The partnership between the University of London (UoL) and HKU SPACE (the School) has endured for 60 years, making it the longest-standing collaboration of all of the universities that UoL has worked with around the world. In the 1950s and 60s, Hong Kong's society experienced rapid growth, creating a pressing demand for legal professionals. At that time, the only way to obtain a legal qualification recognised in Hong Kong was to study in the UK. However, this was financially beyond the reach for many local people. The Department of Extra-Mural Studies of HKU (HKU SPACE’s predecessor) saw the need and established the first law degree programme in partnership with UoL in 1963/64, marking a significant milestone in Hong Kong's legal education. Over the years, the School and UoL have expanded their programmes to include various disciplines such as Accounting, Banking, Business, Economics, Finance, Management, Computing and Information Technology, catering to the evolving needs of society. Through this partnership, students can obtain a UoL degree without the need to travel to London, completing their studies in two to three years. 

In September 2009, the School became an Affiliate Centre of UoL in Hong Kong and a Recognised Teaching Centre in 2018. To further cement the relationship, a Strategic Partnership Agreement was also signed in 2018 and renewed in 2023 committing both partners to continued collaboration in the academic and professional fields. For the past decades, the School has provided a one-stop service for application and registration for admission to many undergraduate degree programmes of UoL. These services are offered for the convenience of all Hong Kong applicants whether or not they are HKU SPACE students. 

Students' remarkable academic achievements gain global recognition 

This year, approximately 90 graduates have successfully completed UoL’s programmes through HKU SPACE. Among them, 4 students have achieved UoL's esteemed First Class Honours in various disciplines, including Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accounting and Finance, Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Banking and Finance, and Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business and Management. Notably, the LLB First Class Honours student has been recognised with the Certificate of Excellence in five out of the nine modules. This prestigious award is bestowed by UoL to exceptional students who rank among the top three globally in their respective subjects. In line with tradition, Professor Wendy Thomson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, visited Hong Kong on 25 February this year to personally confer the degrees on the attending graduates at the Loke Yew Hall of the University of Hong Kong. 

Professor Thomson ensured, "UoL offers online programmes in Hong Kong of the same calibre and quality, providing students with degree recognition equivalent to that of attending a programme in London." Over the decades, both universities have embraced their shared mission of offering diverse learning opportunities to aspiring individuals. Together, they have played an instrumental role in nurturing countless talents in Hong Kong, empowering them to transform their dreams and aspirations into reality. 

Online learning and the challenge of AI 

UoL currently has approximately 40,000 students, with around 60% pursuing online study. Online assessment and performance evaluation have emerged as significant transformations, introducing greater flexibility to the examination process. Professor Thomson stressed, “UoL has embraced a hybrid learning model integrating AI technology into its core practices, moving beyond traditional classroom and online education. This approach includes cutting-edge learning designs that foster interactive opportunities for students.” 

In tandem with the rapid advancement of technology, teaching content continues to evolve. Professor William K.M. Lee, Director of HKU SPACE, agreed that “AI and Chat-GPT are new sets of skills that employers expect graduates of the next generation to have. These are some of the things that HKU SPACE has constantly looked at and collaborated with our partners to ensure that their students and graduates are well-prepared for the expectations and demands of the 21st century.” 

Speaking of the future development of the partnership, Professor Lee continued to comment, “With a commitment to lifelong learning, HKU SPACE has been offering higher education opportunities to the Hong Kong community. As the review of the Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance (Cap 320) proceeds, we are considering introducing new programmes in collaboration with UoL, aiming to create unique and competitive offerings that align with market demands and enhance career paths in Hong Kong.” 

Messages from the graduates 

1st Class Honours Student in 2023 & 
Certificate of Excellence Winner for 5 out of 9 modules 
Mr HUI Ho Wang  
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) 

I am immensely honoured to receive a first-class LLB degree from the University of London, which would not have been possible without the support of my loved ones, the camaraderie of my schoolmates, and the guidance from the esteemed professors invited by HKU SPACE to teach us. 

The University of London LLB curriculum appealed to me with its dual advantages of flexibility and intellectual rigour. While the distance learning mode allows working students to study at their own pace and remain committed to their careers, assessments are conducted according to the same standards as those at such prestigious universities as LSE and UCL.  

I was particularly thrilled to be awarded the Certificate of Excellence by the University of London in five of the nine modules I studied. As the Certificate is awarded to the top three performing students in each module worldwide, it is a testament to both the excellent teaching offered by HKU SPACE and the competitive edge Hong Kong students can gain through hard work and a genuine sense of curiosity.  

For most of the duration of my studies, I was working as the Corporate Communications Manager of a regulatory body, and it was gratifying to be able to apply the legal thinking and analytical skills I had developed through the programme to some of my work. Looking ahead, I plan to study for the PCLL soon, and pursue a second career in law. 

1st Class Honours Student in 2023 
Ms LEE Nga Ching 
Bachelor of Science in Business and Management 

It feels amazing to know that I am being awarded with First Class Honours by the University of London. 

Taking the opportunity I would like to say a big thank you to HKU SPACE, all the lecturers and fellow students for all the support they had given throughout my 3-year study journey. I wouldn’t be able to achieve what I have now without their help & encouragement. 

While striving to get a balance between my day-time job, my study and personal life, I am so grateful to get to know some very good friends here. All the laughter we’ve shared makes these 3-years a truly wonderful memory of mine. Once again, thank you to HKU SPACE & look forward to studying here again in future.