Peking University · Beijing University · 北京大学

The University

The Main West Gate

Founded in 1898, Peking University enjoys the reputation of being the pre-eminent university in a country of 1.3 billion people. Peking University is a well-known for her long history, rich culture, distinguished alumni, enlightened education policies and exciting campus life.

The Law School

Established in 1904, the Peking University Law School has become a leading institution for legal education and a potent force for legal development in China. The Law school frequently partners with the government, with law firms and with the business community in the development of cutting edge legal, social and commercial policy. It also has many international links and partnership programs with leading universities and legal institutions around the world. Peking University graduates regularly become top lawyers, judges and government officials whilst her faculties are amongst the very elite of China.

The Program

Tha Weiming Lake

With China's rapid economic growth and growing presence on the world stage, the knowledge of Chinese law has become an essential resource for international students and legal professionals engaged with China. Peking University Law School has established the LL.M. Program in Chinese Law to address the needs of an international community seeking a comprehensive and systematic understanding of Chinese law from a first-rate legal institution. To better meet the needs of international lawyers and legal professionals, Peking University Law School has designed a specialized Masters program on Chinese Law with a concentration on Civil and Commercial Law.

The philosophy behind the content of the Masters program is two-fold. First, it conveys some of the underlying cultural and social underpinnings of the Chinese legal system. Subjects such as Chinese Judicial Systems and General Information of China explore Chinese culture through a legal lens. Second, the program delivers knowledge about the modern Chinese legal and commercial regime through subjects like Company Law, Civil Law, Civil and Commercial Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property.

This program provides an intensive instruction in Chinese law. Leading faculty members will offer Chinese law courses specially designed for international students. Teaching will comprise of both lectures and small-group seminars. Additionally, Peking University regularly attracts top scholars and practitioners in Chinese law and students will have first-hand access to such distinguished presenters. There are also optional subjects in non-law areas such as politics, economy and society to facilitate students’ understanding of China's culture.

The LL.M. Program offers valuable internship opportunities to work in the top law firms and other legal institutions in China to help the students to get a better comprehension of the Chinese legal system and its cultural underpinnings. Through the program, students can establish a solid foundation for their career development in China.

The duration of the program is 2 years (4 semesters). The first year is full time course-work with class attendance. The second year is set aside for thesis writing, legal practice and internship. Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 36 credits and write a master’s thesis. They have the option to stay in China or return to their own residence in the second academic year, but they must attend the thesis defense before the end of the 4th semester.

This degree is an equivalent of Master of Laws degree offered to Chinese students. No more than 30 students will be admitted into this program in the year 2008.
Academic advisors will be assigned to each student for his/her study and thesis.
Class size is intentionally restricted to no more than twenty with the expectation that faculty and students engage in spirited and active interaction. We wish to give our students every opportunity to share with China’s top legal minds in a small group environment. Chinese students in Peking University Law School are also available to offer personal counselling.

The Faculty

The members of the Law School faculty have excellent backgrounds in academic research and teaching; with most having experience at some of the world’s other leading universities such as the law schools of Harvard, Oxford, Yale, Cambridge and Berkeley. The faculty possesses a deep understanding of both Western and Chinese legal cultures and are well prepared to lead discussion about not only China’s legal system but of legal systems around the world.

Entry Requirements

The program is only designed for non-Chinese-nationality applicants under the age of 40.

Applicants should comply with Chinese laws and Peking University’s rules and respect the customs of Chinese people.

Applicants must have a first law degree (J.D., LL.B. or the equivalent) from a law school. Those who do not have any of the above-mentioned law degree but have a Bachelor’s degree and substantial law-related working experience can also apply for this program.

All applicants who are not native English speakers or who did not have a postsecondary education entirely conducted in the English language must take the TOEFL or IELTS examination. The Program requires a minimum score of 580 (Paper Based Test) or 240 (Computer Based Test) in TOEFL with 5.0 in TWE, or 92 in TOEFL iBT, or 6.5 in IELTS with 7.0 in IELTS writing.

A health certificate is required before registration.

Application Procedure

Hua Biao

An applicant should submit the following materials. All documents should be written in English. If the documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.

(1) Peking University Application Form for International Students (Master and Ph.D. Programs);
(2) A personal statement (about 800 words);
(3) Official transcripts of postsecondary school training (original);
(4) An official certificate of your highest education (original) (Undergraduate students should provide an official letter stating expected graduation date.);
(5) Two letters of recommendation by professors or associate professors (original);
(6) One photocopy of results of TOEFL or IELTS examination;
(7) One photocopy of valid passport (Passport type must be ordinary).

Application fee amounts to 800 RMB. Directly pay in cash or pay by use of a Chinese bank issued Union Card. Foreign currencies and traveler's checks will not be accepted. Application fees are nonrefundable. Please include the application fee in the same mailing packet as that containing the application materials.

Applicants should send the application package to:

Office of the LL.M. Program in Chinese Law
Room 5113, Peking University Law School
Beijing, 100871
People’s Republic of China

The deadline for application is March 28th, 2008. All application materials should reach the program office before the deadline.

The Admission Committee will make decisions according to the applicants’ materials after approved by Peking University. Official admission letter will be sent out in June, 2008.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition for the whole program from 2008 to 2010 is 160,000 RMB.

Students should pay 80,000 RMB in the first fall semester before registration and the other 80,000 RMB in the second. The tuition should be paid in RMB.