruction from globally recognized scholars, practitioners, and experts from leading universities, law firms, international organizations, and think tanks.
Spots are limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To be eligible, you must hold a Master of Law (LL.M. or equivalent) that qualifies you to sit for the bar exam in your home country. TRAIL+ is ideal for law graduates, junior attorneys, and professionals seeking advanced specialization in international economic law. Gain access to cutting-edge research, build real-world skills, and join a global alumni network of over 600 professionals.
Admissions are open on a rolling basis, but space is limited—early applications are encouraged. Applicants should hold an degree law—and demonstrate proficiency in English. While prior experience in trade or investment is an advantage, it is not required.
The TRAIL+ coursework is completed in a one-year intensive program organized in Bern. Courses start mid-September and final exams are scheduled in June.
To be considered for admission to the TRAIL+ program at the World Trade Institute, you are required to have completed a licentiate or master’s in law or equivalent degree, i.e. a degree in law which entitles you to sit for the bar exam or equivalent in your country of origin.
Tution for the TRAIL+ program is CHF 21,000 for both full and part-time studies. A 2% discount is applied if you pay your entire tution fee prior to the first day of the program. If full payment upfront is not feasible, a payment plan in installments is available. Please contact us to discuss tailored options.
The TRAIL+ program is taught exclusively in English and requires a high level of English to be able to successfully engage with the material. In particular, the level of English needs to allow you to express yourself effectively in and outside of the classroom, work on writing assignments and adequately cover weekly readings.
Highlight your academic and professional achievements and explain how the TRAIL+ program aligns with your career goals.
Please note that all submitted materials, including essays and letters of motivation, are subject to review using plagiarism detection and AI-assisted analysis tools. This ensures the originality, authenticity, and integrity of your application.
Select one of the three questions to address in an academic essay (maximum 1,000 words) written in English. Your essay should follow a clear deductive structure and include proper citations for any sources you reference.
- Academic essay in English
- Letter of motivation
- Detailed CV
- Transcripts and degrees of all completed college/university courses
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English language requirements
15 Sep 2025 - 19 Dec 2025
Lecturers: David Baumann, Octavio Fernández-Amador, Kirti Jhunjhunwala
15 Sep 2025 - 19 Dec 2025
Lecturers: Michael Hahn, Isabelle Van Damme
15 Sep 2025 - 19 Dec 2025
Lecturers: Manfred Elsig, Kirthana Ganeson, Patrick Wagner
16 Feb 2026 - 29 May 2026
Lecturers: Jesús Crespo Cuaresma, Patrick Tomberger
16 Feb 2026 - 29 May 2026
Lecturer: Isabelle Van Damme
16 Feb 2026 - 29 May 2026
Lecturer: Isabelle Van Damme
Nineteen students from the MILE and TRAIL+ master's program took part in this exercise choached by Ms Viktoriia Mykuliak and Mr Akhil Raina. Four groups presented their allegations as complaints and respondents to the distinguished panellists: Mr Werner Zdouc, Ms Kholofelo Jugler, Ms Maryam Al Doseri, Mr Jan Bohanes, Ms Jenya Gigorva, Mr Vitaliy Pogroretskyy, Ms Sybila Fries and Mr Deepak Raj. Read more...
The legal dimension of the current crisis has been strikingly absent from much of the public debate. Yet it is precisely this legal foundation that must guide both analysis and the formulation of an effective response. The Trump administration’s tariff measures clearly violate the United States’ binding commitments under the WTO, including the principle of Most-Favored Nation treatment
The paper from Peter Van den Bossche critiques how the WTO's consensus-based decision-making-intended to ensure all members have a say"- has often been misused. Read more...
The approach of Latin American countries to preferential trade agreements (PTAs) is a fascinating topic. There is a rich history of policymakers using PTAs to pursue different economic and political models of integration. What really stands out is the diversity of approaches and attitudes to the use of PTAs. Read more...