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International Trade Law & Regulation - LAW00079M

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  • Department: The York Law School
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Kathryn Wright
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

This module explores international trade law and the governance of economic regulation. It begins with a brief history of the development of the international trade system, before focusing on the institutional structure of the World Trade Organisation and its dispute settlement mechanism, and the substantive principles and agreements underpinning world trade. The module considers trade in context, touching on affected issues such as health and the environment. It further considers the UK’s place in the world given its competence to conclude trade agreements following its exit from the European Union, and the external regulatory reach of jurisdictions such as the EU.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module explores international trade law and the governance of economic regulation. It begins with a brief history of the development of the international trade system, before focusing on the institutional structure of the World Trade Organisation and its dispute settlement mechanism, and the substantive principles and agreements underpinning world trade. The module considers trade in context, touching on affected issues such as health and the environment. It further considers the UK’s place in the world given its competence to conclude trade agreements following its exit from the European Union, and the external regulatory reach of jurisdictions such as the EU.

Module learning outcomes

 By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the institutional structure of the World Trade Organisation, regional trade agreements, and dispute resolution mechanisms  
  • Discuss the substantive principles and agreements underpinning world trade
  • Reflect on the interaction between non-economic issues and trade policy
  • Critically evaluate the implications of the UK’s exit from the European Union for its place in the global trading system

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay (3000 words)		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay (3000 words)		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Formative feedback on essay/case study plan in individual meeting with module leader

Written feedback on summative assessment

Opportunities for oral feedback during workshops, and during module leader’s weekly drop-in hour

Indicative reading

Daniel Bethlehem, Isabelle Van Damme, Donald McRae, and Rodney Neufeld (eds), Oxford Handbook of International Trade Law (OUP 2009, e-version 2012)

Peter van der Bossche and Denise Prevost, Essentials of WTO Law (CUP, 2016)

Anu Bradford, The Brussels Effect (OUP, 2019)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.