Juris Doctor (JD)

The JD Programme is a versatile postgraduate law degree for graduates with bachelor degrees in non-law disciplines, which potentially leads to admission into the legal profession or assuming leadership roles in a variety of work sectors. It is a respected and internationally-recognised award conferred by many universities in leading jurisdictions aboard and provides students with an intellectually-enriching general education in law.

An important feature of this Programme is that it is entirely postgraduate in both form and substance. As a JD student, you will share classes only with other graduate students. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of exciting electives.

Medium of instruction: English
How and when to apply:

You may apply by using our on-line application process at the University's Graduate School webpage within the application period, which normally starts by late November every year.

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled.  Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.
Admission requirements:

You must have:

  • graduated from a recognised university and obtained a Bachelor's degree in a non-law subject or a law degree from a non-common law jurisdiction, normally with honours not lower than Second Class; or
  • graduated from an Honours Programme of a recognised university with a Bachelor's degree in a non-law subject or a law degree from a non-common law jurisdiction, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than "B" in undergraduate courses; or
  • completed a course of study in a tertiary educational institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to an honours degree.

    You must also satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement. More

    English Language Proficiency Requirement:

      You must also satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement by:

    • possessing a Bachelor’s degree obtained by completing a programme of study in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country, or which was taught primarily in the English Language; or
    • achieving a result of Band 7.5 or better in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which result was obtained not more than two years prior to the date of applying to join the JD Programme; or
    • achieving a result of 600 (Paper Based Test) or 100 (Internet Based Test) or better in the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), which result was obtained not more than two years prior to the date of applying to join the JD Programme; or
    • providing alternative evidence of English Proficiency equivalent to one of the preceding measures.

    PETS scores will not be considered as an alternative evidence.
Duration:
  • Full-time: 24 months (normative study period).
  • Part-time: 42 months (normative study period).

(Application for change of study mode prior to the beginning of the first term of study will not be approved).

Campus: The CUHK Graduate Law Centre, 2/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central.
Programme
requirements:
  • 72 units: including 15 or 18 units required courses and 54 or 57 units of elective courses.  Student should also pass all assessments and obtain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and pass the University IT Proficiency Test* in order to be recommended for graduation.


    *Applicable for students admitted in 2011-12 or before.

  • Study Sequence
  • Course Information
Delivery mode:

There will be typically classes of three hours per week for each course during term time.  Classes will incorporate a mix of lectures, seminars, presentations and class discussions.
Study options:
  • Students may also take elective courses offered in the LLM Programmes at the Faculty of Law.
  • Course and Unit exemptions: may be granted.  Please click here for details.
Additional learning & development opportunities:
Tuition fees:

HK$4,200 per unit* for a total of 72 units within normative study period

*Subject to annual review.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Career options:
  • Solicitor
  • In-house Lawyer
  • Barrister
  • Careers in commerce, finance, education, public service etc.
Admission to practice:

You are qualified to be eligible for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister of the High Court of Hong Kong after completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) and a Solicitor’s training contract (2 years) or pupillage at the Bar (1 year). More
Further study options:
  • Postgraduate studies for Master or PhD degrees.
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) (on completion of required elective courses and meeting other rigorous admission requirements).