University of Hong Kong · Hong Kong
Juris Doctor (JD)
The Juris Doctor (JD) programme at the University of Hong Kong is a rigorous graduate-level law degree designed to be completed in two years. It begins with a mandatory three-week induction period in August to equip new students with fundamental legal study skills. The academic year is divided into two regular semesters (September-December and January-May), with an additional one-month June semester in the second year.
To graduate, students must successfully complete courses totaling 144 credits. Core courses account for 84 credits, covering essential legal subjects such as Contract Law, Criminal Law, Tort Law, and Constitutional Law. Students must also complete a capstone requirement through courses like Clinical Legal Education, Public Interest Clinic, Dissertation, or International Mooting. The remaining 54 credits are elective, allowing students to specialize in areas of interest such as financial law, international arbitration, competition law, and intellectual property law. For those intending to pursue the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL), specific elective courses like Company Law and Evidence are available.
The first year focuses on foundational core subjects, including Legal System & Legal Research, Contract Law, Tort Law, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law, alongside an elective. The second year delves deeper into core subjects like Equity & Trusts and Land Law, includes the capstone course, and provides ample opportunity for students to explore advanced topics through a wide range of electives.
