Dual LLB / Juris Doctor (JD) with the Chinese University of Hong Kong

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

This Dual LLB / Juris Doctor (JD) program in collaboration with the Chinese University of Hong Kong provides a unique opportunity to study law from both UK and Hong Kong perspectives. It is ideal for students who want a truly international legal education and wish to gain insight into different legal systems while preparing for careers in global law firms or international institutions.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Students begin by exploring foundational legal principles, including Contract Law, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law. These modules provide the building blocks of understanding legal reasoning and develop essential skills in legal research and analysis.

Year 2: The focus moves to more specialized areas such as Tort Law, EU Law, and Legal Methods, giving students the ability to apply theory to practical legal problems. Group discussions, case studies, and research projects deepen understanding of comparative law across jurisdictions.

Year 3: Students advance into international and commercial law subjects, including Corporate Law, Human Rights Law, and Hong Kong Law, preparing them for cross-border legal practice. Coursework and seminars encourage critical thinking and practical problem-solving.

Year 4: The final year emphasises practical application and professional preparation with advanced modules like International Arbitration, Intellectual Property Law, and a major dissertation or project. This year integrates skills learned previously and develops professional readiness for both UK and Hong Kong legal systems.

Focus Areas: Comparative Law, International Law, Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, Corporate Law.
Learning Outcomes: Ability to analyse and apply legal principles in multiple jurisdictions, critical thinking in comparative contexts, research and advocacy skills, professional legal writing and reasoning.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Recognised for LLB qualification in the UK; meets academic requirements for JD in Hong Kong.
Reputation (Employability Rankings): University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top UK universities for law, known for high graduate employability and strong international partnerships.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the Dual LLB / Juris Doctor (JD) program with the Chinese University of Hong Kong gain hands-on experience that complements their legal studies, preparing them for real-world legal practice across multiple jurisdictions. Throughout the course, they actively engage in practical exercises, group projects, and simulated legal scenarios that develop critical thinking, negotiation, and advocacy skills. The program leverages Lancaster University’s and CUHK’s world-class libraries, digital legal research tools, and dedicated law clinics, allowing students to explore both English and Hong Kong legal systems in depth.

This practical exposure includes:

Participation in legal clinics and moot court competitions to practice advocacy and case analysis.
Collaborative group projects to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills on complex legal issues.
Access to CUHK’s extensive legal databases, online resources, and research software for cross-jurisdictional study.
Internships and placements with law firms, NGOs, and corporate legal departments to gain professional experience.
Field trips to courts, legal institutions, and law conferences to observe legal processes and professional practice firsthand.
Use of dedicated research centers and law libraries at both Exeter and CUHK to support independent and group research projects.

This blend of theoretical knowledge and experiential learning ensures students are practice-ready and confident in applying their skills across diverse legal environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Dual LLB / Juris Doctor (JD) program with the Chinese University of Hong Kong leave equipped with a deep understanding of both UK and Hong Kong law, alongside strong analytical and practical legal skills. This prepares them for exciting legal careers across multiple jurisdictions, giving them flexibility to work in international law, corporate law, or dispute resolution:

The University of Exeter Careers Service provides tailored support including one-on-one legal career coaching, CV workshops, and access to exclusive employer events.
Alumni surveys show that Exeter law graduates have a high employability rate, with many securing positions in top law firms and international organizations; starting salaries for law graduates can range from £28,000–£50,000 depending on the sector and location.
Strong partnerships with leading law firms and international organizations, including Hong Kong legal institutions, offer internship opportunities and professional networking.
The program’s dual qualification ensures long-term recognition and accreditation in both UK and Hong Kong legal systems.
Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as solicitor, barrister, legal consultant, in-house counsel, or positions in government and policy-making institutions.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may choose to continue their studies with postgraduate legal qualifications such as the LPC (Legal Practice Course) or BPTC (Bar Professional Training Course) in the UK, pursue an LLM specializing in international or corporate law, or explore joint postgraduate programs with partner universities, including options in Hong Kong and Europe.