Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics (MILE) Programme

The Master of Advanced Studies in International Law and Economics (MILE) programme is designed for students and professionals who wish to broaden their knowledge of international trade and investment in the fields of law, economics, and political science.

Programme Details

Overview

The MILE programme is a non-consecutive Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) conferred by the World Trade Institute, University of Bern. The programme counts for 90 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System Points), with coursework accounting for 75 ECTS and the mandatory master's thesis awarded 15 ECTS.

Duration and Scope

• The programme is a one-year intensive graduate programme that can also be taken part-time over three years.
• Regular course attendance is required from mid-September until the end of June, with the master's thesis being researched and written over the summer.

Teaching and Guidance

• The programme offers teaching and guidance from world-class scholars and practitioners from leading universities, international organisations, think tanks, and law firms.
• Upon graduation, students join a vibrant alumni network with over 600 members worldwide.

Admission Criteria

Requirements

• To be considered for admission to the MILE programme, applicants must have completed, at minimum, an undergraduate degree.
• The majority of students have a background in law, economics, or political sciences, but applicants with a background in a different field are also encouraged to apply.
• A graduate degree in a related field and/or work experience in the field of international trade can be advantageous during the selection process.

Application Deadlines

• Early bird deadline: 1 December (applications submitted before this deadline will be given priority)
• Regular deadline: 31 January (applications submitted after the deadline will still be considered if space allows, but applicants should be mindful of visa regulations and timings for their nationality)

Tuition Fees

Cost

• Tuition for the MILE programme is CHF 18,000 for both full and part-time studies.
• Tuition covers all courses, master's thesis supervision, a range of extracurricular activities, and several trips to Geneva with visits to the WTO and other international and non-governmental organisations.
• Tuition does not cover travel costs, accommodation, health insurance, or any other expenditures incurred during the stay in Switzerland.

Payment Methods

• A 2% discount is applied if the entire tuition fee is paid prior to the first day of the programme (September).
• Alternatively, tuition can be paid in instalments: the first instalment (1/3 of the tuition fee) is due prior to the first day of the programme (September), the second instalment (1/3 of the tuition fee) is due prior to the first day of the second semester in January, and the third instalment (1/3 of the tuition fee) is due prior to the first day following the spring break (April). No discounts apply to tuition paid in instalments.

Organising Institution and Faculty

Overview

• The MILE programme is organised by the World Trade Institute, Faculty of Law of the University of Bern.
• The programme involves a list of in-house faculty and external faculty from leading universities, international organisations, think tanks, and law firms.