MSc in International Commercial Arbitration

Programme overview

Study how cross-border commercial disputes are managed through arbitration, from the arbitration agreement and procedural planning to evidence and the recognition and enforcement of awards.

The two-year programme combines shared legal foundations, specialist study and an applied graduation project. Cases distinguish the legal system and sources relevant to each problem.

MSc in International Commercial Arbitration: Course content

Year 1 — Legal foundations and core methods

• Legal research, source evaluation and academic writing
• Comparative legal systems and legal reasoning
• Contract law foundations
• Corporate legal environment and professional ethics

Year 2 — Specialist applications and graduation project

• Arbitration agreements and jurisdiction
• Institutional and ad hoc arbitration
• Procedure planning and case management
• Evidence and written submissions
• Applicable law and comparative arbitration frameworks
• Recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards

The indicative curriculum is developed through legal reading, case studies, written analysis and applied projects.

Learning outcomes

• Analyse an arbitration clause and identify procedural and jurisdictional issues.
• Plan the stages of a commercial arbitration and organise evidence.
• Prepare structured written submissions and analyse enforcement questions.

Projects and assessment

Prepare a simulated arbitration file including a clause review, procedural timetable, evidence index, written submissions and an award-enforcement analysis.

Assessment combines written assignments, case analysis and a final project report with an oral defence. Students explain their sources, reasoning, personal contribution and the limits of their analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant Bachelor qualification or present equivalent prior learning for individual review. A background in law, business, management, public policy or a related field may be relevant, depending on the chosen subject. Admission is based on the application; bridging study may be requested where foundations need strengthening.

Submit a CV, education history, motivation statement and supporting academic documents. Applicants should be able to read legal sources and produce analytical work in English.

Diploma awarded

Upon successful completion of the required modules, assessments and graduation project, École supérieure de droit et de justice de Paris awards the MSc in International Commercial Arbitration (diplôme d’établissement).

This is an institutional diploma, not a French national degree. It does not itself grant admission to a regulated legal profession.

MSc in International Commercial Arbitration: Career pathways

Arbitration case support, dispute-resolution coordination, commercial claims management and international contract support.

Career opportunities depend on prior qualifications, language skills, experience and employer requirements. Regulated activities require the applicable professional qualifications and authorisations.