International Law and Foreign Investment aims to:

Stimulate the academic and practical interest of students in a challenging area of law;

Encourage and develop analytical thinking;

Enable the creation of effective solutions to legally and factually complex problems;

Develop the capacity to construct an effective argument, soundly based in critical analysis of the law both orally and in writing

Cultivate a range of fundamental legal and transferable skills

(LO1) Demonstrate an understanding of the institutional and normative foundations of international investment law

(LO2) Evaluate international investment agreements and their various implications from a legal perspective

(LO3) Appreciate the role of different dispute settlement agencies and techniques

(LO4) Critically appraise international investment law from the perspective of different groups of states, business interests and other interest groups, including environmental and social interest groups

(LO5) Use and understand complex legal texts, case law, and academic writing to identify solutions for legal and policy issues arising in the application of investment treaties and enforcement of investment arbitration awards

(S1) Research skills - All Information skills

(S2) Improving own learning/performance - Self-awareness/self-analysis

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

The module will address key topics concerning the formation and application of investment treaty law. Such topics include the following:   customary, bilateral and multilateral foundations of international investment law the notion of investment and investor the meaning and scope of MFN, national treatment, and non-arbitrariness clauses the protection against expropriation the standard of fair and equitable treatment the role and scope of umbrella clauses key features of investor-state arbitration in the ICSID and other arbitral institutions conflicts between investment protection and human rights, sustainable development, and environmental protection Please note that not all the above topics may necessarily be taught in any year.

Teaching Method 1: Lectures (6 hours)

Teaching Method 2: Seminars (16 hours)

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 22 hours

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 178.

Description: Lectures will introduce students to the key issues and present fundamental knowledge relating to the syllabus. Interactive seminars will focus on testing and developing student understanding around the material covered in a collaborative environment. Seminars will have a bespoke, detailed, reading list alongside discussion points and questions to frame and support student learning.

Attendance Recorded: Yes