Summer Programme on Hong Kong Legal System for Visiting Students 2026
📍School of Law, City University of Hong Kong
Programme Overview
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s legal system embodies a unique constitutional framework: a common law jurisdiction preserving judicial independence and capitalist economic principles, operating autonomously yet within the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and its socialist civil law system. HKSAR’s unique combination of historical origin, preserved legal traditions, geopolitical significance, and dynamic interplay between “one country” and “two systems” renders its model legally sui generis.
This course is normally offered as a 3-credit course "Hong Kong Legal System” during the regular semester. In the summer intensive mode, it is condensed into a flexible two- or three-week format while covering the same topics and maintaining the same academic rigor:
• Track A (3 Weeks): Includes 2 weeks of core teaching plus a final week dedicated to revision and examination.
• Track B (2 Weeks): Covers the core teaching block only (no examination).
For details on the two different pathways, please refer to Study Mode section below.
For details on the topics to be covered, please refer to the timetable below.
This course features 3-hour lectures delivered by our faculty members and external legal practitioners. Through critically reviewing the Basic Law and other foundational texts, landmark decisions made by not only the HKSAR Courts but also the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and contemporary challenges, students will be able to understand and navigate the HKSAR legal system.
The syllabus of the summer programme aligns with that of the top-up subject “Hong Kong Legal System” under the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) Conversion Exam. Eligible students who successfully complete Track A of the summer programme could demonstrate competence in this top-up subject in lieu of taking this subject in the PCLL Conversion Exam.
Who is this course for?
The summer programme is designed for students of tertiary institutions outside Hong Kong. For entry requirements, please see Study Mode section below.
This course is normally offered as a 3-credit course "Hong Kong Legal System” during the regular semester. In the summer intensive mode, it is condensed into a flexible two- or three-week format while covering the same topics and maintaining the same academic rigor:
• Track A (3 Weeks): Includes 2 weeks of core teaching plus a final week dedicated to revision and examination.
• Track B (2 Weeks): Covers the core teaching block only (no examination).
For details on the two different pathways, please refer to Study Mode section below.
For details on the topics to be covered, please refer to the timetable below.
This course features 3-hour lectures delivered by our faculty members and external legal practitioners. Through critically reviewing the Basic Law and other foundational texts, landmark decisions made by not only the HKSAR Courts but also the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and contemporary challenges, students will be able to understand and navigate the HKSAR legal system.
The syllabus of the summer programme aligns with that of the top-up subject “Hong Kong Legal System” under the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) Conversion Exam. Eligible students who successfully complete Track A of the summer programme could demonstrate competence in this top-up subject in lieu of taking this subject in the PCLL Conversion Exam.
Who is this course for?
The summer programme is designed for students of tertiary institutions outside Hong Kong. For entry requirements, please see Study Mode section below.
Study Mode
The programme will be taught in a face-to-face mode and the medium of instruction is English.
Students may select one of the course modes based on their eligibility and academic goals:
Students may select one of the course modes based on their eligibility and academic goals:
Track A: Academic Credit-bearing
- Duration: 3 Weeks
• Teaching Period: 27 Jul - 8 Aug 2026 (Mon-Sat)
• Revision Week: 9 - 13 Aug 2026
• Examination: 14 Aug 2026 - Course Requirements:
• A minimum attendance rate of 90%
• A minimum mark of 50% in the examination - Certificate Award:
Students successfully fulfil all course requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Completion - Eligibility:
• Has the right of abode or right to land in the HKSAR
• Undergraduate students of tertiary institutions outside Hong Kong (min. CGPA of 3.0/4.3 or equivalent)
• Evidence of proficiency in English^#
- a min. total score of 79 (internet-based test) in TOEFL; or
- an overall band score of 6.0 in IELTS; or
- a score of 480 in Chinese Mainland's College English Test (CET) Band 6; or
- a score of 110/150 in JEE (Gaokao) English language; or
- other equivalent qualifications - ^For applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution where the medium of instruction is not English.
#We do not accept the scores of English tests of 'TOEFL iBT Home Edition', 'TOEFL MyBest Score', 'IELTS Indicator', 'IELTS One Skill Retake' and 'IELTS Online". TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years. Applicants are required to provide their TOEFL / IELTS test results obtained within the two years preceding the commencement of the programme's application period. For CET-6 scores, the validity period is three years.
Track B: Enrichment
- Duration: 2 Weeks
• Teaching Period: 27 Jul - 8 Aug 2026 (Mon-Sat)
• Visits to Legal Organisations: 27 - 30 Jul 2026
• Examination: Not required - Course Requirements:
• A minimum attendance rate of 90% - Certificate Award:
Students successfully fulfil all course requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Participation - Eligibility:
• Undergraduate students of tertiary institutions outside Hong Kong (min. CGPA of 3.0/4.3 or equivalent)
• Evidence of proficiency in English^#
- a min. total score of 79 (internet-based test) in TOEFL; or
- an overall band score of 6.0 in IELTS; or
- a score of 480 in Chinese Mainland's College English Test (CET) Band 6; or
- a score of 110/150 in JEE (Gaokao) English language; or
- other equivalent qualifications - ^For applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution where the medium of instruction is not English.
#We do not accept the scores of English tests of 'TOEFL iBT Home Edition', 'TOEFL MyBest Score', 'IELTS Indicator', 'IELTS One Skill Retake' and 'IELTS Online". TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years. Applicants are required to provide their TOEFL / IELTS test results obtained within the two years preceding the commencement of the programme's application period. For CET-6 scores, the validity period is three years.
Timetable
Note: The School reserves the right to modify the schedule without prior notice.
| July 2026 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|
26
/
|
27
Introduction to Common Law
TRACK B:
Legal Site Visit |
28
Comparing Legal Systems
TRACK B:
Legal Site Visit |
29
HK Legal System (1842-1997)
TRACK B:
Legal Site Visit |
30
Sources of Law
TRACK B:
Legal Site Visit |
31
The Court System
|
|
| August 2026 | ||||||
|
1
Doctrine of Precedent
|
||||||
|
2
Reading Day
|
3
The Process of Legislation
|
4
Legal Profession and Access to Justice
|
5
Civil Justice & Alternative Dispute Resolution
|
6
Criminal Justice System
|
7
Enforcing the Law
|
8
Interface with PRC Legal System
TRACK B ends
|
|
9
Track A:
Revision Week |
10
Track A:
Revision Week |
11
Track A:
Revision Week |
12
Track A:
Revision Week |
13
Track A:
Revision Week |
14
Track A:
Examination |
15
/
|
Note: The School reserves the right to modify the schedule without prior notice.
Programme & Accommodation Fees
The standard programme fee is HK$15,000 per person.
For students requiring accommodation, a flat package fee of HK$5,000 per person will be charged. This fee covers your stay at a student residence for the duration of your specific study track:
• Track A (21 Nights): Check-in on 26 July 2026 | Check-out on 15 Aug 2026
• Track B (15 Nights): Check-in on 26 July 2026 | Check-out on 9 Aug 2026
Please note that hall accommodation is subject to availability. Successful applicants will be notified and assigned to either Kowloon Tong Compound or Ma On Shan Compound depending on availability at the time of application.
Both options cover the complete academic curriculum and course materials. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
For students requiring accommodation, a flat package fee of HK$5,000 per person will be charged. This fee covers your stay at a student residence for the duration of your specific study track:
• Track A (21 Nights): Check-in on 26 July 2026 | Check-out on 15 Aug 2026
• Track B (15 Nights): Check-in on 26 July 2026 | Check-out on 9 Aug 2026
Please note that hall accommodation is subject to availability. Successful applicants will be notified and assigned to either Kowloon Tong Compound or Ma On Shan Compound depending on availability at the time of application.
Both options cover the complete academic curriculum and course materials. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
How to Apply?
Please submit the online application form on or before 27 June 2026.
Please note that we do not accept paper-based or email submissions.
Payment instructions will be provided upon successful application in July.
Please note that we do not accept paper-based or email submissions.
Payment instructions will be provided upon successful application in July.
Contact Us
For enquires, please email us at slw.summer@cityu.edu.hk