Programme Overview
The MPhil in Laws Programme is a research degree for students committed to advanced legal research. Admission to the MPhil Programme potentially leads to admission to the PhD Programme, subject to CUHK LAW’s evaluation of the candidate’s academic performance during his or her MPhil study period. Only a limited number of places are available each year and placement is highly competitive.
Application Deadlines for 2026-27
You may apply by using our on-line application process at the University’s Graduate School webpage.
Applications for 2026-27 admissions, with the following application deadlines, are now invited.
1 December 2025 (main round)
You are strongly encouraged to apply by this deadline.
31 March 2026 (clearing round)
Applications in clearing round will only be considered subject to availability of places. Most of research students are usually selected from the main round of applicants.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the General Requirements of the Graduate School, applicants must:
- possess a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree with first class honours or upper second class honours awarded by a recognized university; or
- possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or a Master of Laws (LLM) degree awarded by a recognized university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above; or
- possess an equivalent degree (including non-law related) awarded by a recognized tertiary educational institution.
Applicants must satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement by:
- possessing a degree awarded by a recognized university in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country, or taught primarily in the English Language; or
- achieving a result of Band 7.5 or better in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS test results must be obtained not more than two years prior to the date of applying for admission to the MPhil Programme; or
- achieving at least a score of 600 (Paper Based Test) or 100 (Internet Based Test) in the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL test results must be obtained not more than two years prior to the date of applying for admission to the MPhil Programme; or
- providing alternative evidence of English Proficiency equivalent to one of the preceding measures.
Application Materials
Research Plan
Not exceeding 3,000 words, including:
- Title of the research
- Research objectives
- Major problem(s) to be explored
- Outline of subject-matter content
- Literature review
- Research methodologies
- Expected contribution to the field
- Bibliographical references
Personal Statement
Not exceeding 1,500 words, describing:
- Academic experiences
- Professional experiences
- Interests and goals
- Personal credentials relevant to proposed research
Curriculum Vitae
Brief CV highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
Your research plan is a critical component of your application. It must be your own independent work. A well-structured research plan demonstrates your potential for conducting academic research at the MPhil level.
Application materials also include references, transcripts, and other documents as detailed in the online application.
Programme Information
- Medium of Instruction: English
- Campus: University main campus in Shatin
- Delivery Mode: Full-time or part-time study modes
Programme Duration
Full-time mode:
- Normative: 2 years
- Maximum: 4 years
Part-time mode:
- Normative: 3 years
- Maximum: 6 years
The normative study period is the expected timeframe for completing all programme requirements, including coursework and thesis.
The maximum period represents the absolute deadline for programme completion.
Programme Requirements
First Two Academic Terms
- LAWS7001 Orientation to Research Postgraduate Studies
- LAWS7002 Research Methodologies
- LAWS7004 Legal Education Practicum
First Term of Second Year
- LAWS7003 Legal Academic Composition for Research Postgraduate Students
Throughout Enrollment
- LAWS8001 Thesis Research, Writing and Organisation
Students are also required to complete the following modules for graduation:
- Improving Postgraduate Learning (IPL) module on “Observing Intellectual Property and Copyright Law during Research”
- Research Ethics Training module on “Publication Ethics” and obtain a valid Publication Ethics Certificate
- IPL module on “Basics of Research Data Management”
In their graduating year, students must submit a dissertation that makes a substantial contribution to learning in the field of law. The dissertation must be an original piece of work, endorsed by the student’s supervisors. Students are also required to pass an oral examination.
Financial Information
Tuition Fees
Full-time mode: HK$47,000 per year for 2026-27 and HK$49,500 per year for 2027-28.
Part-time mode (self-financed): HK$47,000 per year for 2026-27 and HK$49,500 per year for 2027-28.
(Above quoted tuition fees are subject to annual review.)
Student Housing
Full-time research postgraduate students within their normative study period are eligible to apply for on-campus accommodation at the Postgraduate Halls. Further details can be found here.
Studentship
Full-time research postgraduate students may receive postgraduate studentship, valued at HK$19,100 per month for the 2025-26 academic year, during the normative study period. Awardees of the postgraduate studentships do not receive a waiver of tuition fee. Further details can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to apply for both the MPhil and PhD Programmes. Can I submit one application for both Programmes?
No.You will need to apply separately for each Programme as applications for admission into either MPhil or PhD Programme will be processed independently.
When should I apply?
You are strongly encouraged to apply by 1 December. We encourage you to send us your application and supporting materials as early as possible. While you can apply until 31 March in the following year, most (if not all) of research students are usually selected from the main round of applicants who submitted their applications by 1 December.
Should I mention my preferred supervisor?
CUHK LAW assigns supervisors to each successful applicant based on the applicant’s areas of interest and the supervisor’s availability. You do not need to mention your preferred supervisor at the application stage. However, if you have based your application on what you hope will be supervised by a specific person, it will be helpful to name that person. Although there can be no guarantee that successful applicant will be assigned the supervisor of choice, CUHK LAW will make an effort to do so when the choice is reasonable.
If I am admitted to the MPhil Programme, is there any possibility that I can be transferred to the PhD Programme later on?
Yes. A student who has registered in a research master’s programme and has completed the first year of studies may be permitted, on the recommendation of the Graduate Division concerned and with the approval of the Graduate Council, to transfer to a research doctoral programme provided that the student meets the admission requirements of the doctoral programme concerned. The period of study of a student changing from research master’s to research doctoral in the same field of study shall count from the commencement date of his/her research master’s studies.
Is there any financial aid for full-time research students?
Yes. Postgraduate studentships, valued at HK$19,100 per month for the 2025-26 academic year, may be awarded to full-time research postgraduate students who are within their normative study period. Students receiving postgraduate studentships are expected to assist in the teaching and research work of CUHK LAW. Further information on financial aid can be found at the University’s Graduate School website.
Contact Information
Tel: (852) 3943 1681
E-mail: rpg.law@link.cuhk.edu.hk
Address:
Faculty of Law
6/F, Lee Shau Kee Building
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Shatin, New Territories
Hong Kong, China