PhD

Law

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 9.02 k / Year(s) Deadline: Dec 6, 2025
126 place StudyQA ranking:2055 Duration:4 years

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This programme aims to nurture people who can:

  • contribute to the advancement of knowledge through independent and original research in law;
  • demonstrate specialist subject knowledge and a high level of transferable skills, including analytical, communication and leadership skills;
  • discover the knowledge and understanding of law in the particular areas of research;
  • develop scholarship in the areas of law that are relevant to the contemporary society with a view to understanding their present state as well as their future directions; and
  • develop the ability to make substantial original contribution to an area of law.

Upon successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate a critical understanding of law in their own fields and demonstrate an ability to analyse information and practice in their own fields of research;
  • critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise the main theories, principles, and concepts in their own fields of research;
  • demonstrate creativity in contributing to the knowledge of law by the formulation of research questions and the selection, development and implementation of appropriate research strategies; 
  • create, deploy and defend an argument in writing and orally; and
  • demonstrate an ability to make substantial original contribution to an area of law.
  • Advanced Legal Research Methodology
  • Research Seminars
  • Teaching Students: First Steps

Thesis

The thesis offers a student a challenging and enriching opportunity to propose, formulate and carry out an independent research project and develop research methodology to be applied in his/her own research. The thesis will help the student to develop innovative thinking in tackling legal issues (either theoretical or practical) to meet the needs of local as well as international communities and to make substantial original contribution to legal scholarship.

Requirements

  • Be a current MPhil student in the University who seeks transfer to PhD candidature; or
  • Hold a higher degree by research (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university; or
  • Hold a taught Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university; or
  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree with first class honours (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.
  • Applicants from an institution where the language of teaching is not English should satisfy the minimum English proficiency requirements specified by both the University and individual Colleges and Schools. The University’s minimum English proficiency requirement for research degree programmes is 580 (paper-based test) or 92 (internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) OR an overall band score of 7.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Equivalent qualifications are also acceptable. 
  • Official certificates and transcripts of academic qualifications (Certificates and transcripts that are not in English should be accompanied by a formal certified translation in English.) [Applicants who obtained degrees from institutions that gave degree classification and/or grade point average but are not shown in the certificate or transcript are required to also send copies of any other official documents that indicate their formal degree classification or grade point average.]
  • Certificates of professional qualifications, if applicable (Certificates that are not in English should be accompanied by a formal certified translation in English.) 
  • (In support of the applicant’s publication record, if applicable) the front page of the papers (for papers that have been published) or the letter of acceptance (for papers that have been accepted for publication). [Applicants to the School of Law must also submit a self-assessment (of not more than 400 words) of their publications together with full copies of their best three publications. Where any publication so submitted is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an abstract in English.]
  • Nominate two academic referees who can comment on their academic performances (proposed supervisor and persons from non-academic circles are normally not acceptable as academic referees). 
  • A non-refundable application fee of HK$200 will be charged for each online application. Settlement of the application fee shall be made via online credit card payment.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

  • Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme
  • Postgraduate Studentship
  • Research Tuition Scholarship
  • Conference Grant
  • Research Activities Fund
  • Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies Entrance Scholarships
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