The Professional Diploma in the Law of International Trade is a Level 9 minor award at masters level. The programme runs from September to May as an online/distance education course suitable for professional learners. Participants attend face-to-face sessions on three Saturdays a semester and engage in distance education and online learning throughout the programme. The programme develops the skills in the graduate to understand and engage meaningfully in international commercial transactions both in terms of knowledge and from a transactional point of view.

 

International Trade is rapidly changing from the post World War 2 consensus. Brexit, the emergence of new multilateral trade blocs and the rise of trade disputes present new challenges for Irish business in this sector. The recent ‘vaccine’ dispute between the UK and EU also exemplifies emergent trade issues between closely integrated jurisdictions in politically sensitive areas. The programme is designed as being hands on to enable students to understand the global trading rules and organisations that facilitate international trade. It will look at the processes through which international trade is conducted. It will then look in particular at trade with the UK (and in particular the NI protocol) and dealing with areas such as money-laundering, bribery and corruption. All assessments will be co-ordinated between modules to provide a portfolio that (a) ensures graduates view their programme in a holistic fashion and (b) that they can rely upon to further their employability in an evidence based resource. The cumulative effect of this will enable graduates to respond practically to changing international trade law and practice both proactively and retroactively in a commercial and legal context. Finally, the capstone Career module will enhance the employability of graduates by enabling them to present their qualification so as to maximize its potential together with related skills such as interview skills.