Introduction | Research in the School of Law | Admission Requirements | Accommodation | Financial Assistance | Applications and Enquiries
The School of Law offers the opportunity of doing research in a wide range of law related areas. The research degree programmes consist of both coursework and independent research studies culminating in the submission of a thesis. Progress is monitored throughout the candidature by a Qualifying Panel to whom a Qualifying Report must be submitted. The Report and an assessment of any coursework undertaken are the means used by the Panel to determine a transfer from MPhil to PhD.
A submitted thesis must present the research results so as to show a sound understanding of the area of study, its context and applicability. An MPhil thesis must make a substantial contribution to knowledge. A PhD thesis must make a substantial original contribution to knowledge in the subject area concerned.
The University has stipulated the following study periods for research degree programmes, and students are required to complete their studies, including the submission of their theses, within the said periods:
| Programme of Study | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| MPhil | 2 years | 4 years |
| PhD (students with a research master’s degree or a master’s degree with a thesis/project/dissertation before admission) |
3 years | 6 years |
| PhD (students without a research master’s degree nor a master’s degree with a thesis/project/dissertation before admission) |
4 years | 8 years |
To be recommended for the award of an MPhil or PhD degree, a student must successfully complete the coursework requirements, satisfy the examiners in respect of the thesis submitted, in an oral examination on the thesis and area of study concerned, and in any written or practical examinations or other tests as required.
The research of the faculty members in the School of Law focuses mainly on the following: comparative law theory and practice, constitutional and administrative law, human rights, socio-legal studies, economic analysis of law, civil and commercial law, foreign investment and trade law, cross-border legal issues, banking law, international law, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, law of torts, law of contract, environmental and planning law, criminal law and criminal justice, professional legal studies.
A vigorous and cooperative research culture provides a platform for creation, exchange, discussion and debate of ideas and perspectives on Chinese and comparative law. The focus is on both theoretical and practical aspects of legal research and emphasizes studies in global issues from a Chinese and Asian perspective and with an interdisciplinary focus. Research output is disseminated in Greater China and overseas.
Applicants seeking admission to a research degree programme should satisfy the following minimum entrance requirements:
Equivalent qualifications mentioned above include relevant professional qualifications or other scholarly achievements recognised by the University.
In addition to the above, applicants from an institution where the language of teaching is not English should satisfy the following minimum English proficiency requirements:
(The School has stipulated a validity period of three years for results of the above tests. Applicants are required to provide their English test results obtained within the three years preceding their application.)
The University may prescribe other additional entry qualifications, as deemed appropriate.
Residential accommodation for research students is available. All full-time research students of UGC-funded programmes are eligible to apply.
The Postgraduate Studentship is granted to selected full-time government-funded research students on the basis of academic merit.
The purpose of the Research Tuition Scholarship is to recognize and reward full-time government-funded students with outstanding academic performance. The Scholarship is granted in the form of a tuition fee exemption.
Government-funded research students can apply for conference grants to support their attendance at conferences. They may also apply for Research Activities Fund to support their research related activities outside Hong Kong.
The purpose of the Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies Entrance Scholarships is to encourage outstanding international students to undertake MPhil or PhD studies at the University (applicable to government-funded students only).
The Government and the University offer various kinds of grants and loans to help students who are in financial need. There are also various kinds of external financial awards and assistance granted on the basis of academic merit or financial need.
Apply online at http://www.sgs.cityu.edu.hk/prospective/apply/procedures
Applications are accepted throughout the year and will be considered mainly in one admission round.
Further details on the application procedures, programme requirements and tuition fee are obtainable from http://www.sgs.cityu.edu.hk/prospective/rpg/
or contact:
| Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies Room B, 7/F, Block 1 To Yuen Building City University of Hong Kong 83 Tat Chee Avenue Kowloon Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3442 9076 Fax: (852) 3442 0332 Email: sg@cityu.edu.hk Website: http://www.cityu.edu.hk/sgs |
Before submitting a formal application, applicants are advised to consult the designated staff member of the School of Law on the desired field of research studies, indicating their background, academic/professional qualifications and their motivation to pursue research studies.
Applicants will also be required to submit a research proposal with clear objectives and proposed methodology together with the completed application form. Guidelines on preparing a research proposal are available in the above website.
The designated staff member is:
| Dr Frank HE Xin Associate Professor Programme Leader & Research Degree Co-ordinator School of Law, City University of Hong Kong 83 Tat Chee Avenue Kowloon Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3442 7202 Fax: (852) 3442 0190 E-mail: lwxin@cityu.edu.hk |
