Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

The LLB programme is the undergraduate law degree for students interested in legal education and practice. It provides students with legal knowledge in the areas of law which are prerequisites for the admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) and helps students develop the relevant intellectual, personal and technical skills. The programme is also suitable for students aiming for a range of other careers where legal knowledge is an advantage.

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Studying law is a great start for a successful and ambitious career. Our four-year LLB programme at CityU will provide you not only with the qualification required to be admitted into the professional career path but also with the option to study the areas of law which attract you most so that you can develop your distinct legal profile. If you like to be challenged further, our five-year Double Degree Programmes provide you with the basic elements of the LLB programme as well as the opportunity to graduate with a second undergraduate degree from one of the partnering faculties. We will be providing you with a supportive and rich academic environment, opportunities to study abroad and gain experience through internships. Our aim is to help you achieve your professional dreams while building friendships and enjoying your life as a law student.

Professor Michael TSIMPLIS
LLB Programme Director

Programme Information

Programme Aims	The programme aims to: a. provide a liberal education in the theory and practice of law at the level and rigour appropriate for an undergraduate degree; b. equip students with a critical understanding of law and legal institutions so as to enable them to serve the needs of Hong Kong and the international community; and c. facilitate the development of a range of intellectual skills, in particular the ability to think analytically and critically, to solve problems, and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Intended Learning Outcomes	Upon successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: Know the law - analytically and critically describe the main substantive/procedural laws and the legal system of Hong Kong, and also describe the principles of international law or the laws of other jurisdictions; - describe the law and legal system of the People’s Republic of China and its relation with Hong Kong’s constitutional set-up and commercial future; Apply the law - apply the law to solve legal problems; Evaluate & contextualise the law - critically evaluate the law in action and the dynamic interplay between law and other social phenomena and real-life situations; Acquire & use legal skills - use a range of legal or intellectual skills – such as reading and interpreting cases and statutes, identifying and evaluating relevant facts, conducting independent legal research, developing and offering solutions to legal problems, using and citing relevant authorities appropriately, drafting documents and communicating in a coherent, cogent and persuasive manner – in performing various tasks; Act ethically and responsibly - act with a strong sense of ethics and with due regard to social and professional responsibilities; Develop the attitude - develop an attitude of inquiry and a sense of curiosity to learning and knowledge; Opportunity to discover - have an opportunity to make an original discovery and/ or innovation concerning the operation of the law and procedure in Hong Kong.
Programme Structure	In order to graduate, LLB students are required to complete 120 credit units (for LLB students of 2021 cohort and thereafter) comprising core law courses, law electives and Gateway Education courses such as English language courses and Chinese civilisation courses. The core courses for LLB students are: Legal Methods, Research and Writing, Hong Kong Legal System, Law of Contract, Law of Tort, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Land Law, Jurisprudence and Legal Theory, Company Law, Public Law of the PRC and Private Law of the PRC. Students contemplating entry to the legal profession must also study Equity and Trusts, Law of Evidence and Commercial Law. In addition, LLB students may develop particular areas of interest by studying electives from various areas such as commercial law, environmental law, public law, international law, human rights law, international economic law, Chinese law, intellectual property law, cyberspace law, dispute resolution, international advocacy, comparative law and criminal law. Special emphasis is placed on comparative and international legal perspectives. Joint teaching of LLB and JD courses enables students to work together and develop team-work skills. A feature of the LLB programme will be an integrated approach to learning and assessment by which students will be able to acquire and improve their general transferrable skills and competencies. There will be more emphasis on in-class presentations, interactive teaching and small group activities rather than on traditional take-home written coursework and closed-book examinations. Attention will be paid throughout the programme to the continual improvement of language skills. LLB Programme Structure (for students admitted in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021) LLB Programme Structure (for students admitted in 2021-2022) LLB Programme Structure (for students admitted in 2022-2023) LLB Programme Structure (for students admitted in 2023-2024)
Special Features	Collaboration Programme with Georgetown University - The CityU School of Law has established two collaborative degree programmes with Georgetown University to offer the CityU LLB/ Georgetown LLM and CityU JD/Georgetown LLM. - These collaborative programmes are a testimony to the School’s strong global alliances and provide CityU students with an opportunity to obtain professional degrees in the United States and Hong Kong. They will enhance students’ employability in both jurisdictions with an overall reduction in study time. With proper planning, the LLB/LLM programme can be completed in four years of full-time study. - Details of the admission processes may be found here. Scholarships for students with outstanding academic results Lectures supplemented by interactive learning in small tutorial groups Guest lectures by scholars from top overseas law schools or legal institutions Legal placements at law firms, international companies, banks and NGOs in Hong Kong, courts in Mainland China or NGOs abroad during the summer term Extensive training and financial support for students for participating in international mooting competitions Exciting exchange opportunities at universities in Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA Opportunities to edit CityU Law Review, one of the academic journals led by CityU School of Law Opportunities to participate in Global Legal Education and Awareness Project (G-LEAP) and study for a month-long intensive course at University College, Oxford (to be confirmed)
Career Prospects	A law degree offers a firm foundation for a variety of successful careers in accountancy, business, finance, management, journalism and the Civil Service, and for further study, both in Hong Kong and overseas. Graduates may pursue further studies or professional qualifications in law, business and management, accountancy, finance and corporate administration. Graduates who wish to practise law in Hong Kong will need to complete the PCLL programme which we also offer at CityU. The Master of Laws (LLM), offered by the Law School, also creates significant opportunities for law graduates to extend their qualifications to the postgraduate level.

Admission

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Admission Requirements	JUPAS Applicants To be eligible for admission to the LLB programme, HKDSE applicants should achieve Level 5 or above in English Language and satisfy the University general entrance requirements (Please visit here for details). Direct / Non-JUPAS Applicants To be eligible for admission, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements and meet the following programme specific entrance requirements: - an overall band score of 7 in IELTS#; or - a TOEFL# score of 100 (internet-based test); or - Grade C or above in HKALE AS Level Use of English; or - other equivalent qualifications. #Obtained within three years before admission. Applicants may apply for admission to the LLB programme directly. Advanced standing entry will not be considered. Mature local applicants are eligible to apply for admission to first-year study even if they do not satisfy the minimum entrance requirements (Please visit here for more information). Mature applicants must be over the age of 25 by 1 September of the year of admission and be able to demonstrate their aptitude and suitability for study.
Assessment of Applications (HKDSE)	Please click here for details.
Tuition fee	Please click here for the tuition fee information. For tuition fee enquiries, please contact CityU School of Law General Office by email at lwllb@cityu.edu.hk or by phone at (852) 3442 8187.
Applications and Enquiries	Admission Period Students are admitted to the four year full-time LLB programme at the start of Semester A (which normally begins in early September) in each academic year. How to Apply Applicants seeking admission to the LLB programme can apply either through JUPAS (HKDSE) or directly to the University. Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) is a scheme and the main route of application designed to assist local students with Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination results (past and/or current) to apply for admission to the following programmes: 1. UGC-funded full-time bachelor's degree programmes offered by the eight UGC-funded institutions; 2. UGC-funded full-time associate degree programmes offered by CityU; 3. UGC-funded full-time higher diploma programme offered by EdUHK; 4. UGC-funded full-time higher diploma programmes offered by PolyU; 5. self-financing full-time bachelor's degree programmes offered by OUHK; and 6. SSSDP full-time bachelor's degree programmes offered by the SSSDP institutions. Please refer to the section on Programmes Offered for programmes offered under JUPAS. Applicants need to submit only ONE application to apply for admission to all of the above programmes. Part-time and self-financing programmes offered by the eight UGC-funded institutions as listed in 1 above, and all other programmes not offered under JUPAS by OUHK and the SSSDP institutions as listed in 5 and 6 above, however, are not covered under the JUPAS scheme, and applicants should apply to the individual institutions directly. The nine JUPAS participating-institutions (viz. CityU, HKBU, LingnanU, CUHK, EdUHK, PolyU, HKUST, HKU and OUHK) and the SSSDP institutions concerned would be pleased to answer enquiries in respect of such programmes. For more information about the eligibility for JUPAS, please visit https://www.jupas.edu.hk/en/eligibility. Details of the JUPAS scheme can be obtained from the JUPAS website (http://www.jupas.edu.hk) or from the JUPAS office at the following address: JUPAS Office Room 248 2/F Main Building The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong 24-hour Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS): (852) 2334 2330 Enquiry hotline: (852) 2334 2929 / (852) 2233 2929 Email: info@jupas.edu.hk Fax: (852) 2858 4825 Applicants who will be relying upon HKDSE results and seeking admission through the JUPAS route must submit their applications via the JUPAS website (http://www.jupas.edu.hk). If you wish to apply directly to the University, please visit the website of the CityU Admissions Office for details (https://www.cityu.edu.hk/admo/). You can apply online at https://www.cityu.edu.hk/admo/apply-now
Admissions Enquiries:	For general admissions enquiries, please contact the Admission Office: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/admo/explore/contact-us Further information about the LLB programme is obtainable from CityU School of Law: Professor Michael TSIMPLIS Professor LLB Programme Director School of Law City University of Hong Kong 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel.: (852) 3442 9133 Fax: (852) 3442 0190 Email: m.tsimplis@cityu.edu.hk Ms Anna LUI Teaching Fellow LLB Programme Associate Director School of Law City University of Hong Kong 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel.: (852) 3442 8191 Fax: (852) 3442 0190 Email: annalui@cityu.edu.hk General Office, School of Law Room 6101, 6/F, Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Academic Building City University of Hong Kong 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3442 8008 Fax: (852) 3442 0190 Email: lwllb@cityu.edu.hk Website: http://www.cityu.edu.hk/slw

Student Testimony

“The CityU LLB and PCLL programme are well-known for providing students with essential and practical skills for their legal career. I was looking for a law school that could provide not only legal knowledge, but also a wide spectrum of opportunities of growth for students in preparation for the legal profession. I made the right choice and the experience I gained in CityU was well beyond my expectation. After working as a solicitor focusing on dispute resolution, I realise how much I have learnt from different extra-curricular activities, such as the CityU Law Review Editorial Board, mooting competition, and other overseas learning experience programme. Every time when I look back, I am always grateful for everything the Law School has offered, and for all the support and guidance of all professors and mentors. I am always proud to be a CityU law graduate.”

Cammy Man

Solicitor

LLB Graduate 2014 & PCLL Graduate 2015

“I completed my LLB and PCLL programmes at City U. The multi-dimensional nature of the programmes provided me with a solid foundation for my future practice as a barrister. In particular, the well-structured mooting training allowed me to gauge the depth of research and analysis required before advancing any arguments in court. Also, the quality of the teaching staff especially former and current legal practitioners gave students practical tips and valuable insights of how things work in practice.
During my 4-year LLB programme, I had the opportunity to join the G-LEAP programme to undertake a summer course at Oxford University which is an eye-opening experience and inspires me to pursue my postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom after graduation. I also participated in the internship programme arranged by the School of Law with the Courts in Mainland China which availed me to have dialogues with members of the Court and judges about the difference between civil and common law regimes and the cases they were handling.
In retrospect, my 5-year education at CityU was proven to be fruitful and rewarding. I am very grateful for all the assistance and advices offered to me throughout my studies. Also, the optimal size of the LLB programme and the small group in PCCL allowed me to bond with my classmates and groupmates closely and paved the way for our smooth working relationships in practice.”

Brian CHOK

Barrister, Sir Oswald Cheung's Chambers

LLB Graduate 2013 & PCLL Graduate 2015

FAQ

I would like to switch to read law as a major. How do I do so?

Currently, a student is required to be enrolled in a law minor programme before the Law School is prepared to consider admitting the student to the law major programme.

What are the requirements for entry into a law minor programme?

We require the applicant to satisfy the following requirements:
- CGPA at least 3.0; and
- Good English Proficiency (A- or above in GE English, Level 5 or above in HKDSE English language, or meeting the equivalent English-language requirements for the LLB Programme).

Can I study law modules prior to admission to the law minor programme?

No, you will need to apply for special approval if you wish to study law modules prior to admission to one of the law minor programmes.

What requirements must I satisfy in order to move from a law minor programme to a law major programme?

The following criteria will be taken into account for Change of Home Major / Second Major:
(a) Good English Proficiency (A- or above in GE English, Level 5 or above in HKDSE English language, or meeting the equivalent English-language requirements for the LLB Programme);
(b) HKDSE scores (best 6 subjects including English) exceeding the admissions threshold for the LLB or equivalent academic qualifications; As an indication a HKDSE score of 27 or above would normally be adequate;
(c) CGPA at least 3.2; and
(d) Good performance in any one law minor (e.g. Business Law Minor, Human Rights Law Minor, Media Law Minor).

The above criteria will be considered holistically. The academic performance (c) and the performance in the law minor (d) are most important in assessing the capability of a student to complete a law major.

*A second major of law is not a qualifying degree and it does not entitle the graduate to apply for the PCLL programme.

What are the dates that I should be aware of? When can I apply?

The Academic Regulations and Records Office (ARRO) is responsible for overseeing the application process. Please look out for announcements on the website of ARRO (http://www6.cityu.edu.hk/arro/). There are two rounds for adding and dropping minors in each academic year; this usually take place in November and April.

For general enquiries about admissions

Please see Frequently Asked Questions (Undergraduate Programmes)

Programme Leaflet