Programme Brochure - Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong

Dean’s Message‘The aim of education should be to teach how to think,rather than what to think,’ It is with this conviction inmind that we introduced our JD programme on theFortieth Anniversary of our Law School. Having been apioneer in undergraduate legal education for forty years,we believed the time was ripe for us to introduce aunique and vigorous graduate law programme that takesinto account the needs of mature graduate students.Our vision is to create a top quality common lawprogramme that focuses both on depth and breadth.From the very beginning, we decided to have a smallintake. This would allow us to get to know our studentswell, to create a cozy, cordial and supportive learningenvironment, and to give individual attention to eachof our students. It is now a few years down the roadand we know we made the right decision. We areable to give our students individual attention rangingfrom academic studies to career advice to personaldevelopment. Our graduates from this programmefind that they have experienced a most memorableand rewarding part of their life’s journey. There isa stimulating and vibrant academic environmentfor learning, where they can learn from the leadingscholars, not only in our Law School, but from everypart of the world. The Programme is carefully structured,and the learning is vigorous and inspiring, focusingnot only on what the law is but what the law ought tobe, great emphasis being accorded critical analysisand lawyering skills. There is regular interaction andfeedback between students and teachers, and thereis a strong bonding among the students themselvesand between the students and the academic staff.As an internationally prestigious university, we alsooffer our students ample opportunities for internationalexposure, including international mooting competitionsand student exchange programmes, as well as careerplacement. We also run a joint JD-LLM programmewith the University of Pennsylvania Law School underwhich our students can spend a year on scholarship atone of the Ivy League Universities to obtain a mastersqualification. In short, our aim is to provide the bestlegal education for our students.This is a highly competitive programme, with topstudents applying from all over the world, and we lookforward to your joining us.Professor Johannes Chan SC (Hon)Dean, Faculty of LawThe University of Hong Kong1