Master of Common Law [MCL]

The Master of Common Law (MCL) programme is specifically designed for graduates in law from non-common law jurisdictions (notably Mainland China) who wish to acquire expertise in Common Law as it is practised in Hong Kong and in other common law jurisdictions.

The curriculum extends over one academic year of full-time study.

Students are required to complete the compulsory non-credit bearing course and not fewer than 72 credits, including a capstone experience in accordance with the regulations for this degree and the syllabuses. Students may also choose courses from any of the LLM specialist programmes but in any event no more than two courses from other LLM specialist programmes.

Students who hold a law degree from a PRC university may not choose courses related to PRC law subjects, except with the approval from Programme Director and the Department Head.

Please refer to the Regulations and Syllabus of your respective intake for more details.

Remark: Not all courses will be offered in any given year. You may also refer to the course schedule per academic year for actual classes available.

To be eligible for admission to the programme, applicants shall:

(a) comply with the General Regulations and the Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Curricula; and

(b) hold the degree of Bachelor of Laws with at least second class honours or equivalent qualification in a non-common law jurisdiction; and

(c) for a candidate seeking admission based on qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, shall satisfy the University English language requirement applicable to higher degrees as prescribed under General Regulation G2(b).

The Faculty has its specific requirements with regard to IELTS and TOEFL tests*:
- IELTS (Academic): An overall band of 6.5 or above with no subtest below 6.0
- TOEFL (Paper-based Test): A score of 593 or above
- TOEFL (Internet-based Test): A score of 97 or above

*The faculty only accepts IELTS/TOEFL score reports if the result is obtained within two years of the applicationd deadline.

Full or partial scholarships may be awarded to a limited number of qualified students enrolled in the programme.

In any given year if candidates are adjudged to be of insufficient merit, no awards shall be made.

For 2024-2025 Intake
- Main Round: 12:00 PM (GMT+8), 5 January 2024 (Friday)
- Clearing Round: 12:00 PM (GMT+8), 29 February 2024 (Thursday)
- Interested applicants should submit their application at https://admissions.hku.hk/tpg/programme-list
- Applications maybe processed on a rolling basis, and hence early applications are strongly encouraged.

Programme-related Enquiries
✉ lawpgs@hku.hk