About the Programme

The Certificate in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes (online) offers participants an understanding of the role that international law and institutions play in the settlement of international and transnational disputes. This specialization examines the role of national and international courts and tribunals in contributing to the settlement of disputes. As international and transnational adjudication has acquired a more prominent role in international relations, it is essential to understand how these global and regional courts are responding to the challenges of the early 21st Century. Participants will examine the role of international law in the settlement of disputes in a wide array of fields such as human rights, armed conflicts, territorial and maritime border issues, environment and climate change, multilateral trade, investments, amongst others and will learn not only the traditional legal processes employed in international and transnational adjudication, but also the alternative forms of dispute settlement prevalent in international law. 

This programme, offered by two UN entities (University for Peace and United Nations Institute for Training and Research), combines the best of academic and executive-style education. Students will also gain first-hand experience of the work of the United Nations (UN) as they will have the opportunity to participate in the optional field trips to Geneva and/or The Hague where the UN maintains a significant presence.

This programme is a unique programme, as:

  • It is delivered by the UN (UPEACE and UNITAR);
  • It is taught by practitioners, UN staff, diplomats and academics and combines study delivered by UPEACE and UNITAR, including study field trips to Geneva and The Hague and skills-based sessions for a successful international career;
  • It accommodates students’ need for flexibility by offering possibilities to take modules in hybrid modality (face-to-face and online).

Who is it for?

The programme is designed for graduate students, diplomats, government officers, NGO representatives, international civil servants or private law practitioners willing to strengthen their knowledge in international law, dispute settlement, international affairs management, and conflict resolution.  

Careers in this field can be very broad. Prospective employers include regional and international courts and tribunals, international and national law firms, governments, international and regional organizations, academia, and the non-governmental sector. 

Duration/Modality

This Certificate Programme is offered in online format, must be completed in a maximum of 4 semesters, and has the following cost breakdown:

All online asynchronous courses will be hosted on UPEACE’s Virtual Learning Environment.

The application deadline for this programme is 15 November 2023. The first course is scheduled to begin on 15 January 2024.

Optional Field Trip to Geneva and The Hague

Each year, UNITAR will organize two optional 5-day field trips to Geneva (Switzerland) and The Hague (Netherlands) for the students enrolled in the joint UPEACE - UNITAR Master's Programmes and Certificates.

Students can sign up for one field visit or for both (Geneva and The Hague) if they wish to do so.

During this activity, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the very heart of diplomacy and international law, visit different international organizations and network with other diplomats, personnel of permanent missions accredited to the UN, civil servants of international organizations and civil society representatives. 

The fee of each five-day field trip is USD 1,500. The fee does not include travel, accommodation, food or visa expenses. The optional field visit will take place every Summer. 

Apply Now

Click here to apply for the Certificate in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes (online).

Contact Us

For questions regarding the Certificate in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes (online), please contacr admissions@elearning.upeace.org.