The module aims to introduce students to fundamental structures, concepts and principles of International Trade Law and develop a detailed understanding of the role and effect of the World Trade Organisation. Students will be introduced to the formation and structure of the WTO, the principal agreements governing trade and the law and practice of the WTO in key areas. Students will develop their ability to analyse trade agreements and their practical application in disputes and engage with the literature to think critically about trade liberalization.

(LO1) Demonstrate their ability to handle the primary legal materials (the WTO Agreements and the decisions of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB)) in this field;

(LO2) Demonstrate familiarity with the WTO, its history, structure, principal Agreements and functions;

(LO3) Understand the key legal concepts which underpin the WTO Agreements, as interpreted and applied by the DSB;

(LO4) Understand the role and approach of the DSB, the techniques and style of judicial reasoning it adopts, and the principal issues raised in the literature about the DSB;

(LO5) Demonstrate an understanding of the key legal principles in specific Agreements including the GATT, the agreements on dumping and on subsidies and the GATS;

(LO6) Appreciate the issues of concern facing developing countries in particular and the particular measures contained in WTO Agreements applicable to developing countries, including an understanding of how these measures have evolved over time (under GATT and post-1995) and of current debates and issues;

(LO7) Conduct effective research on WTO law and practice, including the use of legal information retrieval systems, and collate the information effectively;

(LO8) Develop a critical commentary on the material located and present it to a high standard, adopting appropriate disciplinary conventions.

(S1) Critical analysis appropriate for advanced level masters study

(S2) Problem-solving skills applicable to complex theoretical and practical contexts

(S3) Time management and prioritisation skills by working to deadlines

(S4) Take responsibility for independent learning agenda

(S5) Reading, analysing and synthesising different viewpoints, becoming familiar with different viewpoints and presenting findings/conclusions in clear, comprehensible, structured format.

(S6) Critical skills with regard to the merits of particular arguments and making reasoned choices between alternative solutions or arguments

The module will address key topics concerning the formation, application, and evolution of international trade law. These will be grouped into three main themes: (1) institutions (2) rules, and (3) global challenges. Some of the topics to be covered in the module include:
• Normative and institutional foundations of world trade law, including the history of the World Trade Organization
• The relationship between the WTO and regional institutions of trade such as the EU and NAFTA.
• Dispute settlement in trade law, in particular at the World Trade Organization
• The meaning and scope of non-discrimination principles in trade law
• The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
• Dumping and anti-dumping measures
• Subsidies and Countervailing Measures
• General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
• Challenges confronting world trade law such as potential conflicts with human rights, public health, and environmental protection.

The Learning and Teaching Strategy has been guided by the Curriculum 2021 Framework, Attributes and Hallmarks. This includes the emphasis placed on the value of developing module content informed by current and cutting-edge research in the relevant subject area (s) and needs of professionals in the business and commercial sector. Students will be provided with relevant knowledge of the role of the World Trade Organization and an understanding of their significance for the operation of International Trade Law rules, concepts and principles In addition to providing knowledge and building the confidence of students in engaging with World Trade Organization rules, the directed learning and study materials will equip them with the skills necessary to enable them to demonstrate their ability to critically engage with trade agreements and engage in creative approaches to problem solving.
Description: Asynchronous learning materials, directed and independent reading which enable studen ts to develop their understanding of EU Single Market Rules and cross-border trade arrangements. The asynchronous lectures will be supported by online tasks and hypothetical scenarios in the commercial/business environment, to help student acquire and apply their knowledge and legal skills. The asynchronous lectures will equate to 2 hours per week over a 8 week duration .