Diploma in International Trade Policy
Find out about our online graduate-level training course in international trade policy.
Short courses in international trade policy
International trade and trade policy have become increasingly complex in recent years due to world events, such as global pandemics, migration, wars, geopolitics and technological advancements. This has highlighted the delicate balance between economic growth, national security, and global cooperation.
Whether you're working in the area of international trade or trade policy or seeking to influence it, this course will advance your understanding and give you the skills to navigate the challenges.
Why choose the International Trade Policy Diploma?
The course brings together academia, think tanks, and the private sector, fostering a collaborative network where participants can engage and share expertise online.
Each module includes seminars with distinguished guest speakers—ranging from practitioners and professors to professionals in the private sector—offering participants the opportunity to learn from and interact with experts from diverse backgrounds.
On completion of this course you will:
- have a critical understanding of trade policy, including the key concepts, theories, actors, organisations, and issues in trade policy
- learn how to apply conceptual and analytical tools to analyse trade policy. This will cover economic foundations, political economy, rules and laws, and international business
- be better equipped to analyse data and evidence to inform trade policy. You’ll study practical applications, data sources and data types/tools.
Course structure
Through four comprehensive modules, you'll gain knowledge spanning economics, law, and international business. The modules can be taken in any order, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. You can study all four modules to complete the full Diploma, or choose individual modules on their own, based on your needs and interests.
This course is taught online, largely asynchronously to enable each participant to find the most appropriate times for them to cover the material. Each ten-week module will consist of a blend of video lectures, interactive assignments, discussion forums, and live Q&A sessions.
Study time
We estimate the study time to be three to four hours, or half a day per week.
Course dates
This course will launch in September 2025, with modules available as follows:
- September 2025 - Trade Policy in a Challenging World
- January 2026 - Trade and Sustainability
- September 2026 - Inclusive Trade
- January 2027 - Trade and Technological Change
The course and modules will repeat each year on the above cycle.
Course fees
This course costs £1,100 per module.
Modules
Each ten-week module covers the following areas:
- Trade Policy in a Challenging World
Gain the strategic knowledge to analyse and respond to emerging challenges in international trade, and understand the complex mechanisms that drive international trade and policy.
Trade policy has become much more complicated, driven by changes in technology and digitisation, the rise in geo-political tensions, and increased concern with issues such as climate change, sustainability and human rights.
This module focuses on the core economic drivers, and the legal framework underpinning the dynamics of international trade policy. Understanding these is central to navigating the complex, rapidly changing global trade landscape. It covers the fundamentals of trade policy including the evolution of patterns and globalisation, the barriers to trade and their impacts, the legal foundations of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the complexities of regional trade agreements. It also addresses one of the key current challenges in the global economy by considering the critical issue of economic security.
- Trade and Sustainability
Gain the tools to navigate complex issues related to sustainability. Learn to mitigate risks and seize opportunities in the pursuit of a resilient and sustainable global economy.
Issues of sustainability, ranging from climate change, global warming, environmental concerns, bio-diversity and deforestation are increasingly at the forefront of public, business and policymakers’ concerns. Global demand for environmental goods and services is expected to rise as countries implement economic stimulus packages that include greater resources for climate-friendly solutions.
This module explores the complex relationship between international trade and sustainability, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic forces shaping today’s interconnected economy. The topics covered include global value chains, supply chain resilience, environmental policies, food security, and the transition to a circular economy. Participants will examine how trade impacts on these areas of concern, and the role of trade in tackling environmental challenges and fostering sustainable practices.
- Inclusive Trade
Examine attitudes to trade and the role of trade and trade policy on both ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ of trade, covering keys issues such as labour standards, human rights, gender and medium-sized enterprises.
Trade impacts on all of us in a myriad of ways. As consumers it impacts the goods and services that are available to us, as well as their quality, and their price. For businesses and their workers it impacts on both on productivity and economic growth. There is considerable evidence to show that international trade is important for economic growth and raising living standards overall. Trade may also have negative consequences for some and different impacts on different firms. This can also affect public perceptions and views on international trade.
This module focuses on understanding globalisation and the effects of trade on individuals and the wider socio-economic effects of trade. The module will cover the ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ of trade, the links between trade and inequality, and the impact on less developed countries’ trade policies, as well as addressing issues related to fair trade. Participants will examine the attitudes to trade and the role of trade and trade policy with regard to key issues such as labour standards, human rights, gender, and small and medium sized enterprises.
- Trade and Technological Change
Understand how rapid technological developments are shaping international trade and policy.
This module will rapidly increase your understanding of the technological developments shaping international trade and trade policy. This includes how trade impacts productivity, growth and innovation. Further it analyses the blurring of boundaries between goods and services trade, and examines the role of digitisation, digital trade, 3D printing and AI underpinning world trade. It discuses key issues related to digitisation including data protection and intellectual property rights. It also covers trade agreements on digital trade and the WTO Joint Initiative on e-commerce.
Who the course is aimed at
This course is aimed at staff working at any level in international bodies, government agencies, private sector and industry associations for example, as well as those with an interest in and/or intending to work in international trade.
We welcome applications from those with a background in economics, business, law, or related fields. This may include applications from:
- the public sector: civil servants working on trade policy across a wide range of governmental departments, ministries or regulatory bodies, and in administrations at national or sub- national levels
- the private sector: those working in organisations engaged in trade either in the governance or supply-chain reporting units
- civil society organisations seeking to understand the making and implications of trade policy.
Contact
For more information, contact InternationalTradePolicy@sussex.ac.uk