A top-tier law degree that puts graduates in the employment spotlight

Established for over 100 years and credited as the law degree which has provided the first step on a career path for many thousands of practising lawyers worldwide, the University of London Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is widely recognised for setting the “gold standard” in legal education.

The University of London LLB programme has been offered in Hong Kong by the University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKUSPACE) since 1964, when it was the only English Common law degree available in Hong Kong. “The University of London LLB programme is well-regarded by both students and employers,” says Edith Browne, director, LLB preparation programme at HKUSPACE.

In particular, Browne says, in addition to legal knowledge, employers value transferable skills such as analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving. “Completing this qualification demonstrates a high level of commitment on the part of students,” says Browne. While Hollywood films and TV shows such as Ally McBeal and Law and Order make the legal world look glamorous and easy, in reality earning a law degree and becoming a legal professional requires dedication and focus. “The University of London LLB is known to be a robust qualification, the acquisition of which is a testament to the calibre and determination of its graduates,” Browne says.

At a time when degree providers are burgeoning, Browne says the integrity of the University of London LLB qualification has been maintained because students are marked to the same high standard as those studying at one of the University of London Colleges in the UK. Furthermore, to ensure the quality of the programme remains of the highest standard, subject guides which provide the learning content are specially written by legal experts.

Upon graduation, Browne says, LLB degree holders join a distinguished group of solicitors, barristers and judges around the world who began their careers by obtaining their law degree through the University of London  International Programmes. However, she adds, becoming a legal practitioner is not the only reason for studying for a legal qualification. For example, LLB graduates can also pursue a career in the commercial or financial sectors, where legal qualifications are highly valued. “The programme is useful for those working in professions where legal and regulatory elements are part of the job, which is increasingly the case,” says Browne.

To ensure access to the programme is flexible, a range of entry points include fast-track routes for those who already have an undergraduate degree. Qualifications that meet the entry requirements include two Category A subjects at Level Three or above and three further Category A subjects at Level Two or above in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) and associate degrees, advanced diplomas, higher certificates and higher diplomas which are accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. For non-degree holders, the programme is offered in its traditional format with students required to complete 12 courses, eight of them compulsory.

To assist potential students, HKUSPACE provides a one-stop application and registration service for admission for the convenience of all Hong Kong applicants. (PolyUSPEED also offers classes for the University of London LLB.) To support students, classes are held in the evenings and at weekends and public holidays at the HKU campus in Pok Fu Lam. “Classes are scheduled so they meet the needs of working professionals,” says Browne, pointing out that the opening of the MTR Island Line extension makes travel to the campus quicker and easier. Teaching includes lectures, seminars, revision sessions, mock examinations and tutorials. In addition, students have access to a ‘Virtual Learning Environment’ which is home to the online study materials provided by the university and includes subject guides, computer-marked assessments, past exam papers, recordings of course content and access to the online library which contains relevant cases, statutes and journal articles

Browne explains that depending on how many subjects they are studying, in addition to attending classes, students need to be prepared to set aside about 20 hours a week for further study. “As working professionals, most of our students have developed time management skills in their job which can be applied to their legal studies,” she says, adding that many students find it helpful to form study groups.