Website: http://www.sgs.cityu.edu.

hk/programme/JSD

A Law School Aiming at Global Leadership and Regional Pre-eminence

CONTENTS
Message From The Dean Message From The Programme Leader Programme Aims, Duration and Content List of School of Law Staff who are Qualified to Supervise JSD Students Students' Thesis Titles Credit Transfer Residence Requirement Intermediate Awards Entrance and English Proficiency Requirements Assessment of Applications Observations from our Graduates Library Application and Programme-related Fees Application Procedures Appendix 13 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 2 4 5 10

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

It is my great pleasure to introduce to you the School of Law at City University of Hong Kong. Established in 1987, the School of Law offers quality education to undergraduate and postgraduate students. High on our agenda are three goals: becoming a world renowned centre for research and teaching of law; equipping students with global knowledge, skills and perspectives; and establishing a trusted relationship with local and international legal establishments. These goals are reflected in the composition of our faculty, our curriculums and enrichment activities. Our School is staffed by a stellar international faculty with a multicultural profile, bringing with them a diversity of quality. With the combined efforts of staff and students, our School has established expertise in a wide range of fields including Chinese law, comparative law, Hong Kong Basic Law, commercial law, environmental law, constitutional law, human rights, criminal justice, WTO law, international trade and investment law, international economic law, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. To meet the challenges of globalisation, our School has established an International Advisory Board, comprising renowned professors from Harvard, Yale, Oxford and other leading universities and distinguished practitioners, to further enhance teaching and research. Our School has developed close links with its counterparts on the Mainland, in Europe, North America and across the Asia-Pacific region. Students have many opportunities to gain a global perspective in the study of law through various activities organized by the School, such as the Global Legal Education and Awareness Project (G-LEAP) in cooperation with the Monash University and University College, Oxford, legal placements in Mainland China and international mooting competitions.

We invite professors from Yale Law School and Oxford Law Faculty to teach our students through video-link facilities and intensive seminars. The videolink lectures enable the students to learn from these leading masters and interact with them without leaving the campus. Last but not least, our School has concluded a tripartite arrangement with the Supreme Peoples Court of China and Columbia Law School for educating Chinese judges. Every year, 30 Chinese judges are admitted to our Master of Laws (LLM) programme. In addition, we also organize a onemonth advanced programme for Chinese senior judges two times a year. The presence of these mainland judges in our School offers an exceptional opportunity to our students for exchange of views with these judges as well as understanding of the Chinese legal system and its development.

Professor Wang Guiguo

Dean & Chair Professor of Chinese and Comparative Law School of Law

MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAMME LEADER

I am delighted to introduce you to our Doctor of Juridical Science ( JSD) Programme. The City University JSD Programme is a natural extension of our Master of Laws Programme. The JSD Programme strives to provide candidates with the necessary intellectual tools and environment to undertake rigorous and ground-breaking postgraduate legal research in their areas of professional expertise or in legal fields that require comprehensive analysis or reform. The JSD degree is well-recognised in the United States and some other common law jurisdictions. After graduation, successful candidates may use the abbreviation Dr before their names. Our JSD Programme consists of two components: a taught component and a doctoral thesis. In the taught component students will undertake two compulsory courses, namely Advanced Legal Research Methodology and Jurisprudence and Political Theories, as well as other elective postgraduate courses, usually from our LLM and JD Programmes. This first phase of the degree provides students with a solid academic foundation to embark upon the doctoral thesis. In the doctoral thesis component, a wide range of research areas is possible, including international law, commercial law, international arbitration, development law, international economic law and public law. Each student will be assigned a full-time member of the School of Law as a supervisor. All supervisors are highly qualified experts who have an established research track record. They will guide students through the process of thesis writing. The Programme aims to provide students with a supportive and dynamic learning environment that enables them to achieve their fullest academic potential. Starting from 2011, the School will offer a Chinese Judges JSD programme in collaboration with the Supreme Peoples Court of the PRC and the National Judges College. The taught component of this degree will be conducted both at CityU and the National Judges College in Beijing. The programme will provide an opportunity for our other JSD students to engage in substantive exchanges with the Chinese judiciary. You will find more detailed information on our Programme in this brochure. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. I invite you to join us in exploring the frontiers of legal research and scholarship and look forward to receiving your JSD admission application.

Romesh Weeramantry
Programme Leader 4

PROGRAMME AIMS, DURATION AND CONTENT

The Doctor of Juridical Science () ( JSD) programme includes both taught and research components. It provides an opportunity for students who wish to pursue higher studies in law in Hong Kong. The successful completion of the programme will lead to the degree of Doctor of Juridical Science. JSD graduates may use the abbreviation Dr before their names. The degree is well-recognised in the United States and some other common law jurisdictions.

Programme Aims
The programme aims : to provide an integrated curriculum of theory, practice and research methodology; to develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of law in the particular areas of research chosen by the JSD student; to promote scholarship in the areas of law that are relevant to contemporary society with a view to understanding their current content and proposing required changes; and to provide a sound framework for pursuing postgraduate legal research in an intellectually stimulating environment with a view to making a significant contribution to the particular field of research. The programme is designed for candidates : to demonstrate a critical understanding of the knowledge base in their selected research areas; to analyse critically information and practice in those areas; to comprehend and evaluate the main theories, principles and concepts in those areas; to demonstrate creativity in contributing to the knowledge base by the formulation of research questions and the selection, development and implementation of appropriate research strategies; to create, deploy and defend an argument in writing and orally.

Programme Duration
The normal study period of the programme is three years. The maximum period of study is six years. Any periods of leave of absence and academic suspension are counted towards the maximum period of study. Students who encounter any difficulties in their studies should talk to their supervisors as early as possible so that it will not hamper their completion by the specified maximum period. Local students can take 4 to 16 credit units per semester in different semesters without seeking approval from the University. For non-local students, they will be admitted for either full-time or part-time studies. Nonlocal students must maintain the required credit load for their full-time (at least 12 credit units per semester) or part-time studies (no more than 11 credit units) and any changes will require approval from the University.

Programme Content (2010 11)

The programme consists of a taught component and doctoral thesis. Taught component: 8 credit units of core courses and 24 credit units of elective courses Doctoral thesis: a thesis equivalent to 22 credit units

Taught Component (2010 11)

The taught component is designed to ensure that a JSD student attains a very high level of academic skills through the study of taught courses. He/ she will then possess the appropriate academic foundation to progress to the thesis stage. Through the taught component a student is expected to learn not only advanced legal research methodology but also substantive law in his/her chosen area of study.

JSD students must choose from the following list of courses:

Core Courses (8 credit units) Elective Courses (24 credit units)

1. Advanced Legal Research Methodology 2. Jurisprudence and Political Theories Select a total of at least 24 credit units from the following : LLM taught courses (LLM Dissertation courses and Independent Research courses are excluded) JD courses (up to a maximum of 9 credit units)

4 credit units 4 credit units

JSD students who have previously completed LLM course(s) at CityU are not allowed to take the same or similar course(s) under the LLM programme. If a JSD student requests to take a CityU JD course and he/she has previously completed a similar course in a common law jurisdiction, he/she will not be allowed to take the course. JSD students who have not taken Basic Law or constitutional law course are encouraged to take LW6520C/E Basic Law of Hong Kong, which is a course under the LLM programme.

Advanced Legal Research Methodology (LW8700D)

This course aims to develop the students ability to conduct research at an advanced level. The skills taught will have a wide application to both scholarly inquiry and problem solving generally.

Jurisprudence and Political Theories (LW8701D)

This course aims to: familiarize students with different conceptions of law and their relationship with the political theories and political economy; make students understand law in relation to society which relationship is dependent on a number of social, economic, cultural, historical and other considerations; develop creative thinking among students about the functions of law and its effective realization.

Doctoral Thesis (LW8703D)

The second component of JSD programme is the writing of a Doctoral Thesis. Students have to satisfy the requirements of the taught component and obtain the Programme Leaders approval of the proposed thesis topic and outline before they can start the Doctoral Thesis. After the start of the Doctoral Thesis, a JSD student must provide a report on his/her progress to his/her Qualifying Panel at least once per year. The Panel must be satisfied that the work is being conducted independently by the student and has been undertaken substantially during the students candidature. Students are also required to make one presentation at a JSD Colloquium and to attend at least one presentation made by another student at any other JSD Colloquium. After submission of their thesis, students will be required to attend an oral examination of the thesis. The thesis must display a high level of intellectual accomplishment and must: (1) make a substantial intellectual contribution to legal scholarship; and (2) be of publishable quality. The length of a thesis should be around 80,000 words. The following are the five categories of research and the possible areas under each category : a. Commercial L aw arbitration and dispute resolution banking and securities law comparative contract law comparative tort law corporate governance

b. Development L aw human rights and development law and governance law and development

c. International Economic Law international financial law international investment law international trade law international taxation intellectual property law international transportation law WTO law

d. International L aw public international law private international law law of the sea air and space law

e. Public L aw the Basic Law civil and criminal justice comparative administrative law comparative constitutional law comparative criminal law and procedure comparative legal systems and legal traditions

LIST OF SCHOOL OF LAW STAFF WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO SUPERVISE JSD STUDENTS

Name
Prof Wang Guiguo

Research Interest
WTO Law International Economic Law International Banking and Finance Law International Investment Law Comparative Law Chinese Law

Prof Nadja Alexander

Negotiation and Mediation Alternative Dispute Resolution International and Comparative Mediation Intercultural Conflict Engagement Participatory Theories of Justice Peace-Building and Development Law

Dr Chen Lei

Property law Comparative law Legal history Chinese civil law

Prof M J A Cooray

Constitutional and Administrative Law Planning and Environmental Law Regulatory Framework of Finance and Banking Corporate Social Responsibility Indo-Chinese Constitutional Law International Human Rights Globalisation Sustainable Development Medical Law Tort Law Public Health Law Chinese Civil Law Chinese Company Law Antidumping Law Competition Law European Business Law Criminal Justice

Dr Surya Deva

Dr Ding Chunyan

Mr Gu Minkang

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Name
Dr Guan Wenwei

Research Interest
WTO Law and Practice TRIPS and Intellectual Property Theory (Contemporary Western) Legal Theory Law and Development Trade and Investment in the PRC

Dr Frank He

Law and Society Law and Development Chinese Legal Systems Business Law Corporate Governance Business Ethics / CSR Financial Regulation

Dr John K S Ho

Dr Avnita Lakhani

ADR (Negotiation, Mediation, and Arbitration) and Dispute Systems Design International Conflict Resolution Environmental and Sustainable Development Law International Investment Disputes Comparative International Law Comparative law between Hong Kong, PRC and Taiwan (Conflicts of Law, Civil and Civil Procedure Law, Family Law) The Hong Kong Basic Law Human Rights (racial discrimination, language discrimination and gender discrimination) Cyberlaw in China Public Law (Constitutional Law, Administrative Law) Environmental Law Comparative Labour Law Intellectual Property Law

Dr Priscilla Leung

Dr Lin Feng

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Name
Dr Fozia Lone

Research Interest
Public International Law Including issues involving Statehood, State Continuity, Restoration of Historical Title, Occupation & Self-determination International Human Rights Law Minority Rights, Women Rights & Children Rights Armed Conflict Humanitarian Law & International Criminal Law UN System and its mechanisms South Asian perspective to the international law Relationship between Law and Politics Colonial history of the British Indian Empire Transportation law generally Aviation Law including Intergovernmental Aviation Disputes, the WarsawSpace law Tort law Mooting and Advocacy Skills Information Technology Law Intellectual Property Law E-Commerce Law Law of Succession

Dr Vernon Nase

Dr Rebecca Ong

Dr Shen Wei

Commercial Law (company law, banking law, capital markets) International Commercial Law International Commercial Arbitration Admiralty and Maritime Law Insurance Law Comparative Law Conflict of Laws Intellectual property law Cyberlaw Government regulation Chinese law Constitutional & Administrative Law of the PRC The Basic Law of Hong Kong Public Administration of the PRC Chinese and Comparative Legal System Law of Human Rights in China

Dr Poomintr Sooksripaisarnkit

Dr Steven Wan

Dr Zhu Guobin

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STUDENTS THESIS TITLES

Examples of Past and Current Students Thesis Titles

A Comparative Study of Some Legal Issues on Regional Investment Chinas Basic Position and Strategy A Comparative study on the anti-money laundering measures in the Peoples Republic of China with reference to the Financial Action Task Force. A Social-legal Study on the Norms and Regulations of Financial Services Intermediary in Hong Kong A Social-legal Study on the Norms and Regulations of Financial Services Intermediary in Hong Kong A Study of Legal Problems on Anti-takeover A Study on Fiduciary Duty of Stockbroker Owned to Client A Study on Injury Determination in Antidumping Laws Action against Securities Tortious Conduct in China Administrative Litigation in China: Post WTO Revolution and Comparison with HK Administrative Law System Analysis of Anti-Dumping measures within the Context of National Treatment Provisions of the WTO Anti-dumping under the WTO: How to Protect Chinas Enterprises Autonomy in the Building Management System in Mainland China Banking Law Chinas Court Reform against the Background of WTO Chinese Commercial Litigation: Major Legal Issues Comparative Company Law among the United Kingdom, USA and Germany: The Protection of Creditors and Minority Shareholders Comparative insurance law between Hong Kong and PRC The present application of the main principles of insurance (utmost good faith, insurable interest and proximate cause) in China and its necessary revisions Comparative Legislative System between Hong Kong, PRC and Taiwan Comparative Study on Piercing Corporate Veil and Its Development in China 13

 Construction Dispute and Resolution in Hong Kong Data Protection in Hong Kong Deliberative Democracy in Contemporary China: Consultation or Control? Development Anti-money Laundering Regime and Implementing Antimoney Laundering Preventive Messures in China The Perspective of Financial Institutions Dispute-Prediction Model for International Investments Dispute Settlement Mechanism of ACFTA [ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) China Free Trade Area] Financial Regulation and Globalization Gender in Peoples Courts A Study of Female Judges in Mainland China Globalization and Legal Service Trade of China Have pre-existing social and legal norms influenced the nature, extent and pace of democratization in former British colonies? A critical study of the shadow of democracy in South Africa since 1910 and India since 1947 in order to better understand the jurisprudence and process of democratic reform in Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty How to Improve the Protection of Geographical Indications in China International Listings and Equity Issues by PRC Companies Is the Power of Final Adjudication of Court of Final Appeal Fettered by the Standing Committee of National Peoples Congress under the Basic Law Legal Regulatory Framework of Foreign Companies Listing in China under Economic Globalization Legal Resolution of Politics and Economic Disputes in ASEAN Major Problems of International Arbitration in China and Vietnam: A Comparative Study Medical Negligence in Hong Kong Medico-Legal Liability of Practicing Offsite Telemedicine in Hong Kong and Mainland China Minority Shareholder Protection in Publicly Listed Companies in China: Institutional Deficiencies and Challenges

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 On Chinese Foreign Direct Investment Laws: During the Transition Period of China's Economic Growth Mode Preventing Abuse of Intellectual Property in China from the Antimonopoly Perspective Protection of the Environment and Human Health through Investment Treaties Reexamination and Harmonization of the Standards of Patentability Requirements in the Field of Biotechnology: Lessons and Strategies for the Developing Countries Regulation of the Capital Market in Hong Kong Regulation of Related Party Transactions of Financial Institutions in China Research on the Implementation and Enforcement Mechanism of the WTO Dispute Settlement System Research on the Legal Issues of Foreign Capitals M & A in China Rethink Anti-dumping Law under the WTO Study on Judicial Mediation in PRC Study on the Legal Applicability and Limitations of the Substantive Conditions of WTO Safeguard Measures Tax Avoidance in Electronic Commerce The Anti-money Laundering Measures in the Chinese Regime The Constitutional Role of Judicial Review Actions in HKSAR The Effectiveness of International Environmental Laws The Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard in International Investment Law The Hong Kong Insolvency Law: Current issues and Development The Impact of Rule of Law on FDI decisions in Hong Kong (and Mainland China via Hong Kong) The inextricable nature of construction law and environmental law in China The Judicial Remedies for the Investor Protections in Chinese Securities Market

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 The Legal Regulation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in China The Need for Plurality Consciousness A Comparative Study of AntiTrust Laws in Hong Kong and PRC The Political Economy of Digital Copyright in Hong Kong The Real Estate Law and Investor Protection in China The Reform of the Jury Ordinance in Hong Kong The Role of Precedent in International Investment Arbitration The Transplant of the Laws in Hong Kong, PRC and Taiwan and its Effect in Modern Society The Trust Approaches in Asset Securitization: A Comparative Legal and Economic Study Tort Recovery of Pure Economic Loss: A Comparative Analysis Under the influence of globalization and framework of WTO, the Prospects for the Anti- Trust Law Legislation in China

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CREDIT TRANSFER

(Applicable in 2010 11)

Credit transfer is permitted only from relevant, formal studies at postgraduate level and may count only against the taught course requirement. Transfer credits will not be counted in the calculation of a students GPA, except where special arrangements have been made. Students should not take the courses for which transfer credits have been granted. The maximum number of credits that can be transferred is 16 credit units of taught courses. A student applying for credit transfer in respect of CityU courses will have to attain a course grade of B or above in the completed course for which credit transfer is requested, except for courses graded on a pass-fail basis. No credit transfer will be granted for the following CityU research-based courses and non-taught courses: LLM courses LW6537C&E LW6548C and LW6551E LLMArbDR courses LW6404 LW6409A Research Project Dissertation Dissertation Independent Research

Applications for credit transfer for Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) courses will not be considered. Applications for credit transfer for non-CityU courses will normally not be considered if those courses do not have equivalent LLM courses taught at CityU. Students who have obtained CityU MA/LLMArbDR degree with CGPA of at least 3.0 will be approved a general credit transfer (i.e., not course-bycourse basis) of up to 8 credit units of taught courses.

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RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT

A student is expected to be in residence, i.e. spend the whole period of study in Hong Kong and attend classes at CityU, for the taught component of the JSD programme. After successful completion of the taught component, a student can apply to return to his/her own country to write his/her thesis. But the student must report regularly to his/her supervisors on a monthly basis.

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INTERMEDIATE AWARDS

Students who have satisfied the programme requirements of LLM and choose not to write the Thesis (or who failed the Thesis) may be granted the following intermediate awards as appropriate: Master of Laws (Chinese and Comparative Law) Master of Laws (International Economic Law) Master of Laws (Common Law) Master of Laws (Maritime and Transportation Law) Master of Laws

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ENTRANCE AND ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants should hold one of the following qualifications: an LLM degree from a recognized university (admission will be restricted to those whose performance in the LLM indicates a level of attainment sufficient to justify admission to a doctoral programme); or an LLB degree, JD degree or equivalent from a recognized university with first class honours or equivalent; or an LLB degree, JD degree or equivalent from a recognized university with upper second class honours or equivalent plus 3 years relevant professional experience; or any relevant professional qualifications or scholarly achievements recognized by the University.

English Proficiency Requirement

Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution where the language of instruction is not English should fulfil the following minimum English proficiency requirements: a TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 92 (internet-based); or an overall band score of 7 in IELTS; or a score of 490 in the Chinese mainland's College English Test Band 6; or other equivalent qualifications. (The School of Law has stipulated a validity period of three years for results of the above tests. Applicants are required to provide their English test results obtained within the three years preceding the commencement of the Universitys application period.)

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ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS

In reviewing each application for admission, the School of Law will consider the applicants: academic achievements; legal scholarship to date; experience in academic or other law-related activities; purposes in seeking to pursue advanced studies; recommendations; and interview performance, if any. The applicant must satisfy the University that he or she is capable of pursuing advanced studies, of completing substantial research in a subject relating to law, and of making, in his or her thesis, a significant contribution to legal scholarship. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to attend an interview as part of the selection process. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis based on the information provided in the application form and the applicants performance at the interview, if any.

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OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR GRADUATES

The CityU JSD programme taught me how to do in-depth research on a particular topic and, more importantly, how to put my ideas into scholarly writings. I have benefited tremendously from my JSD experience: I have acquired expert knowledge on the fields that I am interested in and I am also able to convey my ideas and research results to people who are in the same industry, not to mention that the JSD qualification has also helped me to advance my career! The professors of the JSD programme are all excellent and helpful, and I would whole-heartedly recommend this programme to all people who want to excel in their respective legal areas. Dr Alex Wong Doctor of Juridical Science 2010

With the opportunity to study JSD programme, I genuinely believe that it will not only provide me with academic knowledge but also enable us to think independently. The freedom of independent learning helps to catalyze the maturity of students and fulfil my curiosity. Indeed, the guidance and support from the Professor have instilled us much selfconfidence and motivation during this learning process. Dr Lam Sau Ping Doctor of Juridical Science 2010

Before commencing the JSD I was a legal practitioner for almost 20 years. The JSD programme provided me with a unique opportunity to study topics related to my legal practice. I found that studying for the JSD was extremely satisfying because it enabled me to work with ideas distilled from my legal practice; master jurisprudential concepts and their application to legal issues in my chosen field; use multidisciplinary approaches to the study of these legal issues; develop the skills of investigation, analysis and argumentation; and make a contribution to the existing knowledge pool on these legal issues. The experience was a challenging, frustrating and yet a rewarding one. Because of the practical relevance to my legal practice, the knowledge gained and analytical skill acquired though the CityU JSD programme helped me to develop a better understanding, deeper insight and a broader perspective in relation to my legal practice. I would highly recommend this JSD programme to those students who are willing to accept the intellectual challenge and possess the determination to become one of the leading voices in their chosen legal field. Dr Wan Charn Wing Doctor of Juridical Science 2009

I enjoyed great benefit from the learned professors instructions, the administrative staffs conscientious efforts, the Universitys excellent library, advanced facilities and beautiful campus. Dr Sui Ping

Doctor of Juridical Science 2009

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LIBRARY

As our students find out, the City University of Hong Kong is a wellequipped place to study law. The Library supports the research and teaching of the CityU School of Law faculty and students. It provides an excellent collection of law materials as well as an extensive array of facilities. Law materials include the legal literature of Hong Kong, China, Great Britain and other common law countries. The print collection contains more than 113,000 volumes. It is enriched by a growing number of electronic resources, comprising electronic databases, electronic journals and electronic books. A majority of these electronic resources can be accessed throughout the campus as well as remotely. It also features two special collections, the English Law Special Collection and the Chinese Legal History Special Collection. The former focuses on pre1900 English law materials while the latter covers the period from Ancient China to the 1949. To further extend the resource base, the Law Section staff carefully selects and organizes important legal sites. Their web page (http://www.cityu.edu.hk/lib/collect/law/index.htm) serves as a gateway to legal information worldwide. On the equipment and facilities side, the Library provides numerous computer workstations, networked printers, photocopiers and law discussion rooms.

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APPLICATION AND PROGRAMME-RELATED FEES

Application Fees (Non-refundable and Non-transferable)

The application fee for admission to a programme is HK$200 per online application. The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. You are required to pay the application fee online using a credit card (VISA or MasterCard), before submission of the online application.

Programme-related Fees
The following are the major fees (rates for 201112) that need to be paid by JSD students. Please note that fees are subject to review from time to time without prior notification.

Type of Fee
Taught Component Course fee* Doctoral Thesis Registration fee Fee for thesis (22 credit units) Oral examination

Amount

Remarks

HK$4,200 per credit unit

Non-refundable; to be paid on a semester basis

HK$20,000 per semester

Non-refundable; to be paid on a semester basis# Non-refundable Non-refundable

HK$4,200 per credit unit HK$10,000

* When credit transfer is granted, students do not need to attend the exempted courses or pay the relevant course fees. # Students are required to pay the registration fee until their theses (or the revised theses if revision is required) are supported for acceptance by Dean of the School of Law (SLW). If the Dean (SLW)s acceptance is granted before the end of Week 5, the student will not be required to pay the registration fee for that semester. If the acceptance is granted in Week 6 or afterwards, the student will be required to pay the registration fee for that semester.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications for admission can be made through on-line application (http:// www.sgs.cityu.edu.hk/programme/JSD). The application information and procedures can also be obtained from the above website. Applications are invited during the following period: Entry Term September 2011 Application Period 15 November 2010 31 May 2011

Applicants are also required to nominate two academic referees who can comment on their academic performance (the proposed supervisor and persons from non-academic circles are normally not acceptable as academic referees). Please send the referees report form to the referee and invite them to complete the forms and return them directly to the Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies under confidential cover. Successful applicants are required, on registration, to produce for verification the original copy of the supporting documents for qualifications claimed in the application form. Provision of any false or misleading information therein will lead to disqualification of the application for admission to the University. All fees paid will not be refunded.

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APPENDIX
Guidelines for Preparing a Research Proposal for Graduate Studies in the School of Law
Introduction
It is very important in preparing your Research Proposal for graduate studies in the School of Law that you devote time and thought to produce a sound proposal. You owe it to yourself to do justice to your planned research by presenting it thoroughly and clearly. You also need to explain:
Exactly what your proposal is; Why it is a good proposal; and Why it should be approved. Think about your proposal carefully therefore. You also should seek comments on your proposal by discussing it with other people experienced in research. It is also a good idea to seek comments on your proposal in draft written form before finalizing it. Note: Due to the close relationship between students and supervisors, it is necessary, also, for an appropriate staff member to be available to undertake the required supervision.

Contents of the Research Proposal a Introduction

The guiding principle for a good Research Proposal is that you must have a serious question (or questions) in mind worthy of careful, thorough research. That is, you must be able to state a proposition (or a series of related propositions) worthy of detailed research and analysis. It is likely be that, in the process of conducting your research, this agenda for investigation will be adjusted. That is, the statement of your research topic may be refined. This is normal. At the outset, however, you should be able to explain your proposed research plan in terms of: A clear statement of the issue (or issues) to be discussed; A clear justification of why it is worthy of discussion; and A clear explanation of how you intend to conduct research and analysis on your chosen topic.

This basic explanatory material should appear at the beginning of your proposal.

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Background
You also will need to specify the research background of the topic. You should give an overview of some current findings in the area, with references. Setting out the background will help you to state clearly what you consider the research problem to be and what hypothesis you wish to test.

Methodology
You need to explain the methods you intend to use in your research. You may use a largely traditional legal research method including detailed library (and other data base) researching of primary sources (such as cases) and secondary sources (such as commentaries) in your topic area. You may need to use less traditional methods also, such as case studies, statistical analysis, questionnaires or textual analysis. You must explain clearly the methodology you will apply. This means you have to make clear what you understand the methodology to be, what it can achieve and why it is relevant to your research. For example, if you are proposing field surveys, you need to explain which group you are surveying and why and, generally, what you wish to find out from the group.

Concluding Remarks
Finally, you should provide a succinct summary of your: Question (or questions) to be researched; Background to the Research; and Methodology in the conclusion. You may wish to explain your thesis with greater precision, at this point, in the context of the background and methodology explanations previously given.

Chapter Outline
Although not mandatory, it is useful to sketch out how you plan to structure your written thesis by providing a list of chapter headings. It is often possible to give a paragraph summarizing what you expect each chapter to cover, also.

Bibliography
You should attach a bibliography of those publications to which you have referred and other relevant publications you know of.

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Length of Research Proposal/Checking Research Proposal

There is no set length for a Research Proposal. But it should cover the matters set out above. Proposals should always be typed double-spaced and carefully checked for formal correctness (spelling, presentation, etc.). You should always have your Research Proposal carefully proof read. Failure to check the presentation thoroughly for clarity and correctness almost certainly will result in instances of distracting sloppiness in the Research Proposal. Such sloppiness always creates a poor impression in the minds of reviewers. You must put in the effort required to eliminate repetitive sloppiness.

Prior Work
If you have a good example of prior written work which you have had published, you may submit it with your research proposal.

What Makes a Good Written Thesis ?

The thesis must display a high level of intellectual accomplishment and must: (1) make a substaintial intellectual contribution to legal scholarship; and (2) be of publishable quality. The best start to achieve this standard is a carefully prepared Research Proposal.

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Enquiries
Curriculum
Programme Leader
Mr Romesh Weeramantry Address : School of Law 5/F Academic Building (lift no.6) City University of Hong Kong Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel No. : 3442 8008 Fax No. : 3442 0190 Email : slwjsd@cityu.edu.hk Website : http://www.cityu.edu.hk/slw/

Application and General Enquires

Address : Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies Unit 7B, Block 1 To Yuen Building 31 To Yuen Street Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Tel No. : 3442 4767 Fax No. : 3442 0330 Email : sg@cityu.edu.hk Website : http://www.sgs.cityu.edu.hk/
The information given in this brochure is accurate at the time of printing in April 2011. Change to the information may by made from time to time without prior notification. This brochure is provided for information and to facilitate applications to the Doctor of Juridical Science programme, and does not form part of a contract between any person and the University.