2017 LL.M. Admission for International Students

Program Overview

STL’s LL.M. Program

Peking University School of Transnational Law (“STL”) is unique in China and in the world. STL’s Master of Laws (“LL.M.”) program is rich in courses emphasizing transnational law and practice, Chinese and Western law and legal traditions, and other cutting-edge courses designed to equip STL graduates of all nationalities for law practice and leadership in advanced economies based on technological innovation, global financial services, and internationalization. LL.M. graduates from PKU STL will go on to distinguished careers in private sector, public sector, public interest legal work, and legal academia around the world.

Peking University

Peking University (“PKU”) is one of the most distinguished research universities in the world. The Times of Higher Education has named PKU the number 1 university in China, the number 1 university in all BRICs nations, the number 2 university in all of Asia, and the 29th most academically renowned university in the world.

Students, Faculty and Careers

Leading students from around the world compete for admission to STL. The law school’s multinational faculty includes world-renowned scholars and practitioners from China, the U.S., the E.U., and elsewhere. STL graduates are highly sought after for positions with leading multinational law firms and corporations, leading Chinese law firms and corporations, major SOEs, and leading international NGOs.

Cutting-Edge Flexible Curriculum

STL’s curricula emphasize lawyering skills and knowledge for the 21st century: (i) transnational law and practice, (ii) cross-cultural competence, (iii) the ability to contend with the complex legal and factual issues characteristic of advanced economies based on technological innovation and global financial services, and (iv)the professional responsibilities of lawyers in these contexts. No law school anywhere better equips graduates for private sector, public sector, or public interest legal work related to China, the United States, the United Kingdom, or British Commonwealth nations. Students may choose to specialize among the many course offerings as they wish.

Global Leaders

STL graduates are uniquely equipped for leadership in today’s inter-connected world, with deep knowledge and understanding of Chinese and Western law and legal traditions and with the practical skills necessary for cross-cultural and transborder success.

Shenzhen–A Dynamic City

STL is located in the Southern city of Shenzhen. A fast-growing metropolis of 15 million people, Shenzhen has been on a steady rise since it was established as China’s first Special Economic Zone in 1979. Now, Shenzhen is not only a major hub of China’s most populous province, Guangdong, but also a market leader within all of China and a unique area where the world’s great legal systems merge and influence transborder conduct. The city is a lodestar for biotechnology, logistics, and new energy industries, and top companies such as Huawei and Tencent are based here. On the world stage, Shenzhen has made its mark as well; in 2008, it was named UNESCO City of Design, and in 2011, it hosted the 26th Summer Universiade.

Shenzhen is Hong Kong’s closest Mainland neighbor, only minutes to the north. Together, Shenzhen and Hong Kong form the core of the world’s largest single metropolitan area, China’s Pearl River Delta, where China’s economy is increasingly based on advanced technologies, services and internationalization, and where Chinese and Western legal and commercial traditions are meeting and merging in ways likely to preview future legal developments throughout China and the rest of the world as China’s global economic influence grows.

Program Structure

STL’s LL.M. program for foreign students consists of one year of full-time study, with an option of a second year. The second year option appeals to students who want to spread out courses and/or do internships. The curriculum of STL’s LL.M. program is designed to emphasize skills and knowledge for the 21st Century: (i) transnational law and practice; (ii) cross-cultural competence; (iii) the ability to contend with the complex legal and factual issue characteristic of advanced economies based on technological innovation and global financial service; and (iv) the professional responsibilities of lawyers in these contexts. Specialized offerings in Chinese legal history and law enable students to acquire a deep understanding of the cultural traditions and modern developments of China today.

LL.M. graduates are uniquely equipped for leadership in today’s inter-connected world, with deep knowledge and understanding of Chinese and Western law and legal traditions and with the practical skills necessary for cross-cultural success. The curriculum is the most diverse and extensive English- language coursework in China with more than 70 English-language courses covering a wide range of subjects, from international and comparative law to American law to Chinese law; courses cover complex transnational business transactions and dispute resolution, and as well as China law, legal system and legal history. Mandarin language courses focusing on language needed in legal practice are also available. LL.M. graduates from PKU STL will go on to distinguished careers in private sector, public sector, public interest legal work, and legal academia around the world.

To earn the LL.M. degree, candidates must:

• have been in residence for at least three full academic quarters;

• earn a minimum of 36 credits (approximately 12 courses, one of which includes a substantial research paper/thesis on a topic of their choice); and

• have completed their studies with a minimum grade point average of 80 or better.

How to Apply

Applicants ordinarily should have a first degree in law (e.g., J.D., J.M., or LL.B.) or otherwise be licensed to practice law in their home jurisdiction.

Applicants whose first language is not English or who did not have a postsecondary education entirely conducted in the English language must provide evidence of English proficiency. The Program requires a minimum score of 92 in TOEFL IBT, or 6.5 in IELTS with 7.0 in IELTS writing.

Application Procedures

All documents must be submitted by March 31, 2017, 24:00pm, Beijing Standard Time. We recommend applying by March 1, 2017 to avoid the application fee and the rush of last minute application.

1. Please apply online using PKU portal. Once you receive the confirmation report of a successfully completed application, please print a copy to email and send to STL(see below).

2. Please also e-mail to llm@stl.pku.edu.cn a copy of all the documents in your complete application and the confirmation report.

3. Please also send to the address below by a trackable delivery method with a confirmation of receipt: the original application form and the supporting documents listed below.

LL.M. Admissions Office, Room B103

Peking University School of Transnational Law

Xili University Town, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China

Tel: (86 755) 2603 2569

Application Checklist

Applicants must submit the materials listed below. Applications will only be reviewed after all materials are received. 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 School of Transnational Law Application Form.

2. Personal statement: A personal statement explaining the applicant’s reasons for pursuing an LL.M. degree and how the degree will help advance their plans and goals. (700 to 1000 words)

3. Academic Records: Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions, and official degree certificates (original or notarized documents with English translations if documents are not in English).

4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

5. Letters of Recommendation: At least two signed letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or others familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional qualifications. (original)

6. Proof of English Competency: One photocopy of results of TOEFL or IELTS examination (unless the applicant is a native English speaker or has a degree from a postsecondary institution entirely conducted in the English language).

7. Copy of passport, or identification card.

Please note: all the Application Materials must be received before the March 31, 2017.

Application Fee

Amount: 800 RMB. (Please note that the fee is waived for applications received by March 1, 2017)

Deadline for Application

The deadline for application is March 31, 2017. All application materials should reach the program office before the deadline.

Admission Decisions

The Admissions Committee will make decisions according to the applicants’ materials after approved by Peking University. Official admission letter will be sent out by June, 2016.

Accommodations and Services

Most international students choose to live on our beautiful campus and to enjoy the community, dining, and sports opportunities as well as the close proximity to the law school building. Single and double rooms are available on campus. Students may also choose to live off campus.

Tuition and Costs

The tuition fee for the STL LL.M. program is 176,000 RMB regardless if you attend for one or two years. Cost of living is relatively low. For example, the current annual cost for a single room with private bathroom and small balcony is 12,000RMB. STL is committed to making the program accessible for qualified candidates and there are a limited number of international fellowships available. Applicants are also encouraged to consider scholarships for which they are qualified.

Scholarships

STL is committed to making the program accessible for qualified candidates and there are a limited number of international fellowships available. Applicants are also encouraged to consider scholarships for which they are qualified.

Contact Us

LL.M. Admissions Office, Room B103

Peking University School of Transnational Law

Xili University Town, Nanshan District Shenzhen 518055, China

Email: llm@stl.pku.edu.cn

Elaine Claar Campbell

Director of Graduate and International Programs and Lecturer of Law

Tel: (86 755) 2603 1484

Fax: (86 755) 2603 2567

Email: elainecampbell@stl.pku.edu.cn

Zoe Dai

Senior Officer of International Programs and Academic Affairs

Tel: (86 755) 2603 2569

Fax: (86 755) 2603 2567

Email: daizheng@stl.pku.edu.cn