In addition to satisfying the University entrance requirements, applicants with HKALE qualification shall satisfy the following requirements:

either
Grade E or above in 3 AL subjects (including Pure Mathematics and either Physics or Engineering Science);
or
Grade E or above in 2 AL subjects (Pure Mathematics, and either Physics or Engineering Science) and 2 AS subjects.

Applicants with other qualifications, such as GCE, IB, Associate Degree and Higher Diploma, students under Early Admissions Scheme and Mainland students will be considered on individual merit basis.

PROGRAMME AIMS AND FEATURES

With a fast growing increase in both the scale and complexity of civil engineering projects and a growing trend of globalisation, the demand for high-calibre civil engineers who are also knowledgeable in legal matters has increased sharply in recent years. Many practising civil engineers recognise the need to pursue formal legal training, but few have the opportunity to take on this challenge.

With the aim of preparing undergraduates with a solid foundation in both civil engineering and law, The University of Hong Kong has launched the first five-year degree programme leading to the award of Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Law) [BEng(CivE-Law)] and Bachelor of Laws [LLB] in Hong Kong from 2004. The goals of the programme are to nurture (i) 'legally sensitive' civil engineering professionals and/or (ii) legal practitioners with civil engineering expertise.

Graduates who choose to pursue a civil engineering career will benefit from their legal knowledge, especially when making critical decisions involving legal perplexity such as contractual claims and disputes, arbitration, litigation, and professional liability. For those who opt to become a qualified legal practitioner, a better understanding of civil engineering would certainly help increase their awareness of the technological issues in the preparation of related legal documentations or resolution of construction-related disputes.

Satisfactory completion of the first three years in the programme leads to the award of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (CivE-Law). Students may then decide whether to undertake additional studies in Law leading to the award of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.

Fees Implication

Students who decide to undertake additional studies in Law to obtain the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree should note that this portion of the programme is offered on a self-funded basis, which means that the tuition fees will be higher than the standard fees charged for Government-funded programmes.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

Based on the well-established Civil Engineering (CivE) curriculum, the new credit-based CivE-Law degree is fully accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.

The University and the governing bodies of the legal profession in Hong Kong have approved a scheme of qualification which will lead to admission to practise in Hong Kong for the University's law graduates. After completing the University's Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB), an intending barrister or solicitor will attend further courses at the University and must obtain a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL).

CAREER PROSPECTS

The CivE-Law degree is both versatile and innovative. Graduates of this programme will benefit from a distinctive blend of state-of-the-art civil engineering and legal knowledge, unlike traditional civil engineers and lawyers, and will undoubtedly be in demand in today's rapid changing economy. In addition to traditional civil engineering openings (see CivE career prospects), many other career options will be open for these graduates. Graduates who seek formal practical training in law, and who fulfil the requirements of practical assessments, will become qualified solicitors or barristers in a few years. Graduates with proper training may choose to work as legal advisors for government departments, major developers/clients, contracting organisations or professional institutions. Many consulting practices specialise in construction claims, mediation and arbitration, and CivE-Law graduates will have the right qualifications to pursue a fruitful career in these organisations. Overall, the programme will prepare students for a fruitful career in either engineering or law, or a combination of the two.

Tel:	2859-8024
Fax:	2559-5337
Email:	civil-admission@hkucc.hku.hk
Website:	http://www.hku.hk/civil/