How much does the distance learning programme cost?
The distance learning programme fee is £3750, which includes a registration fee of £50.

What does the fee include?
The tuition fee shall cover the fee for the programme and the shipment of the case book or any other required reading and study materials. It shall not cover travel costs to and from the residency session and the costs of accommodation and food during the residency session.
                                                      
If I decide to withdraw from the programme, am I entitled to a refund?                    
A student who has been offered a place, has accepted the place and has paid the registration fee shall not be entitled to a refund of £50 if the student decides to withdraw from the programme before it begins. Students who begin the programme and decide to withdraw during the first module shall be entitled to a refund of 50% of the tuition fee. Students who decide to withdraw from the programme after the work on the second module has been started shall not be entitled to any refund.

What are the admission requirements?       
The principal criterion for admission is a sound academic and/or professional background in a discipline relating to the distance learning programme, preferably law, economics or international relations.

What is the language of instruction?
The distance learning programme is taught in English. It is imperative that applicants have a sufficient level of English-language proficiency to be able to work and pass exams in English. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they possess a good working knowledge of English and the ability to express themselves well both in writing and orally.

Are ECTS points awarded for the programme?
Yes, upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded 10 ECTS points.

What is the minimum period required to complete the programme?
If you successfully complete each of the distance learning module multiple choice exams and essay assignments at the first attempt and pass the oral exam, the programme should take about 12 months.

How is the programme taught?                
The programme consists of 7 distance learning modules and 1 residency module. The distance learning modules are each made up of reading assignments, a multiple choice exam and an essay assignment. During the first 7 modules you will be able to interact with your tutors via e-mail and in an online forum. The last module is a week-long residency session where students have to pass an oral exam of 20 to 30 minutes in the first round for the completion of the programme.

Do the modules have to be taken in sequence?  
Yes. The modules must be completed in succession. You can only proceed to the next module after passing the previous one.

Can I study at my own pace?
The distance learning modules are divided into four topics, and students are expected to complete at least two topics per week, thereby finishing one module per month. If substantial reasons (e.g. illness) prevent a student from completing a module on time, the Director of Studies shall be free to give that student an extension for his or her work or agree to a change in schedule. Cases of illness have to be demonstrated by submitting a confirmation from a certified doctor or hospital.

Can I enrol in the programme even though I am working full-time?
Yes. The programme is designed so that students can complete the course work in their spare time, and is effectively designed for busy professionals.

Can I start the programme anytime?
No. The programme shall be offered twice a year at a minimum.

How do I register for the distance learning programme and how does the application process work?
The application package, which must be submitted to CMP Publishing and the WTI simultaneously, consists of the application form, a résumé, academic certificates and two letters of recommendation. The application form is available online. Applicants will be notified of their admission in writing within 3 weeks after their application materials have been received. Upon this notification, applicants shall be required to formally accept or decline the place offered to them. Applicants who decide to accept the place shall pay a registration fee of £50. This fee shall be counted against the tuition fee. Upon admission, each student shall sign a declaration indicating that he or she is fully aware that any work to be submitted has to be prepared by the student him-/herself without help by third parties and that he or she is aware that the finding of circumstances different from this can lead to the student’s exclusion from the programme or the withdrawal of a certificate even after it has been granted.

What is included in the starter package?  
After having been admitted to the distance learning programme, you will receive the programme textbook, which where necessary will be complemented by supplementary readings as the programme progresses. In addition, you will receive a username and password that allow you to log in to the programme website.

Is there a graduation ceremony?
Yes. The Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Trade Regulation will be awarded at the end of the residency session in a formal ceremony.

Will my Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Trade Regulation say that the programme was delivered on a distance learning basis?
Yes. The certificate shall indicate that it is based upon a distance learning programme.

How does a multiple choice exam work?
For the electronically administered multiple choice exam you have to log in to the programme website. You have to answer 10 out of 15 questions correctly in 60 minutes. In order for you to keep track of the time, a clock will indicate how much time you have left to complete the multiple choice exam. There is only one correct answer per multiple choice question and so you should only tick one answer. After taking the multiple choice exam, you will immediately know whether you have passed or failed. If you have failed, you will get two more attempts to complete the multiple choice exam.  
                                     
How do I complete an essay?
After you have successfully completed the multiple choice exam of the respective module, you are automatically allocated an essay question that will be sent to your e-mail address. You have two weeks to complete the essay and to return it to your tutor. There is an online facility through which you must upload completed essays and from where your tutor will then collect them for grading. If you fail, you will have two more attempts to obtain a satisfactory essay grade.

How does the essay feedback system work?        
The tutors have a maximum of 3 weeks to correct the respective essay. After the essay has been graded, students will receive feedback.

How is communication established?                       
Even though this is a distance learning programme, you will be able to interact with tutors by e-mail and in an online forum.
            
What do I do if I cannot establish contact with my tutor?
Get in touch with the programme administrator who will try to inform the tutor. As the tutors of the module in progress will moderate the online forum, you could always post a message there.

Will I be in touch with and/or meet other students?
Yes. The last module, the residency session, will allow you to get to know, in a classroom environment, the other students.