Double Degree

Criminology and Law

Major	Criminology and Law 犯罪學與法律
Degree / Award Title	Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology and Bachelor of Laws 社會科學學士(犯罪學)與法律學學士
Offering Academic Unit	This Double Degree is jointly offered by: Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences School of Law
Mode of Study	Full-time

Aims of Major

This major aims to equip degree-level graduates with broad knowledge of criminology and laws; and professional competence to conduct criminological and legal research to solve problems in organizational, community, societal, national, and international contexts with a particular interest in protecting the public and maintaining Hong Kong as one of the safest cities in the world. Students will procure knowledge and skills necessary to undertake managerial and executive responsibilities in a wide range of professions, including policing, crime prevention, security services, correctional services, conflict resolution, and the operation of non-governmental organizations. Many opportunities will be provided for students to develop an interest in discovery and innovation to benefit society through crime control and reduction.

In particular with respect to the Law degree the major aims to:-

a) provide a liberal education in the theory and practice of law at the level and rigour appropriate for an undergraduate degree;

b) equip students with a critical understanding of law and legal institutions so as to enable them to serve the needs of Hong Kong and the international community; and

c) facilitate the development of a range of intellectual skills, in particular the ability to think analytically and critically, to solve problems, and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Major (MILOs)

1. describe a range of key concepts, theories and professional values in criminology and laws;

2. identify and criticize underlying assumptions of and devise interventions against social problems and criminal issues with a particular interest in different types of informal and formal strategies;

3. apply qualitative and quantitative research methods and analyse different criminological and legal perspectives for explaining social problems and crimes;

4. evaluate the applicability of criminological and legal theories and develop innovative ideas in preventing crimes and creative ways of reducing re-offending in the local context;

5. evaluate the function and operation of social institutions and law enforcement agencies in the criminal justice system;

6. conduct investigation of research independently; analyse the impacts of social, technological, and environmental changes on individuals and society; present research findings clearly and systematically to the public; and provide creative suggestions and/or solutions for preventing crimes and other social problems;

7. design programs, generate alternatives, invent ideas, and construct cost-effective means for sustaining social order and safety.

8. analytically and critically discuss the legal system of Hong Kong, including the main substantive/procedural laws, the principles of international law, and evaluate the need for their evolution;

9. describe the law and legal system of the People’s Republic of China and its relation with Hong Kong’s constitutional set-up and commercial future;

10. apply the law to propose solutions to legal problems, existing and emerging;

11. critically evaluate the law in action, the dynamic interplay between law and other social phenomena, real-life situations and international policies and their co-evolution;

12. use a range of legal or intellectual skills – such as reading and interpreting cases and statutes, identifying and evaluating relevant facts, conducting independent legal research, developing and offering solutions to legal problems, using and citing relevant authorities appropriately, drafting documents, and communicating in a coherent, cogent and persuasive manner – to develop and support arguments related to social and legal issues;

13. act with a strong sense of ethics and with due regard to social and professional responsibilities:

14. demonstrate an attitude of inquiry to the evolution of law at national and international level and a sense of curiosity to learning and knowledge:

15. undertake a piece of work involving original discovery and/ or innovation concerning the operation of the law and procedure in Hong Kong.

Degree Requirements

Requirements	Double Degree
Gateway Education requirement^{*(1 & 2)}	30 credit units
College / School requirement	0 credit unit
Major requirement	Criminology: Core Courses: 39 credit units Elective courses: 9 credit units Laws Core courses: 57 credit units Elective courses: 3 credit unit
Free electives / Minor (if applicable)	12 credit units
Minimum Graduation Requirement:	150 credit units
Maximum Credit Units Permitted:	180 credit units

* For details, please refer to the Curriculum Information Record for Common Requirements
(1) Students are required to take GE2411 Legal English for fulfilment of Discipline-specific GE English requirement.
(2) Students are required to take three College-specified courses offered by CLASS for fulfilment of the 9 credit units of College specified courses under the GE requirement.

Professional Recognition

Students who complete all Law core courses (57 credits) and two PCLL pre-requisites as electives (6 credits) will satisfy all the requirements stipulated by the Standing Committee on Legal Education and Training to apply for admission to Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL).

School of Law