Program Overview

Research Programmes

The Faculty of Law currently offers three research postgraduate programmes at the master and doctorate levels. They are Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Law, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, and the Doctor of Legal Science (SJD). A successful thesis should represent the result of the candidate’s research which demonstrates originality, a sound understanding of the field of study and the appropriate research methods. Candidates will conduct research work under the supervision of our academic members who are experts in their respective fields.

Mode of Attendance

Full-time: 2 years

Coursework

Research postgraduate students are required to satisfactorily complete the Graduate School courses as well as the Faculty courses prescribed for their respective fields of study/degrees, i.e. 1 compulsory course and 2 elective courses from the list of research methodology courses.

Entrance Requirements

For consideration of admission to the MPhil programme, applicants should hold the following qualification:

• an LLB degree or equivalent from this or any other approved University with honours. 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;
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic Module) – an overall band score of 7 or above with no subtest below 6.5. For admissions purposes, the above test score report is regarded as valid for two years.

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit their applications directly via the Graduate School’s application platform.

• A research proposal
• A brief CV
• Official statement of class rank, if available

Deadline of Application

For 2026/27 admission to the MPhil programme:

• Faculty of Law’s Deadline for Application: 15 November 2025
• Main Round: 1 September 2025 – 1 December 2025

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.