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International Trade Law & Regulation - LAW00075H

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  • Department: The York Law School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • 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

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Formative feedback on essay/case study plan in individual meeting with module leader during week 10 of Spring term

Written feedback on summative assessment

Further opportunities for oral feedback during the seminar workshops and the 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 constantly explores 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. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.