Introduction
Be a MILE ahead!
Looking to embark on a rewarding career in international trade? Then you have come to the right place. The Master of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics (MILE) program is designed for students and young professionals who wish to broaden their knowledge of international trade and investment in the fields of law, economics, and political science. It is one of the world’s leading programs of advanced studies in the field of international trade regulation and has close ties to the WTI’s research portfolio. The program uniquely combines a multidisciplinary perspective with a strong applied focus. In addition to our resident faculty, we bring in the world’s leading trade experts from law firms, international organizations, policy research institutes, and top universities.
Why the MILE
Established in 1999, the Master of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics (MILE) is the flagship program of the World Trade Institute. It is one of the world’s leading programs of advanced studies in the field of international trade regulation and has close ties to the WTI’s research portfolio. The program uniquely combines a multidisciplinary perspective with a strong applied focus. In addition to our resident faculty, we bring in the world’s leading trade experts from law firms, international organizations, policy research institutes, and top universities.
What we offer
A one-year, intensive graduate program (can also be taken part-time)
Teaching and guidance from world-class scholars and practitioners - recruited from leading universities, international organizations, think tanks, and global law firms
Highly applicable real-world knowledge and the latest research developments in international trade and investment regulation, and economics
A vibrant alumni network with over 500 members worldwide
Strong networks and mentoring programs to help students secure internships and entry-level positions
What you bring
The MILE is designed for students and professionals with a background in law, economics, international relations or political science, who wish to embark on a career in international trade and investment
MILE structure and regulations
The MILE is a non-consecutive Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) conferred by the World Trade Institute, University of Bern. The MILE program counts for 90 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System Points).
Course work accounts for 75 ECTS and the mandatory master’s thesis is awarded 15 ECTS.
Regular course attendance is required from mid-September until the end of June, with the master’s thesis being researched and written over the summer. The program can also be taken on a part-time basis within three years.
The MILE begins with a foundational semester during which students are given a solid basis in international economic law, international micro-and macroeconomics, and global political economy. The second semester consists of courses based on lectures and case studies that deliver an in-depth analysis of relevant topics in international trade and investment.
As part of many of the MILE courses, students are regularly given writing assignments to be completed within a 12-hour time frame. These assignments are designed to prepare students for real-world scenarios and reflect what is expected of professionals working in the fields of international trade and investment.
The MILE program culminates in a challenging yet rewarding moot court exercise – a simulation of a fictitious trade dispute between two countries in front of a panel composed of top WTO law experts.
