P45
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws
法學專業證書

Year of Entry

2025

Application Deadline

Local & Non-local : 30 Apr 2025

Mode of Study

Full-time

Mode of Funding

Government funded and Non-government-funded

Indicative Intake Target

210

Minimum No. of Credits Required

30

Class Schedule

Normally Day Sessions and some Evening Sessions on Weekdays and some Saturdays

Normal Study Period

1 year (2 semesters)

Maximum Study Period

2 years (Remark: Students are normally expected to complete the programme within 1 year. Their entry into the 2nd year will only be permitted under exceptional circumstances and the decision will be solely at the discretion of the Assessment Panel and the University.)

Mode of Processing

Applications are processed on a rolling basis. Review of applications will start before the deadline and continue until all places are filled. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.
Programme Director
Mr Ubaid REHMAN
LLM in Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (HKU) LLB (Hons)(London) B.S. (Duke) Barrister-at-Law (Alexandra Chambers) Accredited General Mediator (HKIAC)
General Enquiries
+852 3442 8008
Outline
Programme Aims and Objectives

The programme prepares students to enter the legal profession as trainee solicitors or as pupil barristers. Students will learn from experience and through instruction to fulfil the professional and social responsibilities they will be expected to fulfill as members of the legal profession.

Graduates of the programme will be able to communicate at an advanced level, both verbally and in writing; obtain and act upon clients’ instructions and provide practical solutions for clients’ objectives and problems; organize and manage their work to meet deadlines; research and learn independently; demonstrate strategic and critical thinking in their professional work; and identify professional ethical issues which may arise in practice and deal with them professionally. They will have gained experience in simulated transactions and in the skills necessary to carry out the tasks related to delivery of a range of legal services.

 

Entrance Requirements

Applicants must satisfy one of the following to be eligible for admission:

  • hold an LLB or JD degree from City University of Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong or Chinese University of Hong Kong; or
  • hold an LLB or JD degree of equivalent level from a recognized overseas institution in a common law jurisdiction; or
  • hold a graduate diploma in law or equivalent from a recognized institution in a common law jurisdiction; or
  • hold an Advanced Diploma for Legal Executives (Graduate Level) from HKU SPACE. 

 

Applicants must also supply evidence that:

  • they are competent in nine core subjects (or subjects recognised as their equivalent): Contract, Tort, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Land Law, Equity, Evidence, Business Associations and Commercial Law;
  • they are competent in three 'Top-up' subjects: Hong Kong Constitutional Law, Hong Kong Legal System and Hong Kong Land Law; AND
  • they have obtained an overall score of 7 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) from a test taken at the IELTS test centre with no more than 3 years before the closing date of application. This is a requirement of the Standing Committee on Legal Education and Training in Hong Kong. No exemption will be permitted.

For more detailed information, please visit the School of Law PCLL website at: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/slw/prospective-students/postgraduate-programmes/postgraduate-certificate-laws-pcll 

 

Programme Content

There will be nine core courses*: Interlocutory Advocacy and Interviewing; Trial Advocacy; Mediation and Negotiation; Conveyancing Practice; Wills and Probate Practice; Corporate and Commercial Practice; Civil Litigation Practice; Criminal Litigation Practice; and Professional Conduct and Practice. 

 

Students must also take electives** worth 6 credits from among the following: Commercial Writing and Drafting; Corporate Fundraising for Lawyers; Bar Course; Family Law Practice; Foundations in Mainland Related Legal Transactions; Financial Regulatory Practice; Personal Injuries Practice; Chinese for Legal Practice, Law and Technology. Each elective will carry 2 credits. 

 

Students will receive intensive instruction in a range of legal subjects necessary for legal practice together with instruction and practice in a range of related skills.

 

Particular attention will be paid to training students in practical legal skills including:

  • Advocacy
  • Drafting documents, pleadings and opinions
  • Interviewing
  • Memoranda and letter writing
  • Negotiating

* Please note that the offering of core courses may be subject to change.

** Please note that the offering of electives may be subject to change.  The offering of electives will be at the discretion of the School of Law.

Remark: Credit units may be subject to change from time to time. 

Professional Accreditation

The PCLL is a prerequisite for entry to the legal profession in Hong Kong as a trainee solicitor or pupil barrister

Bonus Features

Courses are taught in a variety of modes including large groups and small groups, skills seminars, problem-based learning groups, simulations, demonstrations, field trips and presentations by practitioners and guest lecturers.