Overview

Objectives

  • Provide the opportunity for in-depth study of all aspects of dispute settlement in the international arena, across the divide of public and private, with an emphasis on today's most relevant fields such as commercial and investment arbitration, and ICJ and WTO dispute settlement procedures

Audience

Law school graduate, lawyer working in law firm, government, international organization or NGO, judge or doctoral student. Some professional and/or moot court experience in a related field is an advantage. The programme seeks to enroll candidates from a variety of countries, backgrounds and career plans.

Programme

A typical curriculum includes:

  • 5 general courses providing a comprehensive overview of international dispute settlement
  • 8 intensive courses from a choice of 10+ (on topics such as International Commercial/Investment Arbitration, WTO Dispute Settlement, and the New York Convention)
  • 2 optional courses drawn from a list of about 30 relating to international dispute settlement
  • Weekly tutorials held in small groups
  • Workshops on Legal Writing, Mediation, Witness Examination, and Financial Damage Analysis
  • Several high-profile public lectures and specialized seminars specifically organized for the program
  • Conferences in Switzerland and abroad
  • Career Services
  • Visits to arbitral institutions in Paris and The Hague
  • LL.M. Thesis

Registration

Registration deadline

15 December 2024

Fees:

CHF 28,000.-

Admission criteria

To be considered for the program, applicants must have received at least a first complete law degree (such as a Bologna Master's degree, a JD or an LL.B.) or another academic qualification deemed equivalent by the Program Directors, by the time of applying.

Number of participants

35-40 participants

Cursus

Period

September 2025 - August 2026

Credits

90 ECTS credits

Teaching hours

355 teaching hours

Partnerships / Collaboration

Diploma delivered jointly by

University of Geneva, IHEID

Testimonial

“I applied to the MIDS because I wanted to pursue a career in international dispute resolution. The MIDS offered a great curriculum with a top faculty that stood out from other graduate programs in this area. I did not think twice before applying, and it was one of the best choices I ever made.

My studies at the MIDS were enriching and the experience rewarding. Not only did I gain invaluable knowledge, and laid the basis for professional network, the MIDS opened me doors to a truly international career and it changed my life.”

 

Anna Kozmenko , MIDS 2008-2009

Director(s)

Prof. Zachary DOUGLAS, Geneva Graduate Institute

Coordinator(s)

Callie CUNNINGHAM, University of Geneva and Geneva Graduate Institute

Steering committee

  • Prof. Jacques DE WERRA, University of Geneva
  • Prof. Zachary DOUGLAS, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
  • Prof. Joost PAUWELYN, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
  • Prof. Thomas SHULTZ, University of Geneva and Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
  • Callie Cunningham, MIDS Program Manager

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals