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The Postgraduate Diploma, commonly referred to as a “研究生文凭” in Mainland China, is a qualification awarded by higher education institutions in former Commonwealth countries or regions (such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, and Hong Kong SAR). It represents a higher level of study pursued after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Generally speaking, Master’s degree programmes emphasise academic scholarship, while Postgraduate Diploma programmes (or “研究生文凭” as commonly known in Mainland China) focus on developing professional application skills. Postgraduate Diplomas carry academic credits, and holders may apply for credit exemptions when enrolling in programmes in other countries or regions (if applicable). However, the extent of credit exemption depends on various factors and is ultimately determined by the university offering the programme.
Postgraduate programmes require students from outside Hong Kong to apply for a study visa before the course starts. For full details, please visit the Study Visa page. For details about the possibility to stay and work in Hong Kong after graduating from a full-time postgraduate programme, please visit the IANG Visa page.
12 months full-time study in Hong Kong to get your “Postgraduate Diploma in Law (AI and Digital Transformation)” awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE.
Applicants with other English-language qualifications may also be eligible for admission. Please contact the programme team for advice.
Programme Overview
Highlights
Programme Details
Programme Intended Learning outcomes
On completion of the programme, students should be able to:
- Critically analyse and communicate complex legal and ethical issues relating to artificial intelligence and digital technologies, and apply advanced legal research methods, ethical reasoning, and relevant regulatory frameworks to develop well-founded, context-sensitive solutions in professional and academic settings;
- Assess current legal and regulatory systems, including statutory, common law, and international frameworks; and evaluate and address complex issues in corporate governance, risk assessment, and compliance management, with a particular focus on the implications of digital technologies, cross-border transactions, and emerging regulatory trends in both domestic and global contexts;
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Critically evaluate the legal and regulatory implications of technological innovations, including the challenges posed by AI, fintech, blockchain, as well as digital currencies; and apply advanced legal reasoning and research skills to address complex issues in the regulation of emerging technologies within dynamic financial and regulatory environments;
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Utilise knowledge of innovation, digital tools, and emerging technologies to enhance legal workflows, improve compliance and business strategies, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including non-legal professionals, to address complex challenges in legal practice and legal entrepreneurship.
Assessment
Assessment for each module will comprise continuous assessment (such as written assignments, group projects, presentations) and examination.
Award
Upon successful completion of the programme, students who have passed the assessment with attendance no less than 70% will be awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE "Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation)".
| Application Code | 2390-LW037A | Apply Online Now |
| Apply Online Now | ||
Modules & Class Details
Modules
Target Student
This programme would appeal to law graduates and legal professionals aspiring to future-proof their careers by mastering the technologies reshaping the industry. Practitioners engaged in compliance, intellectual property, and legal management are also welcomed to study this programme.
To complete this programme, students are required to study a total of 5 modules (2 Core Modules + 3 Electives) . The programme comprises 60 credits. The Modules are:
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Requirement |
Module Name |
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Core Modules (All students must complete both) |
1. People and AI: Legal Issues in the Age of AI |
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2. Legal Research and Writing for the Digital Age & AI |
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Elective Modules (Set A) (Select ONE 12-credit module) |
3. Legal and Compliance in the Age of AI and Big Data |
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4. Cybersecurity, Data Protection, and Privacy |
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5. Current Issues in Finance Law |
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Elective Modules (Set B) (Select ONE 9-credit module) |
6. FinTech: Law and Regulations |
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7. Regulatory Framework of Blockchain and Digital Currency |
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Elective Modules (Set C) (Select ONE 18-credit module) |
8. Legal Entrepreneurship and Innovation |
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9. Digital Innovation for Legal Professionals |
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10. Digital Marketing and Brand Building for Law Firms and Legal Professionals |
Core Modules (All students must complete both)
Module 1: People and AI: Legal Issues in the Age of AI (12 credits)
Assessment: Group vulnerability mapping report and open-book examination
Module 2: Legal Research and Writing for the Digital Age & AI (9 credits)
Assessment: Assignments and open-book examination
Elective Modules (Set A) : Select ONE 12-credit module
Module 3: Legal and Compliance in the Age of AI and Big Data
Assessment: Individaul written assignment and open-book examination
Module 4: Cybersecurity, Data Protection, and Privacy
Assessment: Individual written assignment and open-book examination
Module 5: Current Issues in Finance Law
Assessment: Individual written assignment and open-book examination
Elective Modules (Set B): Select ONE 9-credit module
Module 6: FinTech: Law and Regulations
Assessment: Individual written assignment and group project
Module 7: Regulatory Framework of Blockchain and Digital Currency
Assessment: Individual written assignment and group project
Elective Modules (Set C) : Select ONE 18-credit module
Module 8: Legal Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Assessment: Individual Live pitch presentation and open-book examination
Module 9: Digital Innovation for Legal Professionals
Assessment: Individual Proposal and open-book examination
Module 10: Digital Marketing and Brand Building for Law Firms and Legal Professionals
Assessment: Group project (law firm digital marketing plan) and individual essay
Common Enrichment Modules (CEM)
In addition to the credit-bearing modules listed above, students have the unique opportunity to engage in non-credit bearing Common Enrichment Modules (CEM) alongside peers from other postgraduate programmes. These CEMs encompass a diverse range of subjects, including leadership development, communication skills, business and academic writing, and the application of both artificial intelligence (AI). By participating in these modules, students can expand their knowledge and skillsets, gaining valuable learning experiences that will better prepare them for their future careers.
Programme Specific Activities
During the study period, students will have the opportunity to participate in programme-specific activities such as field trips and career talks, all tailored to their individual needs. These activities are designed to foster stronger connections with the industry and provide students with invaluable hands-on experiences in the real business world. This exposure will help students set goals that align with their interests and aspirations. It will also facilitate their future career plans, ensuring they are well-prepared for their professional journeys.
Class Details
Classes are typically held during weekday daytime hours. However, certain modules may be scheduled for weekday evenings from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM or during daytime hours on weekends. This flexible scheduling ensures that students can accommodate their academic commitments alongside other responsibilities and activities.
Programme arrangements
- Intakes: November and May
- Two or Three modules in each semester
- Two semesters in each year (November – March & May – August)
Application deadline
- November Intake: 15 September
- May Intake: 15 March
Venue
- All modules are conducted face-to-face at HKU main campus or HKU SPACE campus
Medium of Instruction
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English
Articulation Pathways
Career Path
Graduates of the PgDip in Law (AI and Digital Transformation) will be well-prepared for successful careers in a modernising legal landscape. You will be equipped to work in law firms undergoing digital transformation, in-house legal departments managing tech-driven compliance, or as regulators dealing with AI and data governance. Career paths include roles such as Legal Technologist, Compliance Officer, Data Privacy Officer, and innovative leadership positions within the legal services sector.
Fee & Entry Requirements
Fee
HK$600 (Non-refundable)
Course Fee- Course Fee : HK$120,000 (non-refundable)
Entry Requirements
Applicants shall hold a bachelor’s degree awarded by a recognized institution.
If the degree or equivalent qualification is from an institution where the language of teaching and assessment is not English, applicants shall provide evidence of English proficiency, such as:
- an overall band of 6.0 or above with no subtests lower than 5.5 in the IELTS; or
- a score of 550 or above in the paper-based TOEFL, or a score of 213 or above in the computer-based TOEFL, or a score of 80 or above in the internet-based TOEFL; or
- HKALE Use of English at Grade E or above; or
- HKDSE Examination English Language at Level 3 or above; or
- equivalent qualifications.
Applicants who hold the Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law (Common Professional Examination) would be considered for entry.
Applicants with professional experience and other qualifications will be considered on individual merit.
Apply
Online Application Apply Now
Application Form Application Form
Enrolment MethodOnline Enrolment
HKU SPACE provides 24-hour online application and payment service for students to apply to selected award-bearing programmes and to enrol in most open admission courses (courses enrolled on a first come, first served basis) via the Internet. Applicants may settle the payment by using either "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard online. Online WeChat Pay, Online AliPay and Faster Payment System (FPS) are also available for continuing enrolment in the same programme, if online service is offered.
For first time enrolment
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Complete the online application form
Applicant may click the icon
on the top right-hand corner of the programme/course webpage to make online application, and then follow the instructions to fill in the online application form.
Some programmes/courses may admit by selection, and may require applicants to provide electronic copy of any required documents (e.g. proof of qualification) as indicated on the programme/course webpage. Only file format in doc, docx, jpg and pdf are supported. -
Make Online Payment
Pay the application or programme/course fees by either using:
"PPS by Internet" - You will need a PPS account and a PPS Internet password. For information on how to open a PPS account and how to set up a PPS Internet password, please visit http://www.ppshk.com.
*Credit Card Online Payment - Course fees can be paid by VISA or Mastercard including the “HKU SPACE Mastercard”.
* HKU SPACE Mastercard cardholders who wish to enjoy 10-month interest free instalment scheme must pay their tuition fees in person at any of our HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.
To know more about first-time online application/enrolment and payment, please refer to the user guide of Online Application / Enrolment and Payment:
For continuing enrolment in the same programme
Selected programmes offer online continuing enrolment service. Programme staff will inform students if they offer this service and offer further enrolment details.
Online Payment can be made via "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard, Online WeChat Pay, Online AliPay and Faster Payment System (FPS)
In Person / Mail
For first time enrolment
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For first come, first served short courses, complete the Application for Enrolment Form SF26 and bring or post the completed form(s), together with the appropriate application/course fee(s) and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres.
[Download Enrolment Form SF26] -
Award-bearing and professional courses may require other information. Forms are usually available at the enrolment centres or on request from programme staff. Bring or post the completed form(s), together with the appropriate application/course fee(s) and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres.
For continuing enrolment in the same programme
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The standard ‘Enrolment/Payment Slip’ is designed for students of award-bearing programmes or remaining programmes in a suite of programmes requiring continuing enrolment and it applies to most programmes.
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Students should complete the “Enrolment/Payment Slip” which will be made available by relevant programme staff and return the slip to any HKU SPACE enrolment centre or post it to the relevant programme staff with appropriate fee payment.
Please refer to available Payment Methods for fee payment information. If you are in doubt about the procedures, please check the individual course details, or contact our programme staff or enrolment centres.
Please note the followings for programme/course enrollment:
- To make an application online, you will need a computer with connection to the Internet and a web browser with JavaScript enabled. Google Chrome is recommended.
- Applicants should not leave the online application idle for more than 10 minutes. Otherwise, applicants must restart the application process.
- Only Early Bird Discount is supported for Online Applicants (Application). To enjoy other types of discount, please visit one of our enrolment centres.
- During the online application process, asynchronous application and payment submission may occur. Successful payment may not guarantee successful application. In case of unsuccessful submission, our programme staff will contact you shortly.
- Applicants are reminded that they should only apply for the same programme/course once through counter or online application.
- For online enrolment, a payment confirmation page would be displayed after payment has been made successfully. In addition, a confirmation email would also be sent to your email account. You are advised to keep your payment confirmation for future enquiries.
- Fees paid are not refundable except as statutorily provided or under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment).
- If admission is by selection, the official receipt is not a guarantee that your application has been accepted. We will inform you of the result as soon as possible after the closing date for application. Unsuccessful applicants will be given a refund of programme/course fee if already paid.
Disclaimer
The School provides a platform for online services for a selected range of products it offers. While every effort is made to ensure timeliness and accuracy of information contained in this website, such information and materials are provided "as is" without express or implied warranty of any kind. In particular, no warranty or assurance regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, fitness for a purpose or freedom from computer viruses is given in connection with such information and materials.
The School (and its respective employees and subsidiaries) is not liable for any loss or damage in connection with any online payments made by you by reason of (i) any failure, delay, interruption, suspension or restriction of the transmission of any information or message from any payment gateways of the relevant banks and/or third party merchants for processing credit/debit/smart card or other payment facilitation mechanism; (ii) any negligence, mistake, error in or omission from any information or message transmitted from the said payment gateways; (iii) any breakdown, malfunction or failure of those gateways in effecting online payment service or (iv) anything arisen out of or in connection with the said payment gateways, including but not limited to unauthorised access to or alternation of the transmission of data or any unlawful act not permitted by the law.
1. 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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