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Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year

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

1. Programme Details

Programme name Dual LLB / Juris Doctor (JD) with the Chinese University of Hong Kong Programme codeUFL4LAWLAW10
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2021/2
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 Programme start date
NQF Level7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

This four year LLB / JD degree programme is fully accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board and covers all the foundation subjects required to pass the Academic Stage which forms part of the professional qualification as a barrister or solicitor. On graduation you will be able proceed to the vocational stage of training to become a solicitor or barrister in England & Wales. 

Unlike the standard LLB, students on this programme will study for two years in Exeter and two years at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, one of the very best Law Schools in Asia. The Juris Doctor (JD) offered by CUHK is a versatile postgraduate law degree that leads to the Postgraduate Certificate of Laws (PCLL) and potentially to admission as barrister or solicitor in Hong Kong. It is also suitable for candidates who strive to become leaders in fields such as commerce, finance, academia, government, community service, law enforcement, public administration, education and the media. The JD is a respected and internationally recognised award many universities in leading jurisdictions abroad confer. The Faculty of Law teaches and assesses all JD Programme courses at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) entirely in the English language. 

Upon completing the programme students will have a LLB Degree awarded by Exeter and a JD awarded by CUHK. They will thereby satisfy the academic stage for admission to practise law in England and Wales and in Hong Kong, subject to the fulfilment of all the subsequent requirements set by the respective legal professions.  

 We aim to offer as many activities as possible to help broaden your career development and equip you with the transferable skills employers find most valuable. These include activities and skills developed through learning and teaching, such as group work, research and analysis, communication and argumentation, and advocacy and negotiation; as well as other extra-curricular activities, including a team building exercise, employer visits, mooting, pro bono and other skills sessions (such as CV building and employment applications), which provide many opportunities to gain transferable skills and to meet and interact with potential employers. 

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. To provide you with a thorough knowledge of the foundation subjects of English and EU law which meets the requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board for the academic stage of legal training, and give you the opportunity to acquire and develop essential analytical, practice-facing and marketable transferable skills. In addition, upon completion, you will be eligible for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister of the High Court of Hong Kong after completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) and a Solicitor’s training contract (2 years) or pupillage at the Bar (1 year).
2. To enable you to identify, locate and critically appraise legal materials.
3. To enable you to apply the principles of law and legal rules to solve and analyse practical problems, and to advise what to do in practical situations
4. To enable you to understand some of the major theoretical foundations of law and to evaluate them.
5. To enable you to understand law and its operation in its social, political, economic and legal practice context.
6. To teach you how to reason logically, supporting the process with legal authority, academic commentary and by reference to other relevant materials.
7. To provide you with a comprehensive and integrated legal education through the study of individual modules and through the complimentary interaction of modules across the programme.
8. To provide you with the necessary personal and key skills to enable you to develop as an independent, autonomous and reflective individual and generally as a developing professional.

4. Programme Structure

The proposed Dual LLB?JD Degree Programme lasts for four years. In the first and second years, students will study at Exeter to complete 240 credits of Exeter law modules. In the third and fourth years, students will study at CUHK to complete 57 units of CUHK JD courses. Upon successful completion of the four?year study, Exeter will accept up to 120 credits (30 units) to be transferred from CUHK to the Exeter LLB Programme using a translation of marks scheme and CUHK will accept up to 15 units to be transferred from Exeter to the CUHK JD Programme.  

 

In the first and second years, students will be assessed and graded in the same manner as other Exeter LLB students taking the respective Exeter law modules. A full list of modules can be found below.  

 

They will acquire credits in accordance with the regulations of Exeter. During their time at Exeter, students will also be registered as associate students at CUHK, through their International Asian Studies programme. This enables them to access services and information at CUHK, as required. In the third and fourth years, students will be assessed and graded in the same manner as other CUHK JD students taking the respective JD courses. They will acquire units in accordance with the regulations of CUHK. 

 

Subject to their fulfilment of the graduation requirements prescribed by both Exeter and CUHK, students will be awarded a LLB Degree by Exeter and a JD Degree by CUHK. Details of the Dual LLB?JD Degree Programme are set out below. 

 

The CUHK JD Programme normally admits students holding a first degree with honours not lower than a Second Class Honours Upper Division or equivalent.  Moreover, CUHK JD students must score a Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in each preceding term to maintain good standing in the programme in accordance with the CUHK General Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies.  Given these JD requirements, students of this Dual LLB-JD Degree Programme must i) satisfactorily complete all the Exeter LLB Degree requirements for graduation and obtain an overall result which is equivalent to a Second Class Honours Upper Division and ii) achieve a minimum CGPA of 2.0 in all JD courses taken at CUHK in the third year in order to be eligible to proceed to the fourth year to complete the JD Degree at CUHK. 

 

Students who fail to meet the above requirements will not be allowed to continue their studies in the Dual LLB-JD Degree Programme and they may then apply to graduate with an Exeter award, subject to their fulfilment of graduation requirements prescribed by the Exeter.  

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College website:  

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
LAW1036 Legal Foundations Legal Foundations 30Yes
LAW1004 The Law of Contract Contract Law 30Yes
LAW1003 Criminal Law Criminal Law 30Yes
LAW1035 Constitutional and Administrative Law Constitutional & Administrative Law 30Yes
Total Credits for Stage 1

120

Stage 2

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
LAW2015 The Law of Torts Law of Tort 30Yes
LAW2017 Land Law Land Law 30Yes
LAW2041 Equity and Trusts Trusts and Equity 30Yes
LAW3083 Company Law Foundation Company Law Foundations 15Yes

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
LAW2091 (European) Consumer Law (European) Consumer Law 15Yes
Total Credits for Stage 2

120

Stage 3

CUHK propose the following for Stages 3: 

 

  1. CUHK, Year 3 Term One 

  1. LAWS6001 Legal System* 

  1. LAWS6004 Legal Research, Analysis and Writing* 

  1. LAWS6015 Principles of Constitutional Law# 

  1. Law Elective 1 

 

  1. Term Two 

  1. LAWS6020 Principles of Administrative Law# 

  1. Law Elective 2 

  1. Law Elective 3 

  1. Law Elective 4 

  1. Law Elective 5 

 

  1. Summer Term 

  1. LAWS6005 Comparative Legal Studies* OR LAWS6089 Legal Technologies 

 
*JD required courses; #PCLL Pre-requisite courses 
Total Credits for Stage 3

Stage 4

CUHK propose the following for Stages 4: 

 

  1. CUHK, Year 4 Term One 

  1. LAWS6012 Principles of Civil Procedure OR Law Elective - 6 

  1. LAWS6014 Principles of Criminal Procedure OR Law Elective - 7 

  1. LAWS6019 Principles of Land Law# 

  1. Law Elective 8 

 

  1. Term Two 

  1. LAWS6007 Ethics and Jurisprudence* 

  1. LAWS6013 Principles of Evidence# 

  1. LAWS6017 Principles of Commercial Law# 

  1. LAWS6901 Independent Research*^ 

 

  1. Summer Term 

  1. LAWS6042 Principles of Property Law 

*JD required courses; #PCLL Pre-requisite courses 

^Students can also take LAWS6902 Independent Research Dissertation (6 units) and the extra 3 units will be counted towards the elective unit requirement. 

Total Credits for Stage 4

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the essential theoretical, conceptual and practical features of the English legal system, its institutions and procedures;
2. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the fundamental rules, theories, principles and conceptual framework of the seven foundation subjects of English and EU law, and of those optional legal subjects selected for study, as well as related academic opinion;
3. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the fundamental rules, theories, principles and conceptual framework of Hong Kong Law
4. Discuss and evaluate current developments in English law in the subjects of study;
5. Research a legal question and demonstrate competence in applying legal knowledge in order to formulate and evaluate a response to it
6. Demonstrate detailed and accurate understanding of some of the relevant legal practice, social, economic, political, historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural contexts within which the law operates.

Subject knowledge and skills are acquired through lectures or recorded content, student meetings and tutor led seminars, library tuition, essays, legal skillsâ?¯workshops, formative work and reflective learning (ILOs 1-6). 

Guided independent learning tasks also help students to acquire the subject specific knowledge: these might include readings or guided readings, online exercises, or supported independent research (ILO 5).  

Seen and unseen exams, either closed note, restricted note, or open note: these assessment methods assess student knowledge and understanding of the subject matter covered by the modules (ILOs 1-4, 6) 

Coursework taking the form of an essay, extended essay, research paper or a problem- or scenario- based question: these assessment methods provide opportunity for reflection and deeper analysis of materials covered by the modules (ILOs 1-6) 

Presentations, either individual or group, on academic work or practice-oriented advocacy: these assessment methods assess students for subject-specific practical skills (ILOs 1-6) 

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

7. Identify, locate, retrieve and evaluate efficiently legal and other relevant information in paper, electronic and online form, with minimum guidance.
8. Use the theoretical legal knowledge to provide practical advice and imaginative solutions to particular problems, independently and effectively.
9. Work independently to synthesise information from a number of primary and secondary legal and other sources; appreciate their relative value; and separate the relevant from the peripheral.
10. Make an independent and effective critical judgement about the merits of particular arguments and make reasoned choices between alternative solutions or arguments.
11. Communicate technical legal information and argument effectively and concisely, orally and in writing, in a manner appropriate to the discipline and in task-specific ways.

Discipline knowledge and skills are developed in essays; lectures; student meetings, seminars, legal skills workshops and formative work (ILOs 7-11) 

There are also activities and guided learning to support the acquisition of effective legal research skills (ILOs 7, 9, 10) 

Online study skills videos and materials enable students to acquire Law specific skills, which can be practised on in class or via the submission of formative work marked by the tutor (ILOs 7 – 11)  

Seen and unseen exams, either closed note, restricted note, or open note (ILOs 7 – 11) 

Coursework taking the form of an essay, extended essay, research paper or a problem- or scenario- based question (ILOs 7 – 11) 

Presentations, either individual or group, on academic work or practice-oriented advocacy (ILOs 7 – 11) 

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

12. Manage time effectively, plan activity and prioritise tasks by working to strict deadlines and demonstrating an ability to work under pressure.
13. Work and interact effectively and proactively in a group, share information and ideas, and manage related practical matters.
14. Work independently, managing your time and learning resources efficiently, and developing appropriate task-specific strategies
15. Communicate clear and reasoned arguments, accurately and effectively, in both oral and written form.
16. Reflect on, evaluate and assess own learning and ability autonomously, and where necessary proactively seek and make effective use of advice and feedback.
17. Identify, retrieve and use, independently and efficiently, a range of library-based and electronic resources with minimum guidance
18. Apply appropriate strategies for solving conceptual and practical problems, making critical judgements and choosing autonomously between alternative solutions and arguments.

Several modules use group work to build on personal and transferable skills in teamworking, communication and leadership (ILOs 12, 13, 15) 

A personal tutoring system provides support and information on managing time, working with others, and handling a busy schedule of tasks (ILOs 12-14) 

Study skills support is offered both within and outside of modules, developing written and oral communication skills and preparing for assessment (ILOs 12-18) 

A suite of extra-curricular activities including mooting, negotiation, advocacy and interviewing help with the acquisition of transferable skills (ILOs 13-16, 18) 

Seen and unseen exams, either closed note, restricted note, or open note (ILOs 12, 14-15, 17, 18) 

Coursework taking the form of an essay, extended essay, research paper or a problem- or scenario- based question (ILOs 12 – 18) 

Presentations, either individual or group, on academic work or practice-oriented advocacy (ILOs 12- 18) 

7. Programme Regulations

University Regulations on the number of credits to be taken and at what level for each stage of the programme can be found in the Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit. Regulations on condonement can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Assessment and Awards

For undergraduate degrees assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. Details of the weightings for each year of all programme lengths can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes and the classification of awards can be found in the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding for Taught Programmes.

You can also read details of Generic Marking Criteria.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic Tutoring

It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you with individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support fo the duration of your programme, and this support extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information on the College Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to College support services can be found on the College webpages for current students.

Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)

SSLCs enable students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Learning Resources

The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.

IT Services

A wide range of IT services are provided throughout the Exeter campuses, including open-access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Student Support Services

The University provides many support services including health and wellbeing, multifaith chaplaincy, family support, the Students' Guild and international student support.

10. Admissions Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates for undergraduate programmes must satisfy the undergraduate admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of education provision. The College documents the performance in each of its tuaght programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Student Experience Review (ASER).

Subject areas are reviewed every five years through a College Academic Audit scheme that includes external contributions.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Social Sciences and International Studies (CSSIS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Chinese University of Hong Kong

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

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

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits

360

 ECTS credits

180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Law

23. Dates

Origin Date Date of last revision