China's growing importance in the world is reflected by the increasing number of students enrolling in postgraduate programmes related to the mainland at the school of law at City University (CityU).
Students from the mainland are attracted by the chance to gain an understanding of Hong Kong's legal system, which is based on the common law model. Most of them opt for China-related electives because they enjoy the comparative approach that teachers in Hong Kong take. But China-related courses and modules are also proving popular with students from Hong Kong and an increasing number of overseas students.
The master of laws (LLM) programme at CityU is aimed at providing students with an understanding of various types of laws. In addition to a general stream, there are streams focusing on Chinese and comparative law, common law, international economic law and maritime and transportation law. Students can complete the programme in one year of full-time, or two years of part-time study.
The Chinese and comparative law stream offers an understanding of China's legal framework, which varies considerably from the common law legal framework practised in Hong Kong, Britain, the United States, and other English-speaking realms. It is the most popular of the six streams, attracting students not only from Hong Kong, but also around the world.
There are two required courses: constitutional and administrative law of China, and Chinese civil law and procedure. Students can choose electives from English or Chinese modules. Topics range from the Basic Law to Chinese legal history and legal thought, Chinese criminal law and procedure, advanced issues in Chinese civil law, and law and society in China.
Each of the other streams also offers electives related to Chinese law, and a high percentage of students take them.