Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies

CEF Reimbursable Course (selected modules only)
- Course Code
- LW024A
- QF Level
- Financial assistance
- Study mode
- Part-time
- Start Date
- To be advised
- Next intake(s)
- 24 March 2021 (Wed)
- Duration
- 6 months
- Language
- English
- Enquiries
-
2520466528654507
You have already completed the Diploma in Legal Studies, now it is time to enroll in the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies to complete your legal knowledge by studying two compulsory modules (1. Professional Responsibility and Advocacy and 2. Legal Writing and Drafting) and one elective module on Hong Kong law. This course is valuable for completing your foundational law training, giving you a decisive advance in your career.
All students completing both the General Stream and Professional Stream of the Diploma in Legal Studies are welcome to join the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies. In Particular ‘Professional Stream,’ students should enroll to complete all the legal studies requirements by the Law Society of Hong Kong to qualify as a Legal Executive.
We have some very exciting news for you, we are in the process of seeking final approval for a new program, entitled “Advanced Diploma for Legal Executive - Graduate Level”. This new program which is subject to final approval will be a new route towards PCLL, without the need for a qualifying law degree. Hence students who have completed the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies (Professional Stream), will be able to articulate to this new program, creating yet another pathway for our students towards PCLL admission. This is in addition to the existing PCLL pathways via Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law (Common Professional Examination)** and our Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Preparation Courses (University of London). **
** Non-Local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance
These are exempted course under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.
What Will I Learn?
Compulsory Modules |
Elective Modules |
Professional Responsibility and Advocacy |
Company Law and Corporate Governance |
Legal Writing and Drafting |
Disputes Resolution |
Hong Kong Commercial Law and Practice |
Flexible Course Structure
In order to provide you with more flexibility, you can enroll separately on each module of the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies. You may choose to complete some modules in 2020-21 and defer other modules until the next academic year, depending on what is the most convenient for you.
Different electives may sometimes be offered on this course in other academic years, including Disputes Resolution, Company Law and Corporate Governance and/or Hong Kong Commercial Law and Practice.
You must complete all three modules within three years of starting the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies. You have 2 attempts to take the examinations for each Module in the current enrollment year.
Entry Requirements
Students who have completed the Diploma in Legal Studies (either the Professional Stream/General Stream) are eligible to enroll.
To study in Hong Kong, all non-local applicants are required to obtain a student visa issued by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR Government, except for those admitted to Hong Kong as dependents, who do not need prior approval before taking up full time and part-time studies. Non-local applicants issued with a valid employment visa also do not need prior approval to pursue part-time studies. It is the responsibility of individual applicants to make appropriate visa arrangements.
Become a Legal Executive
Legal Executive are assistants to lawyers who help carry out many types of legal work. This professional title can only be used by students who complete an Approved Legal Executive Course recognized by the Law Society of Hong Kong, and the Professional Stream was one of the first courses recognized by the Law Society for this purpose.
One of the great attractions of the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies is that it allows students who have already finished the Professional Stream of the Diploma in Legal Studies to complete all the legal subjects necessary to qualify as Legal Executives.
To work as a Legal Executive, students must also satisfy eligibility requirements set by the Law Society. For more information, please visit the ADLS website or see paragraph 2(b) of the Law Society’s Benchmarks for Legal Executive Courses at http://www.hklawsoc.org.hk/pub_e/circular/16-776.asp.
Students who have completed the General Stream of the Diploma in Legal Studies are welcome to join the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies, but cannot qualify as Legal Executives.
Course Syllabus
Legal Writing and Drafting
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of effective legal writing and provide the opportunity for students to practice the key skills required to produce good written legal material. Topics addressed will include the clear identification of the purpose of the written piece, its planning, writing, editing and ultimately its presentation.
Students will practice drafting legal forms and documents in a variety of legal contexts using simple sentences in clear English, in the active voice and with accurate grammar.
Professional Responsibility and Advocacy
Law Society of Hong Kong: statutory authority, Council, committees and directorate, membership, practicing certificate, risk management, CPD, professional indemnity scheme, admission and trainee solicitors, legal executives.
Professional Conduct: Hong Kong Solicitors’ Guide to Professional Conduct; relationships with clients, other lawyers and duty to the Court, confidentiality, conflict of interest, fiduciary duty - handling client money, trust accounts, undertakings.
Misconduct: complaints procedures, investigations, discipline and powers.
Advocacy: taking client instructions, techniques, tactics and preparation for applications, effective speaking, appropriate use of language, presentation and etiquette.
Applications: uncontested application before a master in chambers, application for a three-minute hearing, taxation hearing before a taxing master.
Company Law and Corporate Governance
This course will examine the corporate vehicle, its registration requirements, regulation, raising capital, and winding up. It will explore the range of theoretical and practical legal issues concerning corporate activities including the enforcement of various corporate governance provisions. Specifically, it will cover the rules relating to membership, meetings, directors’ activities, conflicts of interest, reporting, notifications, inspections, audits and investigations.
Disputes Resolution
This course will consider various alternative dispute resolution methods including conciliation, mediation, arbitration, mini-trials, private courts judicial adjudication and the ombudsman’s office within the context of a variety of legal complaints. While consideration will be given to the range of methods, the principal focus will be on mediation and arbitration used to resolve commercial, administrative and labour disputes.
Hong Kong Commercial Law and Practice
A range of topics will be canvassed in this subject including types of personal property, the protection of interests in property, credit security and finance and Sale of Goods. It will focus on various types of commercial transactions and the legal relationships created between the parties involved and the protections afforded them. Relevant local legislation will be considered in context and the unique aspects of Hong Kong legislation will be highlighted.
- Admiralty Learning Centre
- United Learning Centre
- *Class arrangement during COVID-19: The COVID-19 situation may still be fluid and constantly affect class arrangements in the coming months. The health and safety of our students will always be our top priority. To ensure that students’ academic progress is not affected, the School may substitute face-to-face classes with online teaching if necessary in the event that face-to-face classes cannot be held. Our respective Programme Teams will contact the students concerned with details of such arrangements as necessary.
Modules offer in 2020-21
Application Code: 1865-1890AW COML4010 “Disputes Resolution” |
January 4, 2021 (Mon) |
|
Application Code: 1870-1482AW COML4009 “Legal Writing and Drafting” |
February 17, 2021 (Wed) |
|
Application Code: 1875-1647AW COML4012 “Professional Responsibility and Advocacy” |
March 24, 2021 (Wed) |
Timetable for 2020/21
Lecture Time : 7:00-10:00 p.m. (Weekdays); 2:30-5:30 p.m. (Saturdays)
Examination Time : 7:00-9:00 p.m. (Weekdays); 2:30-4:30 p.m. (Saturdays)
Students who have completed the Diploma in Legal Studies are welcome to join the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies.
- HK$8,800 per module (inclusive of exam fee)
- The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100
CEF Courses | ||
---|---|---|
Disputes Resolution (Module from Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies Programme) | ||
COURSE CODE 21Z07203-A | FEES $8,800 | ENQUIRY 2520-4665 |
CEF Courses | ||
---|---|---|
Legal Writing and Drafting (Module from Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies) | ||
COURSE CODE 39Z114372 | FEES $8,800 | ENQUIRY 2520-4665 |
Professional Responsibility and Advocacy (Module from Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies) | ||
COURSE CODE 39Z114380 | FEES $8,800 | ENQUIRY 2520-4665 |
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Continuing Education Fund Reimbursable Course (selected modules only) Some modules of this course have been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. |
Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies
|
Progression Path
Students who complete the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies might be eligible for the following progression opportunities:
Guaranteed Entry to Other Popular Law Courses
Students who have completed the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies and who receive a Distinction on the Diploma in Legal Studies are also guaranteed places on the highly competitive Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law (Common Professional Examination)#* offered by Manchester Metropolitan University with HKU SPACE, which is one of the fastest ways for intending lawyers to complete the legal studies necessary to apply to P.C.LL. courses in Hong Kong.
*Admission to the Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law (Common Professional Examination)#, is normally only open to University graduates, however, this restriction can be waived for students who complete the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies
#Non-Local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance
This is an exempted course under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.
Become a Legal Executive
Legal executives are assistants to lawyers who help carry out many types of legal work. This professional title can only be used by students who complete an Approved Legal Executive Course recognized by the Law Society of Hong Kong, and the Professional Stream was one of the first courses recognized by the Law Society for this purpose.
One of the great attractions of the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies is that it allows students who have already finished the Professional Stream of the Diploma in Legal Studies to complete all the legal subjects necessary to qualify as Legal Executives.
To work as a Legal Executive, students must also satisfy eligibility requirements set by the Law Society. For more information, please visit the ADLS website or see paragraph 2(b) of the Law Society’s Benchmarks for Legal Executive Courses at http://www.hklawsoc.org.hk/pub_e/circular/16-776.asp.
Students who have completed the General Stream of the Diploma in Legal Studies are welcome to join the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies, but cannot qualify as Legal Executives.
Application Form Download Application Form
Enrolment Method
Application Code: 1865-1890AW COML4010 “Disputes Resolution” |
January 4, 2021 (Mon) |
|
Application Code: 1870-1482AW COML4009 “Legal Writing and Drafting” |
February 17, 2021 (Wed) |
|
Application Code: 1875-1647AW COML4012 “Professional Responsibility and Advocacy” |
March 24, 2021 (Wed) |
1. Cash, EPS or WeChat Pay
Course fees can be paid by cash, EPS or WeChat Pay at any HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.
2. Cheque or Bank draft
Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application and the applicant’s name.. You may either:
- bring the completed form(s), together with the appropriate course or application fees in the form of a cheque, and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres;
- or mail the above documents to any of the HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres, specifying “Course Application” on the envelope. HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of payment sent by mail.
3. VISA/MasterCard
Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or MasterCard, including the “HKU SPACE MasterCard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of the HKU SPACE MasterCard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment period for courses with a tuition fee worth a minimum of HK$2,000; however, the course applicant must also be the cardholder himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any enrolment centres.
4. Online payment
The course fees of all open admission courses (courses enrolled on first come, first served basis) and selected award-bearing programmes can be settled by using PPS via the Internet. Applicants may also pay the relevant course fees by VISA or MasterCard online. Please refer to the Online Services for details.
Notes
- For general and short courses, applicants may be required to pay the course fee in cash or by EPS, WeChat Pay, Visa or MasterCard if the course is to start shortly.
- Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment), subject to the School’s discretion. In exceptional cases where a refund is approved, fees paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, cheque or PPS (for online payment only) will normally be reimbursed by a cheque, and fees paid by credit card will normally be reimbursed to the payment cardholder's credit card account.
- In addition to the published fees, there may be additional costs associated with individual programmes. Please refer to the relevant course brochures or direct any enquiries to the relevant programme team for details.
- Fees and places on courses cannot be transferrable from one applicant to another. Once accepted onto a course, the student may not change to another course without approval from HKU SPACE. A processing fee of HK$120 will be levied on each approved transfer.
- Receipts will be issued for fees paid but HKU SPACE will not be repsonsible for any loss of receipt sent by mail.
- For additional certification, please submit a completed form, a sufficiently stamped and self-addressed envelope, and a crossed cheque for HK$30 per copy made payable to "HKU SPACE" to any of our enrolment centres.
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