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BA-LLB-HONS in Investment And Trade Law at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Investment and Trade Law at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradun?
This Investment and Trade Law program at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies focuses on the complex legal framework governing global trade and capital flows. It prepares students to navigate international commercial transactions, cross-border investments, and regulatory compliance. The program addresses the growing demand for legal professionals skilled in areas like WTO law, foreign investment, and international dispute resolution in the dynamic Indian and global economic landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring lawyers seeking to specialize in corporate and international law. It attracts fresh graduates with an interest in economics, global affairs, and corporate strategy, as well as professionals seeking to transition into specialized legal advisory roles. Candidates with strong analytical skills and an aptitude for complex regulatory environments will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in law firms specializing in corporate, M&A, and international trade law, in-house legal departments of multinational corporations, banks, financial institutions, and government bodies like SEBI or the Ministry of Commerce. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 4-8 LPA, with significant growth potential as experience in this niche field is highly valued by Indian and international employers.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Legal Research Tools- (Semester 1-2)
Familiarize yourself with legal databases like Manupatra, SCC Online, and LexisNexis. Dedicate weekly hours to practicing case law retrieval, statute interpretation, and article searches to build a strong research foundation.
Tools & Resources
Manupatra, SCC Online, LexisNexis India, Official Law Reports
Career Connection
Strong legal research skills are fundamental for all legal careers, enabling efficient problem-solving and fact-finding for internships and future roles.
Develop Foundational Legal Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in legal writing assignments, essays, and moot court memorials. Seek feedback from professors and peers to refine clarity, conciseness, and persuasive argumentation in your legal drafts.
Tools & Resources
Legal Writing Handbooks, Grammarly Business, University Writing Center
Career Connection
Effective legal writing is crucial for drafting contracts, briefs, and opinions, which are core tasks in corporate and trade law, enhancing internship performance.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond core law subjects, pay special attention to Political Science, Sociology, and Economics courses. Read legal news related to current affairs and socio-economic developments in India to broaden your perspective.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, The Economic Times, Frontline magazine
Career Connection
A holistic understanding of society and economics is vital for grasping the context of investment and trade policies, providing an edge in legal analysis.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Specialized Law Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek internships at law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies focusing on areas like corporate law, banking law, or even initial trade-related consultancies. Apply after Semester 4.
Tools & Resources
UPES Career Services, LinkedIn, Internshala, Law firms'''' career pages
Career Connection
Practical exposure to investment and trade law scenarios strengthens theoretical knowledge and builds a professional network critical for final placements.
Participate in Moot Court Competitions focused on Commercial Law- (Semester 3-5)
Join and actively prepare for moot court competitions, especially those with themes on international trade, arbitration, or corporate transactions. This sharpens advocacy, research, and argumentation skills.
Tools & Resources
UPES Moot Court Society, International Trade Law Moot, CCI National Moot
Career Connection
Excelling in such competitions showcases your expertise and passion for the specialization, attracting potential employers in the legal industry.
Enroll in Relevant Certifications and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Supplement your curriculum with online certifications or workshops in areas like ''''basics of financial markets'''', ''''corporate governance'''', or ''''GST law'''', which often intersect with investment and trade.
Tools & Resources
NISM certifications, Coursera/edX courses on finance, Taxmann workshops
Career Connection
These certifications demonstrate initiative and practical knowledge, making your resume more appealing to recruiters in investment and trade law firms.
Advanced Stage
Conduct In-Depth Research and Dissertation- (Semester 6-8)
Choose a dissertation topic directly related to Investment and Trade Law, such as ''''Challenges in India''''s BIT regime'''' or ''''Impact of WTO rulings on Indian industry''''. This demonstrates deep understanding and research capability.
Tools & Resources
Academic Journals, Legal databases, Faculty mentors, UPES Library
Career Connection
A well-researched dissertation can be a powerful talking point in job interviews and demonstrates specialized expertise for roles in research, policy, or advisory.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 6-8)
Attend legal conferences, seminars, and alumni events. Connect with professionals working in investment banks, trade organizations, and law firms. Leverage LinkedIn for informational interviews.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry conferences (e.g., FICCI, CII events), UPES Alumni Network
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for uncovering hidden job opportunities, gaining mentorship, and building a professional reputation essential for a successful legal career.
Prepare for Specialized Placement Interviews- (Semester 6-8)
Refine your resume and cover letter to highlight your specialization in Investment and Trade Law. Practice mock interviews focusing on questions related to FEMA, WTO, M&A, and international commercial contracts.
Tools & Resources
UPES Placement Cell, Mock Interview Sessions, Current Legal Affairs Magazines
Career Connection
Targeted preparation significantly increases your chances of securing preferred placements in top law firms and corporations relevant to your specialization.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum 50% marks in 10th & 12th. Admission through ULSAT, followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
Duration: 5 years / 10 semesters
Credits: 220 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW101 | Legal Method and Legal Reasoning | Core | 4 | Nature and Purpose of Law, Sources of Law, Legal Systems and Structures, Legal Research Methods, Judicial Process and Precedent |
| SOC101 | Sociology I | Core | 3 | Introduction to Sociology, Social Institutions, Culture and Society, Social Stratification, Social Change |
| POL101 | Political Science I (Political Theory) | Core | 3 | Concepts of State and Sovereignty, Justice and Equality, Rights and Liberty, Political Ideologies, Democracy and Governance |
| ENG101 | English Language and Communication | Core | 4 | Grammar and Syntax, Academic Writing, Reading Comprehension, Verbal Communication, Presentation Skills |
| VAL101 | Ethics and Values | Value Added | 2 | Ethical Theories, Professional Ethics, Values in Society, Moral Reasoning, Decision Making |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW201 | Law of Torts and Consumer Protection Act | Core | 4 | General Principles of Tortious Liability, Specific Torts, Defences, Consumer Protection Act, Redressal Mechanisms |
| SOC201 | Sociology II (Indian Society) | Core | 3 | Indian Social Structure, Caste System, Family and Kinship, Rural and Urban Society, Social Problems in India |
| POL201 | Political Science II (Indian Government and Politics) | Core | 3 | Indian Constitution, Political Institutions, Electoral Process, Federalism in India, Political Parties |
| HIS201 | History I (Ancient & Medieval India) | Core | 3 | Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Rise of Empires, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire |
| LEC201 | Legal English and Writing | Core | 3 | Legal Terminology, Drafting Legal Documents, Moot Court Preparation, Case Briefing, Legal Argumentation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW301 | Constitutional Law I | Core | 4 | Constitutionalism, Preamble and Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union and State Legislature, Executive Powers |
| LAW302 | Law of Contracts I (General Principles) | Core | 4 | Formation of Contract, Consideration, Capacity to Contract, Free Consent, Legality of Object |
| HIS301 | History II (Modern India) | Core | 3 | Advent of Europeans, British Rule in India, Indian National Movement, Partition and Independence, Post-Independence India |
| ECO301 | Economics I (Microeconomics) | Core | 3 | Demand and Supply, Consumer Behaviour, Producer Behaviour, Market Structures, Factor Pricing |
| ADR301 | Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) | Core | 2 | Introduction to ADR, Arbitration, Conciliation, Mediation, Negotiation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW401 | Constitutional Law II | Core | 4 | Judiciary in India, Center-State Relations, Emergency Provisions, Amendment of the Constitution, Fundamental Duties |
| LAW402 | Law of Contracts II (Specific Contracts) | Core | 4 | Indemnity and Guarantee, Bailment, Pledge, Agency, Sale of Goods Act |
| LAW403 | Family Law I (Hindu Law) | Core | 4 | Sources of Hindu Law, Marriage and Divorce, Adoption and Guardianship, Maintenance, Joint Family Property |
| ECO401 | Economics II (Macroeconomics) | Core | 3 | National Income, Money and Banking, Inflation and Unemployment, Fiscal Policy, International Trade |
| LAWH401 | Legal History | Core | 3 | Evolution of Legal System in India, Courts and Justice Administration, Judicial Reforms, Constitutional Development, Influence of British Law |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW501 | Criminal Law I (Indian Penal Code) | Core | 4 | Elements of Crime, General Exceptions, Offences against Human Body, Offences against Property, Abetment and Criminal Conspiracy |
| LAW502 | Environmental Law | Core | 3 | International Environmental Law, Environmental Protection Act, Water Act, Air Act, Forest Conservation |
| LAW503 | Family Law II (Muslim Law & Other Personal Laws) | Core | 4 | Sources of Muslim Law, Marriage and Divorce (Muslim), Maintenance (Muslim), Wakfs, Special Marriage Act |
| LAW504 | Company Law I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Company Law, Types of Companies, Formation and Incorporation, Share Capital, Memorandum and Articles of Association |
| ITL501 | International Trade Law (Specialization Elective I) | Specialization Elective | 3 | Sources of International Trade Law, WTO Framework, Tariffs and Non-Tariff Barriers, Customs Law and Procedures, Trade Remedies |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW601 | Criminal Law II (Criminal Procedure Code) | Core | 4 | Criminal Courts Structure, Arrest and Bail, Investigation, Trial Procedure, Appeals and Revisions |
| LAW602 | Law of Evidence | Core | 4 | Relevancy of Facts, Admissibility of Evidence, Oral and Documentary Evidence, Burden of Proof, Estoppel |
| LAW603 | Jurisprudence | Core | 4 | Schools of Jurisprudence, Legal Rights and Duties, Legal Personality, Ownership and Possession, Concept of Justice |
| LAW604 | Company Law II | Core | 4 | Management and Administration, Directors and Key Managerial Personnel, Meetings, Dividends and Accounts, Winding Up |
| ITL602 | International Investment Law (Specialization Elective II) | Specialization Elective | 3 | Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Regime in India, Expropriation and Fair and Equitable Treatment, Investment Screening Mechanisms |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW701 | Civil Procedure Code I | Core | 4 | Jurisdiction of Courts, Suits and Parties, Pleadings, Summons and Appearance, Interim Orders |
| LAW702 | Labour and Industrial Law I | Core | 4 | Industrial Disputes Act, Trade Unions Act, Factories Act, Standing Orders, Workmen''''s Compensation |
| LAW703 | Administrative Law | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Administrative Law, Delegated Legislation, Administrative Discretion, Principles of Natural Justice, Judicial Review of Administrative Action |
| ITL703 | Foreign Exchange Management Law (FEMA) (Specialization Elective III) | Specialization Elective | 3 | Overview of FEMA, Current Account Transactions, Capital Account Transactions, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Regulations, External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) |
| ITL704 | Competition Law (Specialization Elective IV) | Specialization Elective | 3 | Anti-Competitive Agreements, Abuse of Dominant Position, Combinations (Mergers & Acquisitions), Competition Commission of India (CCI), Competition Advocacy |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW801 | Civil Procedure Code II and Limitation Act | Core | 4 | Decrees and Orders, Execution of Decrees, Appeals, Reference, Review, Revision, Special Suits, Principles of Limitation |
| LAW802 | Labour and Industrial Law II | Core | 4 | Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Wages Act, Bonus Act, Provident Funds Act, Maternity Benefit Act |
| LAW803 | Property Law | Core | 4 | Transfer of Property Act, Easements, Mortgage and Charge, Lease and Exchange, Gifts |
| ITL805 | WTO Law (Specialization Elective V) | Specialization Elective | 3 | Principles of GATT/WTO, Most-Favoured Nation (MFN), National Treatment, Dispute Settlement Body, Agriculture and SPS/TBT Agreements |
| ITL806 | International Commercial Arbitration (Specialization Elective VI) | Specialization Elective | 3 | Arbitration Agreements, Arbitral Tribunals, Arbitral Awards, Enforcement of Foreign Awards, UNCITRAL Model Law |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW901 | Public International Law | Core | 4 | Sources of International Law, Subjects of International Law, State Jurisdiction, Law of Treaties, International Human Rights Law |
| LAW902 | Intellectual Property Rights | Core | 4 | Copyright Law, Patent Law, Trademark Law, Design Law, Geographical Indications |
| OPE901 | Open Elective I | Open Elective | 3 | Interdisciplinary subject chosen by student, From diverse fields, Skill Enhancement, Broadening perspectives, Career focused |
| ITL907 | Legal Aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions (Specialization Elective VII) | Specialization Elective | 3 | Types of M&A Transactions, Regulatory Framework in India, Due Diligence, Share Purchase Agreements, Post-Merger Integration |
| ITL908 | Law of Banking and Finance (Specialization Elective VIII) | Specialization Elective | 3 | Banking Regulation Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, Securitisation Act (SARFAESI), Role of RBI, Financial Sector Reforms |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAW1001 | Professional Ethics and Accountancy for Lawyers | Core | 4 | Bar Council of India Rules, Advocates Act, Professional Misconduct, Accountancy for Lawyers, Contempt of Court |
| LAW1002 | Moot Court, Internship and Viva Voce | Core | 6 | Moot Court Participation, Internship Report, Legal Research Skills, Advocacy Skills, Viva Voce Examination |
| OPE1002 | Open Elective II | Open Elective | 3 | Interdisciplinary subject chosen by student, From diverse fields, Skill Enhancement, Broadening perspectives, Career focused |
| DIS1001 | Dissertation/Research Project | Project | 6 | Advanced Legal Research, Academic Writing, Independent Study, Problem Identification, Thesis Development |
