Manchester International Arbitration Training Programme (MIATP)
- Host: Manchester China Institute, The University of Manchester
- Date: 1-7 September 2026
Hosted by the Manchester China Institute at The University of Manchester, this seven-day training programme is acclaimed as an "intellectual accelerator" leading to the highest echelons of international arbitration. This programme leverages the top-tier academic resources of The University of Manchester and assembles a "master-class faculty" consisting of former judges of the UK Court of Appeal; the London Commercial Court; Court of Justice of the European Union; and the High Court of South Africa; International judges of the Singapore International Commercial Court, King's Counsel (KC), barristers and international arbitration partners of leading law firms.
The course is tailor-made for law school students, law firm partners, arbitration institution staff, general counsel of multinational corporations, and arbitrators. We adopt a unique perspective to deeply deconstruct the core differences and application logic of common law in cross-border transactions. From arbitration process management to the execution of state immunity, we provide a comprehensive coverage of dual-track practices in both International Commercial Arbitration (ICA) and Investment Treaty Arbitration (ITA).
Programme overview: Global International Arbitration and Cross-Border Dispute Resolution
Learn from a "dream team" in the global arbitration sector and master the legal wisdom that defines foreign-related rule of law. The course covers the core content of international arbitration, including:
- International Commercial Arbitration (ICA): Participants will not only gain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical knowledge and the latest frontier cases of international commercial arbitration but will also focus practically on the arbitration process, the role and selection of arbitrators, arbitration agreements, procedural rules, and the making and enforcement of arbitral awards. Top-band arbitrators who have heard cases of international impact will personally review these processes. You will learn how to conduct hearing room management in complex multi-party arbitrations, how to influence the direction of a case through strategic arbitrator selection, and how to utilize emergency arbitrator procedures to freeze opposing assets.
- Investment Treaty Arbitration (ITA): Key contents include the jurisdictional features of ITA, substantive protections for investors, and the enforcement of awards against states. By dissecting the latest cases, you will gain insight into the political economy behind the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism and understand why global powers are reshaping this system. We will analyze the delicate balance between the "Right to Regulate" and investor protection, and project the future evolutionary trajectory of ITA through cases involving the latest generation of FTAs (such as CPTPP and USMCA).
- Legal Foundations: In cross-border disputes, the application of substantive law often determines success or failure. We will take you inside the adjudicative mindset of UK courts, allowing you to intuitively experience the cognitive differences between civil law and common law systems. We will go beyond traditional "connecting factor" instruction, with battle-tested international law firm partners guiding you on how to conduct "jurisdictional planning."
Programme structure
Lectures, interactive workshops, and practical exercises are scheduled every morning and afternoon.
Topics include
Arbitration agreements and processes; jurisdiction and substantive treatment in investment arbitration; post-award procedures, including challenges and enforcement; practical arbitration skills, including mock hearings and group exercises. Participants will receive curated reading materials and case studies, fostering a hands-on learning environment.
Certification and networking
Upon completion of the training, participants will receive a certificate of attendance. The programme will also offer valuable networking opportunities, including social events, a gala dinner, and a football club tour, allowing participants to build connections with global peers and experts.
Price
Please see the below pricing for MIATP 2026:
- £800 GBP – The University of Manchester students and alumni
- £950 GBP – Non-University of Manchester students
- £1,100 GBP – Professionals
Fees include
- Lectures and interactive workshops
- Gala dinner, coffee/tea breaks, and lunches during the training period
- A tour of the world-famous Manchester City Football Club stadium
- Visits to international arbitration institutions and law firms
Payment link
Coming soon.
Contact information
For further information and registration, please contact the Manchester China Institute at The University of Manchester.