Research Programmes | SJD

Course Aims

The degree of Doctor of Legal Science (SJD) is a doctoral research programme which comprises a research thesis with a coursework component. It is mainly intended for students who are interested in conducting research in the field of law and who would like to benefit from a more structured research programme to assist them in writing the doctoral thesis. It is modelled on new developments in Australian universities, which in turn were borrowed from US law schools. A student may in exceptional circumstances be permitted to take some courses from the undergraduate courses taught in the Faculty, or from courses offered in other faculties of the University. A factor in course selection must be preparation for the student’s area of research.

Mode of Attendance

Full-time: 4 years

Coursework

SJD students are required to satisfactorily complete the Faculty courses prescribed for their respective fields of study/degrees, i.e.

• 1 compulsory course and at least 2 research methodology courses as prescribed in the Faculty Coursework Requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy; and
• 5 elective courses from the syllabus of the master degrees offered by the Faculty of Law, with at least an average grade of B in all courses by the end of the probation period.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants should hold any one of the following qualifications:

• an LLB degree or equivalent from this or any other approved University with honours and a taught Masters degree in law from this or any other approved University; or
• an LLB degree or equivalent from this or any other approved University with First Class Honours or equivalent.

For applicants who seek admissions on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, s/he should satisfy the University English language requirement. Preference will be given to those who obtain one of the following recognized English tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (internet-based test) – a score of 97 or above; or
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic Module) – an overall band score of 7 or above with no sub-test below 6.5.

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit their applications directly via the Graduate School’s application platform. In addition to the supporting documents required by the Graduate School, there are discipline-specific requirements to be fulfilled. Applicants should prepare and submit the information below in English in their application for HKU Law research postgraduate programmes:

1. A research proposal
2. A brief CV
3. Official statement of class rank, if available

Deadline of Application

For 2026/27 admissions to the SJD programme, the Faculty of Law’s Deadline for Application is 15 November 2025. Enrolment in the HKU Law’s research postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Applications will be considered in the Main Round only.

Admission

Applications are considered by a Faculty committee collectively. It is not encouraged to identify and contact a supervisor before applying. For the sake of fairness and impartiality, the committee will only consider applications submitted officially via the Graduate School’s application platform. Preliminary or advance assessment of the qualifications and research proposal of an individual applicant will not be conducted.

Applicants to our research postgraduate programmes are required to have completed foundational law training. They are evaluated based on their academic record, research experience, and capacity for independent, original thought, as demonstrated through the research proposal. Admitted applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred supervisor after selection decisions have been made.

University of Hong Kong Summary

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Overview:

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is a prestigious public research university located in Hong Kong. It is renowned for its academic excellence and global standing, consistently ranking among the top universities worldwide.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Global Recognition:

HKU consistently ranks highly in global university rankings, demonstrating its academic excellence and international reputation.

World-Class Faculty:

HKU boasts a distinguished faculty of renowned scholars and researchers, providing students with access to cutting-edge knowledge and expertise.

Diverse Academic Programs:

HKU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across ten faculties, covering various disciplines and fields of study.

Research Opportunities:

HKU is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.

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Academic Programs:

HKU offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across ten faculties:

• Architecture
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Other:

• HKU has a strong commitment to knowledge exchange and community engagement, fostering collaborations and partnerships with various stakeholders.
• The university has a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and events, providing opportunities for personal growth and development.
• HKU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.