The Master's of Law (LLM) degree in International Trade and Investment Law in Africa is the first of its kind to be offered in Africa. It establishes a higher education and training programme based in, and focused on, Africa with full exposure to the international world of trade and investment. The degree was developed under the auspices of the Centre for Human Rights and is presented by the University of Pretoria and the University of the Western Capei n partnership with Makerere University in Uganda, American University Washington College of Law in the USA and the University of Amsterdam and Erasmus University in the Netherlands.

About the LLM (Trade and Investment Law in Africa)

Students spend the first part of the full-time one-year degree in South Africa (with alternate intakes at  the University of Pretoria and the University of the Western Cape), and they have the option, depending on available funding, of spending the second semester at one of the assigned overseas partner universities.

Classes are presented by leading academics from partner universities; representatives from international organisations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Bank; practicing lawyers; and representatives from South African institutions, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the Competition Tribunal.

Who can apply?

Individuals from all African countries are invited to apply for admission to study for the Master’s Degree (LLM) in Trade and Investment Law in Africa at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

The minimum requirement is a LLB degree (or its equivalent) with an overall mean of 60 - 65 (second class pass) and on exceptional occassion it is the mean of 55 plus ten years relevant work experience in the relevant field(s). Applicants must motivate why they believe their experience will help them in their LLM performance.

Please note: Scholarships for this programme are limited and admission to the programme does not guarantee the award of a scholarship

Partners

The LLM in Trade and Investment Law in Africa is presented by the University of Pretoria in partnership with:

• University of the Western Cape, South Africa
• Makerere University, Uganda
• University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands
• American University Washington College of Law
  

First semester

Students spend the first part of the full-time one-year degree in South Africa (with alternate intakes at UP and UWC), and they have the option, depending on available funding, of spending the second semester at one of the assigned overseas partner universities.

The South African component provides the students with an introduction to international trade and investment law, with an African focus, while the advanced courses offered by the overseas partners provide students with the opportunity to specialise. The SA component therefore covers a variety of issues relating to international trade and investment, including an introduction to the basic principles of international economics.

The following 14 modules are offered in consecutive blocks over the first semester:

• Introduction to: legal research and writing (including general aspects of project management); computer skills; and to basic communication through short presentation (e.g. on cultural diversity).
• Accounting and International Development Economics: basic accounting, reading financial statements, principles of international economics.
• Introduction to International Law: focus on public and private law; state responsibility, treaties, sovereignty, nationalisation, private international law, international development of law.
• Global Economic Institutes: overview of institutions and changing functions, Role of UNCTAD (development in Africa, independence), African Development Bank, IMF etc.
• Regulation of International Trade: WTO - general introduction, concept of free trade, agriculture, dumping etc.
• International Intellectual Property Law and Transfers of Technology: TRIPS, WIPO, WTO etc., licensing, pharmaceuticals.
• Forms of International Business: international sales, international finance, competition.
• Regulation of Foreign Investment in Africa: private and public aspects; agreements and privatisation, international insolvencies.
• Dispute Settlement in International Business Transactions: overview of public and private aspects, arbitration.
• International Business and Environmental Law and Social Considerations: environment, ethics, human rights etc.
• Introduction to European Union Law.
• Introduction to African Economic Relations: including GSP, AGOA, EPA, Cotonou, SA/EU TDCA, etc. African Regional and Sub-Regional Organisations: AU, PTA, SADC etc.; 
• Implementation of International Economic Agreements into Domestic Law in Africa.
• The role of Africa and African lawyers in International Trade Negotiations and the role of lawyers in International Economic and Business Transactions.

Second semester

Course format

Classes are presented by leading academics from partner universities; representatives from international organisations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Bank; practicing lawyers; and representatives from South African institutions, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the Competition Tribunal.

Instruction is in English by means of formal lectures, practical exercises, visits to trade organisations, extensive library and IT access. A limited number of scholarships are available.

The duration of the course is one academic year, full-time.

Next intake: July 2013 (University of Pretoria)
Deadline for applications for the 2013 intake: 31 January 2013

This course is modelled largely on the LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa offered since 2000 as a partnership between UWC, UP and other law faculties in Africa.

How to apply

Admission is on a competitive basis. The minimum requirement is a LLB degree (or its equivalent) with an overall mean of 60 - 65 (second class pass) and on exceptional occassion it is the mean of 55 plus ten years relevant work experience in the relevant field(s). Applicants must motivate why they believe their experience will help them in their LLM performance.

Students must be in possession of an LLB degree or its equivalent and should submit the following documentation:

• curriculum vitae (including your full particulars: name, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail contacts).
• detailed academic record (all subjects taken and marks obtained). If you are still studying, please provide the most up-to-date academic record and indicate when you expect to finish your course.
• certified copies of degree certificates (do not send originals).
• two letters of recommendation/support from people who can attest to your academic and professional (where applicable) competence.
• a note on your financial position indicating whether and to what extent you would need assistance, and if so, why.
• a covering letter stating why you would like to do the course.
• if you did not do your undergraduate studies in English, proof of your proficiency in English (from the Public Affairs Section at the American Embassy or the British Council in your country).
• a recent photograph (black or colour, passport-size or full length).
• SAQA certificate or proof of payment of application for such certificate (only applicable to students with foreign qualifications).
• if you did not do your undergraduate studies in English, proof of your proficiency in English (from the Public Affairs Section at the American Embassy or the British Council in your country) or TOEFL test results.

Please note:

• all documents must be typewritten;
• there are no application forms to be completed;
• please ensure that all documents are submitted together

Deadline for receipt of applications

• Deadline for receipt of applications for the 2013 class is 31 January 2013.

Citizens from all African countries, and in particular SADC countries especially are invited to apply.
Late applications will only be accepted under exceptional circumstances.
Please note: Scholarships for this programme are limited and admission to the programme does not guarantee the award of a scholarship

Intakes

Past Intakes

• January 2003, University of the Western Cape
• July 2003, University of Pretoria
• July 2004, University of the Western Cape
• July 2005, University of Pretoria
• July 2006, University of the Western Cape
• July 2007, University of Pretoria
• July 2008, University of the Western Cape
• July 2009, University of Pretoria
• July 2010, University of the Western Cape
• July 2011, Uniuversity of Pretoria

Current Intake

• July 2012, University of the Western Cape

Next Intake

• July 2013, University of Pretoria

Applications should be directed to:

The Course Coordinator
LLM (International Trade and Investment Law in Africa)
Centre for Human Rights
Faculty of Law
University of Pretoria
Private Bag X20
Hatfield 0028
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

For further enquiries:

•  Angela Bukenya
  Administrative Assistant: LLM( International Trade and Investment Law in Africa
  Fax:+27 12 362-5125
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