Program Overview

Programme: LLD

The LLD programme is a research-based degree that requires students to conduct original research in the field of law. The programme is designed to equip students with advanced research skills and knowledge in their chosen area of specialization.

Programme Information

The LLD programme is offered by the Faculty of Law and consists of a thesis and an oral defence of the thesis. The topic of the thesis must be selected from the fields of study and be approved by the Dean. The final copy of the thesis must be accompanied by a proof of submission of an article to an accredited journal.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the LLD programme, a candidate must be in possession of at least an LLM degree or an equivalent degree. The candidate must also submit a writing portfolio consisting of the LLM mini-dissertation/dissertation and/or other recent research-based essays, assignments or the like, as well as a letter of motivation and a preliminary research statement.

• The candidate must have obtained at least 65% (or the equivalent of this mark) for the dissertation or mini-dissertation of the preceding master's degree (or an equivalent degree).
• The Faculty Board may grant exemption from the above conditions.
• A candidate will only be admitted to the LLD programme if the Faculty can provide a suitable supervisor in light of the applicant's preliminary research statement, and writing portfolio.

Registration and Renewal of Registration

If admitted, a student can register immediately for the LLD programme. The following two or three modules must be registered for and completed within one year of registration:

1. Research methodology (RHP 902): This module is offered by the Faculty of Law and covers topics such as planning and organising a research project, drafting a research proposal, and methodological approaches to legal research.
2. Research proposal and oral defence of the research proposal (RHP 904): This module requires students to develop and defend a research proposal, which must be approved by the supervisor and the adjudicating panel.
3. Structured research proposal preparation (RHP 906): This non-credit-bearing module may be prescribed by the supervisor to ensure that the student is adequately prepared to conduct the research.

Core Modules

The LLD programme consists of the following core modules:

• LLD 990: Thesis: Law 990: This module requires students to conduct original research and produce a thesis that contributes to the field of law.
• RHP 902: Research methodology 902: This module covers topics such as planning and organising a research project, drafting a research proposal, and methodological approaches to legal research.
• RHP 904: Research proposal and oral defence of the research proposal 904: This module requires students to develop and defend a research proposal, which must be approved by the supervisor and the adjudicating panel.

Research Information

The LLD degree is conferred by virtue of a thesis, and an oral defence of the thesis. The topic of the thesis must be selected from the fields of study, and be approved by the Dean. A written agreement between the student and supervisor should be signed, outlining their individual roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Oral Defence of the Thesis

After receipt of the reports of the external examiners, the examiners' recommendations must be subjected to the successful completion of revisions as required by the examiners and recommendations of the Postgraduate Committee. The supervisor may also arrange a public lecture on the topic to be presented by the candidate.