University of Exeter Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith and President of HKUST Prof Tony F. Chan.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Exeter launch an innovative Engineering and Law programme
An innovative programme is being launched linking the University of Exeter and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
The programme will enable students who embark on Engineering or Computer Science undergraduate degrees at HKUST to finish the degree at Exeter, before spending a fifth year at Exeter’s Law School, completing either an LLM (Master of Laws) or a Juris Doctor (JD).
The LLM offers specialism in either International Commercial Law or Intellectual Property Law. It could appeal to entrepreneurial engineers who wish to learn about how they might preserve and exploit their intellectual property.
The JD is a variant of Exeter’s successful Graduate LLB and is being developed specifically for HKUST students. It covers all of the requirements for a qualifying law degree in England, and most of the additional requirements for entry to the Hong Kong Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL). It is a step towards practicing law in either England or Hong Kong. Graduates of the programme might work as engineers who manage projects, or as adjudicators or arbitrators. Those who study computer science and law will be able to practice at the forefront of industries such as banking and the law, where artificial intelligence will play an ever-growing role.
As part of this programme, Exeter’s Engineering and Computer Science students will have the opportunity to spend a year abroad in Hong Kong as part of their four year BEng or BSc programme. HKUST is in a stunning location overlooking Clearwater Bay and its School of Engineering, which is ranked 18 in the Times Higher Education 2018 World University Rankings; it is the top-ranked institution for Computer Science and Engineering in Hong Kong.
University of Exeter Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith said: “I am delighted to be developing this innovative programme with another leading international university. The experience and qualifications obtained through these degrees will enhance significantly the employment opportunities of the students who participate in them.” President of HKUST Prof Tony F. Chan wrote: “I’m glad to see the excellent law education provided by the University of Exeter being opened up to HKUST students. This program in engineering and law is an exciting development in our engineering undergraduate education.”
It is anticipated that the first students will trade places in 2018.
Date: 21 February 2018