Business

Master of Arts in Economics of Multilateral Trading Systems

The Master of Arts in Economics of Multilateral Trading Systems is a specialised postgraduate programme offered by the University of Nairobi through the School of Economics. The programme is supported by the World Trade Organization Chairs Programme and provides advanced training in the economics of international trade, multilateral trading systems, and trade policy negotiation.

The programme combines rigorous economic theory with specialised knowledge of the multilateral trading system, equipping students with expertise in WTO frameworks, international trade law, trade negotiation, and regional integration. Students develop competence in trade policy analysis, quantitative methods, game theory, and bargaining theory applied to international trade.

Core areas of study include advanced microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, quantitative methods, economic development and the WTO, the legal regime of GATT and the WTO, economics of the world trading system, agricultural policy analysis, industrial development policies, and negotiating skills and bargaining theory. The programme is unique in its focus on the multilateral trading system.

The University of Nairobi's School of Economics hosts a WTO Chair, reflecting its commitment to trade policy education and research. The WTO Chairs Programme strengthens knowledge of the trading system among academics, citizens, and policy makers in developing countries, providing students with access to international trade policy networks and resources.

The programme is designed for economics graduates and professionals seeking specialised expertise in international trade policy, trade negotiation, and multilateral trade systems. Students complete two years of full-time study comprising coursework, examinations, and a research paper, with one intake per year in September.

Graduates are prepared for careers as trade policy analysts, trade negotiators, trade economists, policy advisors, and researchers in government trade ministries, regional organisations, the WTO, international development agencies, and private sector organisations engaged in international trade.

Skills Required

International Trade Theory
WTO Framework and Legal Regime
Trade Policy Analysis
Quantitative Methods in Economics
Game Theory and Bargaining
Trade Negotiation Skills
Regional Integration Analysis
Macroeconomic Analysis
Microeconomic Analysis
Research Methods in Economics

Key Subjects

Advanced Microeconomic Theory
Advanced Macroeconomic Theory
Quantitative Methods
Economic Development and the WTO
Legal Regime of GATT and WTO
Economics of the World Trading System
Agricultural Policy Analysis
Industrial Development Policies
Negotiating Skills and Bargaining Theory
Research Methods in Economics

Certifications

WTO Chairs Programme Certification
Economics Society of Kenya Membership

Specializations

WTO and Multilateral Trade

Focuses on the WTO framework, GATT legal regime, dispute settlement mechanisms, and multilateral trade negotiation processes.

Regional Trade Integration

Examines regional trade agreements, customs unions, and economic communities including EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA.

Trade and Development

Covers the relationship between international trade and economic development, including trade-related capacity building and aid for trade.

Agricultural Trade Policy

Focuses on agricultural trade policy, food security, and the agricultural dimensions of multilateral trade negotiations.

Industrial Trade Policy

Examines industrial development policies, trade and industrialisation, and industrial policy in the context of multilateral trade rules.

Trade Negotiation

Covers negotiation theory, bargaining strategies, and practical trade negotiation skills in bilateral and multilateral contexts.

International Trade Law

Examines the legal framework of international trade including WTO law, trade remedies, and dispute settlement.

Environmental Trade Economics

Focuses on the intersection of trade and environment, including environmental standards, green trade, and sustainable development in trade policy.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 304,500
Private, up to: Ksh 130,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced Microeconomic Theory
Advanced Macroeconomic Theory
Quantitative Methods
Economic Development and the WTO
Legal Regime of GATT and WTO
Economics of the World Trading System
Agricultural Policy Analysis
Industrial Development Policies
Negotiating Skills and Bargaining Theory
Research Methods in Economics

Modules

10 in the programme

Economic Development and the World Trade Organization
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the relationship between economic development and the WTO, including how multilateral trade rules affect developing countries and development strategies.
Advanced Macroeconomic Theory I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers advanced macroeconomic theory including economic growth, business cycles, and macroeconomic policy frameworks relevant to trade economics.
Quantitative Methods I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quantitative methods for economic analysis including statistical theory, probability, and econometric techniques applied to trade data.
Advanced Microeconomic Theory I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines advanced microeconomic theory including consumer behaviour, production theory, and market structures relevant to international trade analysis.
The Legal Regime of GATT and World Trade Organization
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers the legal framework of GATT and the WTO, including trade rules, dispute settlement, and the institutional architecture of the multilateral trading system.
Economics of the World Trading System
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the economics of the world trading system including trade theory, trade patterns, global value chains, and the economics of trade agreements.
Agricultural Policy Analysis and Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Covers agricultural trade policy, food security, and the agricultural dimensions of multilateral trade negotiations and policy management.
Negotiating Skills and Bargaining Theory
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines negotiation theory, bargaining strategies, and practical trade negotiation skills in bilateral and multilateral contexts.
Research Methods in Economics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original economic research on trade and multilateral trading systems.
Research Paper
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research paper on an aspect of the economics of multilateral trading systems, demonstrating mastery of trade economics and policy analysis, assessed through written submission.

Specialisations

WTO and Multilateral Trade
Focuses on the WTO framework, GATT legal regime, dispute settlement mechanisms, and multilateral trade negotiation processes.
Regional Trade Integration
Examines regional trade agreements, customs unions, and economic communities including EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA.
Trade and Development
Covers the relationship between international trade and economic development, including trade-related capacity building and aid for trade.
Agricultural Trade Policy
Focuses on agricultural trade policy, food security, and the agricultural dimensions of multilateral trade negotiations.
Industrial Trade Policy
Examines industrial development policies, trade and industrialisation, and industrial policy in the context of multilateral trade rules.
Trade Negotiation
Covers negotiation theory, bargaining strategies, and practical trade negotiation skills in bilateral and multilateral contexts.
International Trade Law
Examines the legal framework of international trade including WTO law, trade remedies, and dispute settlement.
Environmental Trade Economics
Focuses on the intersection of trade and environment, including environmental standards, green trade, and sustainable development in trade policy.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on advanced economic theory, WTO legal frameworks, or trade policy analysis at the University of Nairobi's School of Economics. Students engage in quantitative analysis exercises, trade policy simulations, and seminar discussions on contemporary trade issues such as Doha Round negotiations, regional integration, and AfCFTA implementation. The programme includes negotiation exercises where students practise bargaining theory in simulated trade negotiation scenarios. Those in the research phase conduct independent research on trade policy topics, analysing trade data and working on their research paper under faculty supervision, with access to WTO resources through the Chairs Programme.

The trade offs

In its favour

Unique programme in East Africa focusing on multilateral trading systems, supported by the WTO Chairs Programme at UoN.
Strong industry links with the WTO, EAC, UNCTAD, and AfCFTA Secretariat providing research and career opportunities.
Affordable fees at KES 609,000 total for a public university programme with a specialised trade focus.
Comprehensive curriculum covering economic theory, WTO law, negotiation skills, and trade policy analysis.

Against it

Highly specialised programme may limit career options compared to a general MA in Economics.
Only one institution offers this programme, limiting choice and geographic accessibility.
Only one intake per year in September, limiting admission flexibility.
Requires at least Upper Second Class Honours degree in Economics or relevant discipline, excluding some applicants.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses

Public305k to 305k

305k at University of Nairobi305k at University of Nairobi

Private130k to 130k

130k at Mount Kenya University130k at Mount Kenya University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN 609K/2yr=304.5K/yr(official). MKU 65K/sem*2=130K/yr(eduplace). Strathmore unverified.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, University of Nairobi bursaries for demonstrated financial need, and potential support through the WTO Chairs Programme for research and conference participation.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
WTO Chairs Programme Support
University of Nairobi Bursary

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
WTO Chairs Programme Support
ScholarshipKsh 150,000
Students in the MA Economics of Multilateral Trading Systems programme, supported through the WTO Chairs Programme for research and conference participation.
University of Nairobi Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
UoN students demonstrating academic merit and financial need.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Persons with lower qualifications but with publications and postgraduate diplomas after a Bachelor degree are also considered for admission. The programme has one intake per year in September. International students are welcome and pay fees in USD.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, problem sets, quantitative assignments, trade policy briefs, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination60% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering economic theory, quantitative methods, WTO frameworks, and trade policy analysis.
Negotiation Simulation
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment of trade negotiation skills through simulated WTO or regional trade negotiation scenarios, assessed on strategy and outcomes.
Research Paper
Research100% of the mark
Original research paper on an aspect of the economics of multilateral trading systems, demonstrating mastery of trade economics and policy analysis.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by the University of Nairobi's School of Economics under the WTO Chairs Programme, with support from the World Trade Organization.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes.
World Trade Organization Chairs Programme
Programme partnership
WTO programme supporting trade policy education and research at participating universities. UoN School of Economics hosts a WTO Chair.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Trade Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 300,000
Analyses trade policy issues and provides research and recommendations to government trade ministries, regional organisations, or international agencies.
Trade Negotiator
Low demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Represents Kenya or regional organisations in trade negotiations at WTO, EAC, COMESA, or AfCFTA, applying negotiation and bargaining theory.
Trade Economist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 350,000
Conducts economic analysis of trade patterns, trade agreements, and trade policy impacts for government, international organisations, or research institutions.
Trade Policy Advisor
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 350,000
Advises government officials or organisations on trade policy formulation, negotiation strategies, and compliance with multilateral trade rules.
Regional Integration Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 95,000 to Ksh 320,000
Works with regional organisations like EAC, COMESA, or AfCFTA on trade integration, harmonisation, and regional trade policy.
University Lecturer
Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches international trade, trade policy, or economics at universities, conducting research on multilateral trading systems.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as trade policy analysts, trade negotiators, trade economists, and policy advisors in government trade ministries, regional organisations, the WTO, and international development agencies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

STATA
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for trade data analysis, econometric modelling, and trade policy evaluation.
WITS (World Integrated Trade Solution)
SoftwarePrimary
Trade analysis software developed by the World Bank and UNCTAD for accessing and analysing international trade data.
R
Software
Open-source statistical programming language for trade data analysis, gravity modelling, and trade econometrics.
SMART
Software
WTO/World Bank tool for partial equilibrium modelling of trade policy changes, used for tariff liberalisation impact analysis.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This programme is only for those wanting to work at the WTO.
Graduates work in government trade ministries, regional organisations like EAC and AfCFTA, development agencies, research institutions, and private sector companies engaged in international trade.
The programme focuses only on legal aspects of trade.
The programme combines economic theory, quantitative methods, and legal frameworks, providing a comprehensive understanding of the economics of multilateral trading systems.
Trade economics is irrelevant in the African context.
Trade is critical for African economies, with Kenya's trade-to-GDP ratio at approximately 67%, making trade policy expertise highly relevant for economic development.
You need to be a lawyer to understand WTO frameworks.
The programme is designed for economics graduates, with legal modules taught at an accessible level for economists rather than requiring a law background.
The programme is too specialised and limits career options.
The programme provides strong foundations in economic theory and quantitative methods alongside trade specialisation, making graduates competitive for both general economics and specialised trade policy roles.
Multilateral trade is only about tariffs and quotas.
The programme covers the full range of multilateral trade issues including services trade, intellectual property, trade facilitation, sanitary measures, and non-tariff barriers.