Public international law that governs international trade and investment is crucial to the functioning of our interdependent economies. Almost all countries maintain trade and investment relationships with their neighbors or member states within larger groupings. Regional trade agreements and bilateral investment agreements number in the thousands and the World Trade Organization (WTO) now enjoys an authority that few international organizations can boast. However, the impact of international trade and investment law goes beyond the purely “economic” sphere and represents an essential component in solving global problems. For example, it is difficult to tackle problems related to climate change without resorting to trade and investment disciplines. And even dealing with global health issues occasionally requires reference to trade and investment law.
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) with a concentration in international trade and foreign investments provides students with the necessary foundations to study and work in this crucial field, while taking advantage of the privileged location of being in the heart of the capital from Canada. Students benefit from the proximity of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, private practice law firms specializing in commercial and investment law, NGOs interested in global issues, and also the relationships that many of our professors maintain with these organizations.
This program can count on the knowledge and expertise of around ten faculty members who teach and conduct research in international trade and foreign investment law. This program was designed to meet the specific needs of master’s students in these booming sectors: fundamental notions, advanced research methods, critical thinking and systemic analysis, case studies.
Teaching is done in English, French and sometimes in these two languages. It is permitted, according to University of Ottawa policy, to write exams, assignments, as well as the thesis or dissertation in French or English.
The University of Ottawa offers two options at the Master of Laws (LL.M.) level: the thesis or thesis. Regardless of the option chosen, students can continue their studies in the legal field of their choice. However, uOttawa highlights specific expertise in the two fields listed below as well as the six fields associated with the concentrations described below:
- International law
- Human rights
In the master’s program with thesis, students have the choice of eight concentrations:
- Environmental and sustainable development law
- International trade and foreign investment law
- Law and social justice
- Law and technology
- Humanitarian law and international security law
- Notary law
- Political law and health ethics
- Legislative studies
The Faculty of Law also offers a multidisciplinary program in women’s studies at the master’s level (LL.M. with specialization in women’s studies).
NOTE: The University of Ottawa offers a partial tuition fee waiver scholarship to French-speaking international students. This significant contribution to financing their study project allows for a considerable reduction in tuition fees.
To benefit from the partial exemption scholarship, international students must:
- accept an offer of admission to a program of study offered only in French;
OR
- have completed secondary or post-secondary studies in French for at least two years and have obtained their diploma; And
- register for compulsory courses in French if these courses are given in both official languages (French and English).
