Master in International Business Transactions and International Arbitration

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Program Overview

The Master in International Business Transactions and International Arbitration at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is designed for students who want to operate confidently at the intersection of international business law, cross-border transactions, and dispute resolution. It suits graduates aiming for careers in international trade, corporate legal environments, or arbitration, combining rigorous legal training with a strong international and comparative perspective.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, you build a solid legal foundation focused on international commercial activity and dispute mechanisms. Core units such as International Business Transactions, Comparative Contract Law, and Introduction to International Arbitration introduce you to how cross-border deals are structured, governed, and enforced across jurisdictions. You’ll also develop analytical and legal reasoning skills essential for interpreting complex international agreements and cases.

Year 2

The second year deepens your expertise and shifts toward advanced application and professional readiness. You’ll study specialised subjects like International Commercial Arbitration, International Trade Law, and Dispute Resolution in International Business, gaining insight into real arbitration procedures and case strategies. The programme culminates in a research dissertation or capstone project, allowing you to explore a focused topic in international transactions or arbitration under academic supervision.

Focus Areas

International business law, cross-border commercial transactions, international arbitration, comparative legal systems, dispute resolution mechanisms.

Learning Outcomes

Advanced understanding of international business transactions, ability to analyse and structure cross-border contracts, strong knowledge of arbitration procedures, legal research and argumentation skills, readiness for international legal and corporate environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This master’s programme is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and delivered under the academic standards of Sorbonne Université (Paris), ensuring international recognition and academic credibility.

Reputation (Employability & Academic Standing)

Graduates benefit from the prestige of the Sorbonne name, globally recognised for excellence in law and humanities, and are valued by employers for their specialised expertise in international transactions and arbitration, a niche skill set in strong demand across global markets.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, this master’s degree goes far beyond theory — it’s designed so you graduate with practical experience and professional confidence. You’ll learn through realistic case studies, legal drafting, interactive discussions, and collaborative work that mirrors how business and arbitration experts operate across borders, so you’re prepared for real-world challenges from day one. The university’s academic resources, support services, and vibrant campus environment provide the tools you need to connect classroom learning with professional practice:

Here’s how your experiential learning unfolds across this programme:

Interactive Case Studies & Moot-Style Exercises: You’ll engage with real international contract disputes, negotiation scenarios and arbitration case simulations that build your analytical, strategic and legal communication skills.
Collaborative Legal Drafting & Workshops: Through group projects and structured workshops integrated into units like International Business Transactions and International Commercial Arbitration, you’ll practice drafting agreements, clauses and responses exactly as professionals do.
Professional Internship Opportunities: While not mandatory for every student, the programme encourages pursuing internships with law firms, multinational corporate legal departments, or arbitration institutions — allowing you to apply your learning in professional environments.
Library & Research Tools: SUAD’s Library and Digital Resources give you access to international legal databases, arbitration records, journals, and academic texts needed for high-level research and your dissertation work.
Career Preparation Support: Through the Career Centre’s services, you can receive guidance on professional networking, CV development, interview coaching, and exposure to employer connections relevant to law and international dispute resolution.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this Master’s programme from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi are well prepared for specialised, high-impact careers at the crossroads of international business, law, and dispute resolution. Typical roles include International Arbitration Specialist, Legal Advisor in Multinational Companies, International Trade Compliance Officer, and Business Transactions Consultant, where strong legal reasoning and cross-border expertise are essential:

Here’s how the programme supports your professional progression and long-term career growth:

Career Centre & Employability Support: SUAD’s Career and Employability Services provide tailored support including CV reviews, interview preparation, career coaching, and access to employer engagement events relevant to legal, corporate, and international business environments.
Professional Exposure & Legal Practice Readiness: Through case-based learning, arbitration simulations, and legal drafting exercises embedded in the curriculum, you graduate with skills that closely mirror professional legal and arbitration practice.
International Academic & Professional Recognition: The programme benefits from the Sorbonne Université (Paris) academic framework, giving your qualification strong international recognition — particularly valuable for careers in cross-border legal and business settings.
Accredited Qualification with Long-Term Value: The degree is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), ensuring recognition in the UAE and supporting mobility for careers or further studies internationally.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni are equipped to work in law firms, multinational corporations, arbitration centres, international organisations, and regulatory bodies where international transactions and dispute resolution expertise is in demand.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this Master’s degree, graduates may progress to doctoral studies (PhD) in International Law, Business Law, or Arbitration-related fields, either at Sorbonne Université or other internationally recognised institutions. The programme also provides a strong academic foundation for pursuing professional legal qualifications, specialised arbitration certifications, or advanced postgraduate diplomas in international trade and dispute resolution.