Prof. Dr. Sarasu Esther Thomas
Professor and Director
Focus on Gender, Human Rights, and Family Law.
Duration
1 Year
Course Level
Postgraduate
Mode of Course
Full Time
Last date to Apply (Indian students)
15 March 2026
Last date to Apply (Foreign students)
15 March 2026
Programme Overview
Global trade and cross-border investments continue to expand, leading to a growing number of disputes involving companies, investors, and governments. The Master of Laws (LLM) in International Investment & Commercial Arbitration at Manipal Law School (MLS), MAHE Bengaluru, prepares students to understand and handle these challenges.
This one-year, full-time programme introduces students to international investment laws, arbitration procedures, and dispute-resolution mechanisms that govern global commercial relationships.
Based at the MAHE Bengaluru campus, the programme offers access to a strong academic setting within an active legal and technology ecosystem. It is well-suited for students interested in roles within arbitral institutes, corporate legal departments, international organisations, and government agencies.
Curriculum Highlights
Students begin with essential subjects that form the backbone of an international investment law LLM. The standard structure for all PG (1-year) programmes is outlined below.
Sem 1: Research skills and foundation for the specialisation
Sem 2: Specialisation with comparative learning and practical application
Students benefit from a robust curriculum that incorporates practical courses like Drafting of Arbitration Agreements and Oral Advocacy in International Arbitration.
Hands-on learning is a central part of the LLM programme as it helps students translate theory into practice:
Placement-focused mandatory internship of three months with top legal firms, think tanks and NGOs.
Simulation-based arbitration workshops, including mock hearings, procedural exercises, and oral advocacy sessions, etc.
Moot court participation focused on international arbitration problems
Guest lectures and sessions with practising industry experts
Industry mentorship programme for guided professional development
Admission Requirements
To apply for the programme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Passed the LLB degree from a recognised university.
A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree.
Students in their final year of LLB can also apply for the LLM programme.
Foreign applicants must submit additional documentation, such as equivalency certificates, for admission to the programme.
The admission procedure is systematic and guides candidates from the initial application to the final confirmation of their seat.
Step 1: Application Stage
Apply online through the official MLS/MAHE admissions portal.
Upload all eligibility documents, including academic transcripts, identity proof and other required certificates.
Step 2: Evaluation Stage
Attend the Personal Interview (PI) conducted by Manipal Law School.
Applicants are ranked on a merit list based on their PI performance.
Step 3: Provisional Admission Stage
Shortlisted candidates receive a Provisional Admission Notice.
Candidates must complete all admission formalities within the deadlines provided.
Step 4: Final Admission Stage
Proceed with fee payment as instructed.
Receive the Provisional Admission Order.
Submit final LLB results, if pending at the time of application.
The official Admission Order is issued after verification.
To know more details, read here - Eligibility & Admission Process 2025 Postgraduate (PG) Programs under General / Foreign / NRI category |
Career Prospects
Graduates of the LLM in International Investment & Commercial Arbitration are equipped to work in roles that require strong legal reasoning, understanding of treaty frameworks and the ability to manage complex cross-border disputes. The programme builds both technical and analytical skills, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to organisations that deal with arbitration, investment law and global commercial activity.
Some of the main career avenues available after completing this programme are listed below.
Potential Job Roles & Sectors Hiring
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International Investment Lawyer
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Government Legal Advisor
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Arbitration Specialist
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Corporate Counsel
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Legal Counsel in International Organisations
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Academician
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Legal Counsel in Multilateral Development Banks
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International Arbitration Attorney
Industries & Sectors Hiring Graduates
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The skillset developed through this international investment law LLM is relevant across industries that operate globally or engage directly with foreign investment.
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Law firms
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Corporate legal departments
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International courts and tribunals
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Arbitration institutions
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International organisations
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State and governmental agencies
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Non-governmental organisations
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Academic and research institutes
Opportunities for Growth
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For students interested in deeper academic or research pathways, an LLM in international trade and investment law offers a strong foundation for advanced study such as: PhD in International Investment Law, PhD in Arbitration / Dispute Resolution, Professional certifications and advanced training in arbitration or mediation
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In terms of career growth, graduates from niche arbitration programmes often hold a competitive advantage, as organisations increasingly require specialists who can interpret treaties, support foreign investment decisions and handle disputes efficiently. With cross-border investment and commercial activity continuing to rise globally, the demand for trained arbitration professionals is expected to remain strong.
Faculty and Research
View all facultyThe LLM in International Investment & Commercial Arbitration is supported by the broader academic environment of Manipal Law School, where teaching and research are led by experienced legal scholars and industry-exposed practitioners.
Datuk Professor Sundra Rajoo Nadarajah
Honorary Professor of Law
Globally recognised expert in Construction Law and Arbitration.
Prof. Dr. Sunil John
Professor
Specialising in History, Jurisprudence & International Law.
Dr. Rahul Mishra
Associate Professor
Specialisations in International Health Law, International Trade Law, and International Air & Space Law.
Dr. Apoorvi Shrivastava
Associate Professor
Specialising in International Commercial Arbitration, Corporate Governance, and Sustainability
Ongoing Research Projects & Student Participation
MLS supports a broad research culture through faculty-led initiatives, seminars and collaborative projects across contemporary legal domains. As part of this environment, students in the LLM in International Investment & Commercial Arbitration benefit from the School’s ongoing work in diverse areas. Students are encouraged to participate actively in the research culture at MLS.
Opportunities include: Assisting faculty with ongoing research projects Presenting or publishing academic papers Engaging in moot court simulations with arbitration-focused problems Contributing to academic discussions, seminars and workshops This emphasis on collaboration and inquiry enables learners to refine their research interests and strengthen their practical understanding while completing the LLM programme.
Student Life & Facilities
Campus Infrastructure
The MLS Bengaluru campus offers facilities that support practical and academic learning. Students have access to a moot court hall, legal aid clinic, auditoriums, seminar rooms, and a well-equipped law library with physical and digital resources. Smart classrooms and an eco-friendly campus environment create a comfortable space for postgraduate study.
Internships & Industry Collaboration
The programme includes a placement-focused internship, giving students exposure to law firms, tech companies and organisations working on dispute resolution. Industry mentors, alumni interactions and sessions with practising professionals help students prepare for arbitration and investment-law roles.
Student Clubs & Societies
MLS hosts several active student groups that help learners build confidence and professional skills like:
Moot Court Society – offers structured moot court sessions and opportunities to participate in national and international competitions.
Legal Services Clinic – promotes awareness of socio-legal issues and delivers pro bono work.
Debating Society – develops argumentation, public speaking, and critical listening skills.
Social Media Club – builds digital communication abilities and fosters engagement with contemporary legal topics.
Cultural Club – supports cultural expression and creative activities.
Sports Club – promotes physical fitness, teamwork and discipline.
Environment Club – run in collaboration with the MAHE Bengaluru Rewilding Task Force, focusing on sustainability initiatives on campus.
The student environment is interactive, engaging, and designed to shape legal professionals, not just postgraduates.
FAQs
1. What is the LLM in International Investment and Commercial Arbitration at MAHE?
The LLM in International Investment and Commercial Arbitration at MAHE is a one-year, full-time postgraduate law programme offered at Manipal Law School, Bengaluru. It focuses on cross-border commercial disputes and international arbitration procedures.
2. Who should pursue an LLM in International Investment and Commercial Arbitration?
This programme is ideal for law graduates who want to work in arbitration teams, multinational corporate legal departments, international organisations or roles involving international trade and investment law. It is also suitable for professionals seeking a niche specialisation in treaty-based dispute resolution.
3. What career opportunities are available after completing the LLM in International Investment and Commercial Arbitration?
Graduates can work as Investment Arbitration Counsel, Commercial Arbitration Specialists, legal advisers in multinational companies, dispute-resolution analysts in government departments and consultants in international trade and investment law. The specialisation opens opportunities in law firms, arbitration institutions and global business organisations.
4. Does the programme include practical training or internships?
Yes. The programme includes a placement-focused mandatory internship of three months . Students also participate in arbitration workshops, moot courts and sessions with practising arbitrators to build practical skills.
5. What are the eligibility criteria for the LLM in International Investment and Commercial Arbitration?
Applicants must have an LLB degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognised university. Admission is based on an online application, Personal Interview (PI) and subsequent merit list.