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Certificate in Legal Studies
CEF Reimbursable Course
- Course Code
- LW014A
- Application Code
- 2270-1685AW
- QF Level
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Financial assistance
Close QF Level panel
Continuing Education Fund
This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.
- Credit
- 45
- Study mode
- Part-time
- Start Date
- 11 Feb 2025 (Tue)
- Duration
- 9-13 months
- Language
- English
- Course Fee
- Professional Stream: HK$40,000 per year
- Enquiries
-
2520466525469835
Today and Upcoming Events
Programme Overview
Highlights
Become a lawyer or legal executive via the Certificate in Legal Studies, Hong Kong's most sought-after part-time law program with over 20,000 successful graduates.
Program advantages including a unique pathways to PCLL, high exam success rates, a flexible schedule, and a convenient course structure tailored for working professionals. Enroll now!
Provisional Timetable
-->Professional Stream (3rd Intake)<--
Exceptional articulation pathways with the
Certificate in Legal Studies
BECOME A LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Legal executives are assistants to lawyers who help carry out many types of legal work. This professional title can only be used by students who complete an Approved Legal Executive Course recognized by the Law Society of Hong Kong, and the Professional Stream was one of the first courses recognized by the Law Society for this purpose.
One of the great attractions of the Certificate in Legal Studies (Professional Stream) is that it allows students who articulate to the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies to complete all the legal subjects necessary to qualify as Legal Executives.
To work as a Legal Executive, students must also satisfy eligibility requirements set by the Law Society. For more information, please visit the ADLS website or see paragraph 2(b) of the Law Society’s Benchmarks for Legal Executive Courses.
MANY PATHWAYS TOWARDS PCLL
The Certificate in Legal Studies is a proven and effective way to start your law studies. Former students who started on this program are working as solicitors, magistrates, paralegals, legal executives, CEOs, law firm partners, managers, and company secretaries.
Start your legal studies on the Certificate in Legal Studies and benefit from pathways to the become a legal executive, then onwards to a career as a barrister or solicitor via a special fast track via the Advanced Diploma for Legal Executives (Graduate Level). Completion of the PCLL allows graduates to proceed to legal training before qualifying to practice as either a barrister or a solicitor in Hong Kong.
Advanced Diploma for Legal Executives (Graduate Level)
Start your law studies on the Certificate in Legal Studies (Professional Stream) and benefit from a unique fast track to the PCLL not available to graduates of most other law courses. The Advanced Diploma for Legal Executives (Graduate Level) has been specially designed to provide a fast, flexible and cheaper pathway to the PCLL from the Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies without any need to go through the time and expense of a qualifying law degree.
Get a Headstart on our popular Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law
The Certificate in Legal Studies is also a well-recognised starting point to improve your chances on the popular Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law pathway to the PCLL. Large number of students who started their studies on the Certificate in Legal Studies are admitted to the Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law each year, and your exam results on the Certificate in Legal Studies may improve your chances of admission. If you already have a degree, you can apply for the Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Lawwhile studying for the Certificate in Legal Studies. Or continue to the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies to be guaranteed a place if you achieve a Distinction.
The Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law (CPE), LLB (Hons) Hong Kong and University of London LL.B. Preparation Courses are exempted courses under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which these courses may lead.
Programme Details
Provisional Timetable
Professional Stream (3rd Intake)
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Certificate in Legal Studies – Professional Stream (3rd Intake) |
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Application code 2270-1685AW |
Start date February 11, 2025 (Tuesday) Admiralty Campus |
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Enrollment
A limited number of places are available on a first-come-first-served basis, and enrollment will close for each intake as soon as it is full. Every year, we have to turn away disappointed students who apply too late. If you want to avoid this we strongly recommended applying as soon as possible.
(All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable)
Enroll online today or in-person by taking this application form to any HKU SPACE learning centre. We will be more than happy to help you. If you have any questions on which form to use or how to fill it out please contact us at katrina.wai@hkuspace.hku.hk or call us on 2520 4665.
Duration- Approximately 9-13 months, depending on the intake.
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Hong Kong Island Learning Centre #
# Please note teaching location is provisional and subject to availability.
Modules & Class Details
Modules
Five important legal modules# in the Certificate in Legal Studies, introducing you to core areas of law advantageous to your life and professional career:
- Hong Kong Legal System and Legal Method (Introduction to common law system practised in Hong Kong, UK, Australia etc)
- Civil Procedure 1 and 2 (Rules and procedures for court cases)
- Law of Obligations 1 and 2 (Contract and Tort Law)
- Business Associations (Company and Partnership Law)
- Hong Kong Basic Law
The Certificate in Legal Studies is far more flexible than most other courses for sitting your exams. You may choose from different exam sessions, held in the May and August of each year.*
*It is up to you when you choose to sit your exams, depending on which of these exam sessions is most convenient for you. To provide this flexibility, we charge a separate examination fee which includes up to five exams during the same session. Please note there is an examination fee of $800 per sitting.
# Please note a student who has passed a module cannot re-enroll in the same module. Students who have completed this program cannot re-enroll in the same program.
You will also receive comprehensive introductory textbooks on important law topics (such as how to form a company in Hong Kong, liability in contracts, and the power of courts under the Basic law).
Click here to download a free sample of one of the comprehensive course textbooks
All students also receive a complimentary University of Hong Kong library reader’s card giving you privileged access to an extensive network of libraries (including the law library, main library).
Class Details
All classes are normally held from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm on weekday evenings and/or from 2:30 pm-5:30 pm on Saturday afternoons.
To help students with busy work/family lives, classes are typically two to three classes per week.
All students must attend 70% of all scheduled classes, but this 70% attendance requirement is measured across the whole year, and does not apply to each individual module.
The only compulsory written work on the Certificate in Legal Studies is a written assignment per subject of up to 2,000 words. You will usually be given these assignments (which constitute 25% of the final mark) several months before the submission deadline, and there will be further guidance and extra classes to assist you in completing assessments.
Our Edge
Professional Accreditation
Students can finish with a Certificate in Legal Studies, however, most if not all students continue onto the Diploma in Legal Studies which gives you many different options for further advancement.
What Doors Can a Diploma in Legal Studies Open for Me?
- Open up employment opportunities in the Legal Profession
- Receive a widely recognized Hong Kong legal qualification
- Immediately apply to become a paralegal or similar positions
- Continue towards qualifying as a Legal Executive (for students on the Professional Stream)
- Limited Rights of Audience to appear in Court
- Guaranteed entry to the popular University of London first year preparation courses run by HKU SPACE
- Many Pathways to the PCLL
Become a Legal Executive
Students on the Professional Stream can also qualify as Legal Executives, by completing the Diploma in Legal Studies followed by 3 subjects on the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies (which normally takes approximately 6-9 months).
This professional title can only be used by students who complete an Approved Legal Executive Course recognized by the Law Society of Hong Kong, and the Professional Stream was one of the first courses recognized by the Law Society for this purpose.
Legal Executive are also assistants to lawyers who help in carrying out many types of legal work, and this professional title is widely recognized by law firms in Hong Kong.
For more information, including eligibility requirements set by the Law Society, please visit the Web site for the Advanced Diploma at http://hkuspace.hku.hk/prog/adls.
Important: Please note students who enroll in the Certificate in Legal Studies (General Stream) can only articulate to the Diploma in Legal Studies (Professional Stream) from 2023-24. If you wish to qualify as a Legal Executive and benefit from the exclusive and affordable pathway towards the PCLL through the Advanced Diploma for Legal Executives (Graduate Level), please enroll in the Certificate in Legal Studies (Professional Stream).
Rights of Audience
Normally only lawyers can appear in court to represent clients in most court hearings. However, in recognition of the legal training, you receive on the Diploma in Legal Studies the Hong Kong Judiciary currently allows all graduates of this course with at least 3 years’ legal work experience to appear before a District Judge in the District Court or a Master in the Court of First Instance in certain types of hearings.
For more information, please see Practice Directions 14.1 and 27 issued by the Hong Kong Judiciary.
Guaranteed Entry to Other Popular Law Courses
Holders of HKU SPACE’s Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies may satisfy the entrance requirements of the Advanced Diploma for Legal Executives (AdvDip for LE)* The Advanced Diploma for Legal Executives is a new and unique programme designed specifically for qualified Legal Executives who are seeking admission to the PCLL programme without having a qualifying law degree or a qualifying graduate diploma in law. The AdvDip for LE satisfies all of the remaining PCLL-prerequisites, completion of PCLL allows graduates to proceed to legal training before qualifying to practice as either a barrister or a solicitor in Hong Kong.
*Approved by the Standing Committee on Legal Education and Training, which includes representatives from all 3 PCLL-providers, Department of Justice, Judiciary, Bar Association, and Law Society.
All students who complete the Diploma in Legal Studies are guaranteed places on the very popular University of London International Programmes LL.B. degree first-year preparation courses# run by HKU SPACE.
Students who have completed the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies and who receive a Distinction on the Diploma in Legal Studies are also guaranteed places on the highly competitive Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law (Common Professional Examination)#* offered by Manchester Metropolitan University with HKU SPACE, which is one of the fastest ways for intending lawyers to complete the legal studies necessary to apply to P.C.LL. courses in Hong Kong.
*Admission to the Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law (Common Professional Examination)#, is normally only open to University graduates, however, this restriction can be waived for students who complete the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies
#Non-Local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance
This is an exempted course under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.
Articulation Pathways
Progression Path
Fee & Entry Requirements
Fee
- Professional Stream: HK$40,000 per year
Entry Requirements
CEF
- The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100
| CEF Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Legal Studies 法律證書 |
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| COURSE CODE 39C147552 | FEES $26,200 (General Stream), $40,000 (Professional Stream) | ENQUIRY 2520-4665 |
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Continuing Education Fund This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. |
Certificate in Legal Studies
|
Apply
Application Form Download Application Form
Enrolment MethodProvisional Timetable
Professional Stream (3rd Intake)
|
Certificate in Legal Studies – Professional Stream (3rd Intake) |
||
|
Application code 2270-1685AW |
Start date February 11, 2025 (Tuesday) Admiralty Campus |
|
Please note students who enroll in the Certificate in Legal Studies (General Stream) can only articulate towards the Diploma in Legal Studies (Professional Stream) from 2023-24. If you wish to qualify as a Legal Executive and benefit from the exclusive and affordable pathway towards the PCLL through the Advanced Diploma for Legal Executives (Graduate Level), please enroll in the Certificate in Legal Studies (Professional Stream).
Payment Method1. Cash, EPS, WeChat Pay Or Alipay
Course fees can be paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay or Alipay at any HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.
2. Cheque Or Bank draft
Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application and applicant’s name. You may either:
- bring the completed form(s), together with the appropriate course or application fees in the form of a cheque, and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres;
- or mail the above documents to any of the HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres, specifying “Course Application” on the envelope. HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of personal information and payment sent by mail.
3. VISA/Mastercard
Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or Mastercard, including the “HKU SPACE Mastercard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of the HKU SPACE Mastercard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment period for courses with a tuition fee worth a minimum of HK$2,000; however, the course applicant must also be the cardholder himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any enrolment centres.
4. Online Payment
Online application / enrolment is offered for most open admission courses (enrolled on first come, first served basis) and selected award-bearing programmes. Application fees and course fees of these programmes/courses can be settled by using "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard. In addition to the aforesaid online payment channels, new and continuing students of award-bearing programmes with available online service, they may also pay their course fees by Online WeChat Pay, Online Alipay or Faster Payment System (FPS). Please refer to Enrolment Methods - Online Enrolment for details.
Notes
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If the programme/course is starting within five working days, application by post is not recommended to avoid any delays. Applicants are advised to enrol in person at HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres and avoid making cheque payment under this circumstance.
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Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment), subject to the School’s discretion. In exceptional cases where a refund is approved, fees paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, Alipay, cheque, FPS or PPS by Internet will be reimbursed by a cheque, and fees paid by credit card will be reimbursed to the credit card account used for payment.
- In addition to the published fees, there may be additional costs associated with individual programmes. Please refer to the relevant course brochures or direct any enquiries to the relevant programme team for details.
- Fees and places on courses cannot be transferrable from one applicant to another. Once accepted onto a course, the student may not change to another course without approval from HKU SPACE. A processing fee of HK$120 will be levied on each approved transfer.
- HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of payment, receipt, or personal information sent by mail.
- For payment certification, please submit a completed form, a sufficiently stamped and self-addressed envelope, and a crossed cheque for HK$30 per copy made payable to “HKU SPACE” to any of our enrolment centres.
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