International business and economic law has become an integral element of globalisation. It provides the fundamental framework for regulating cross-border activities ranging from trade, investment and finance to treaty negotiations, rulemaking and dispute resolution. As one of the world's largest economies, China is now among the most influential players in using and shaping the international economic law order.  

In this Master of Laws specialisation, you'll acquire advanced knowledge and analytical ability across a broad spectrum of contemporary issues such as:

  • the development of international trade and investment rules and policy

  • the settlement of trade and investment disputes

  • technological developments and regulation (such as the regulation of digital financial services and e-commerce). 

With a group of leading experts in the field and the excellence of the China International Business and Economic Law (CIBEL) Centre, UNSW Law & Justice will provide you with the ideal environment for learning, research and developing critical skills for your career.

Knowledge and experience you’ll gain from this specialisation

  • A strong theoretical and practical understanding of the international regulatory framework for cross-border business and economic activities. 

  • A better understanding of China’s integration into the world economy and regulation of international business. 

  • Ability to understand and analyse the law and jurisprudence created and developed by the relevant international organisations and dispute settlement bodies. 

  • Ability to understand and analyse the implications of China’s policy changes and global economic activities for the international economic law order 

  • Ability to apply the knowledge to contemporary and cutting-edge issues in the field.

Possible career outcomes

  • In-house lawyers (if you also hold an LLB/JD) or advisors in multinational corporations.  

  • Working within international or regional organisations such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). 

  • Working in government departments or agencies such as foreign ministries for trade and investment, trade defence or remedy departments and customs.  

  • Working in commercial arbitration centres such as the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission and Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre.

Who should study this specialisation?

Those with a focus on:

  • business, commercial or legal experience in corporations 

  • legal practice in different jurisdictions 

  • work for international organisations/foreign ministries 

  • international organisations 

  • commercial arbitration.

UNSW-related centres

International opportunities

These overseas electives are available as part of your specialisation:

For more information on the structure and courses available in this specialisation, visit the online handbook.

UNSW Master of Laws