Master's Programme in Investment Treaty Arbitration

The programme is divided into four modules.

Module 1

Module 1 introduces you to the fundamentals of international arbitration. This module covers all the basic principles and rules of mainly commercial arbitration, which historically served as a role model for investment arbitration. You will discuss and analyse, for example, the arbitration agreement, the appointment of arbitrators, procedural issues, applicable law and enforcement of arbitral awards.

Module 2

Module 2 explores the protection of foreign investments under public international law. The relevant sources relate to treaties (i.e. bilateral and multilateral investment protection treaties) and customary international law. One important aspect of this module is treaty interpretation based on the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

Module 3

Module 3 examines key procedural issues in investment treaty arbitration. The focus will be on jurisdictional issues, such as the applicability of most favoured nation clauses to procedural issues, confidentiality and transparency, immunity, and enforcement of investment awards. Attention will also be given to the European Union's approach to reshaping Investor-State Dispute Settlement.

Module 4

The fourth module is the preparation of your degree thesis. You can select the topic together with your course director.

You will learn from a dedicated faculty leading in their fields. Your learning experience is complemented by an internationally renowned adjunct faculty of practitioners, government officials, and academics. In previous years we could welcome, among others, senior dispute resolution partners of international law firms, the deputy secretary general of ICSID as well as the deputy secretary general of the PCA and many others. You study effectively in small groups and take part in mini-moot courts, workshops, and tutorials with a focus on professional skills. And you will expand your professional network.

Teaching is based on the so-called problem-based methodology. As a consequence, there are very few lectures. Instead, you will partake in different forms of seminars. At the seminars, problems are discussed and analysed, as well as possible solutions to problems. You and your classmates will be divided into smaller teams that are expected to meet and prepare for each classroom session. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills. All the students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.

The problem-based teaching method is founded on active student participation. Therefore, you must attend every session. You will be required to produce one or several papers during the courses. At the end of each course, there will be a written examination.

It is envisaged that you participate in a moot court running in parallel to the modules and typically organised by a leading law firm together with the course director. Upon individual performance, you and your classmates will be divided into teams with different tasks, such as writing briefs, expert opinions and other submissions.

The language of instruction is English.

The Faculty of Law at Uppsala University is the oldest law department in Sweden with a history spanning more than 500 years. It hosts one of Scandinavia's and Europe's most popular and renowned programmes. Our model of teaching is based on a foundation of high-quality research carried out by the faculty, extensive international cooperation with other universities and close collaboration with private practice.

During the last decade, we have seen an explosion of investment treaty arbitrations. With around 3,000 bilateral investment protection treaties and two major multilateral investment protection treaties, there is every reason to assume that this development will continue. In addition, the EU has become more and more involved in investment protection matters, including investment treaty arbitration.

This means there will be a growing demand for lawyers with in-depth knowledge of international investment law. Almost every kind of participant in international investment and trade will require lawyers with such knowledge, including law firms, government agencies, banks, corporations, international organisations, and NGOs. This programme, which is the first of its kind in the world, is well positioned to fulfil this demand.

The programme will also make you an attractive candidate if you wish to pursue PhD studies at Uppsala University or other universities around the world.

Our previous graduates come from all kinds of educational backgrounds and jurisdictions and work in leading positions in government agencies, in firms that specialise in international law, banks, international organisations, and corporations as well as in the academic world.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career. Learn more about UU Careers.