[English version only 只備英文版本]
Introduction
Against a global backdrop increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions and transnational threats, robust legal expertise in national security has never been more important. Traditional legal education has failed to keep pace with the multidimensional nature of security law, creating a pressing knowledge gap. As China stands at the intersection of domestic stability and global governance, it is in need of a new generation of legal professionals capable of navigating complex security frameworks. Meanwhile, as national security becomes increasingly multifaceted and globally entangled, Hong Kong faces an urgent demand for legal professionals with comparative insight and strategic awareness—drawing on its unique common law foundation and strategic position within the Greater Bay Area.
Governments, international organizations, corporate entities, and legal institutions worldwide are in urgent need of high-end composite talents who possess a global perspective, master comparative national security legal systems, and can address practical security challenges through legal and policy tools. To bridge this gap and meet the growing demand for qualified professionals in national security law, the Academy for Applied Policy Studies and Education Futures (AAPSEF) at The Education University of Hong Kong is launching a self-financing Master’s programme: Master of Laws in National Security Law [LLM(NSL)].
Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as an international city rooted in both Chinese and common law traditions, the curriculum is tailored to foster legal talent who embody global awareness, policy acuity, and strategic discipline. With faculty drawn from leading scholars and practitioners in national security law, the programme integrates doctrinal instruction with applied legal problem-solving. Special emphasis is placed on the comprehensive implementation of China’s holistic national security strategy. The curriculum guides students through interconnected domains such as political, cyber, ecological, and cultural security, with attention to both legal mechanisms and real-world enforcement. By combining rigorous academic inquiry with Hong Kong’s international talent advantage, this programme ensures that graduates are equipped to deliver results—whether through legal advocacy, institutional reform, or strategic advisory roles.
Programme Highlights
Empowering graduates to make meaningful contributions to domestic reform, international dialogue, and transnational legal practice in national security law.
This new curriculum fills a critical void in Hong Kong’s legal education landscape, directly addresses national security as a comprehensive discipline, fostering professionals with focused expertise in this strategic area. Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and transnational threats, and leveraging Hong Kong's unique legal and strategic position, the programme equips graduates with in-depth knowledge of national security legal systems, international law, compliance frameworks, and interdisciplinary expertise. This enables them to navigate complex legal and security frameworks and address practical challenges.
The [LLM(NSL)] strategically complements EduHK’s existing Master of Laws in Digital Governance [LLM(DG)] through a clear division of focus and market positioning. Taught in English and serving all mainland, Hong Kong and international markets, the [LLM(NSL)] addresses the security implications and risk management aspects of these same transformations.
Disclaimer
The University is committed to upholding the educational quality and standard of the programmes it offers. The University, being funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC), is one of the nine self-accrediting institutions in Hong Kong. In addition, the quality of the educational experience in all programmes offered by the UGC-funded universities is subject to the quality assurance process administered by the Quality Assurance Council of the UGC. Individuals who wish to apply for qualification certification in Chinese Mainland after graduation should contact the CSCSE (website: https://zwfw.cscse.edu.cn/cscse/lxfwzxwsfwdt2020/xlxwrz32/index.html) directly for updated details and confirmation. The certification in Chinese Mainland is an independent process from the conferral of academic qualification in Hong Kong by the University. For the avoidance of doubt, no warranties are given in respect of individual graduate’s qualification certification or recognition in Chinese Mainland or any other professional qualification or license outside Hong Kong.
In the event of inconsistency between information in English and Chinese versions or where an interpretation of the programme content is required, the decision of the University shall be final.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this website. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time as due to change of circumstances and the University reserves the right to revise any information contained in this website as it deems fit without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website.
Any aspect of the courses and course offerings (including, without limitation, the contents of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University if necessary. Without limiting the generality of the University’s discretion to revise the courses and course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors including staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by change of circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.
EdUHK, has not collaborated with any agency in Chinese Mainland or Hong Kong on admission, and does not encourage students to entrust their applications to any third-party agents and we always contact applicants directly on updates regarding the applications. You must complete and submit your own application via the EdUHK online admissions system and provide your own personal and contact details. Please refer to the official EdUHK channels, such as programme websites and the admissions system, for the required information to complete your application.
Important Notes for Students from Chinese Mainland on Overseas Credential Evaluation
- Students who have fulfilled the programme requirements will be conferred the degree upon the approval of the University's Academic Board. The University bears no responsibility for the evaluation of its degrees outside of Hong Kong. Students are advised to consult with the relevant authority(ies) for the prevailing rules/regulations.
- Individuals who would seek qualification certification in Chinese Mainland after graduation should contact the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) 中國(教育部) 留學服務中心 (https://www.cscse.edu.cn) for updated details.
- The certification in Chinese Mainland is an independent process from the conferral of academic qualification in Hong Kong by the University. For the avoidance of doubt, no warranties are given in respect of individual graduate's qualification certification or recognition in Chinese Mainlandor any other professional qualification or license outside Hong Kong.
- CSCSE takes a very prudent approach in evaluating each application, including the students' residential period in Hong Kong during the entire study period. When evaluating graduates' credentials, the full border entry and exit records of individual applicants will be examined.
- Students who would pursue credential recognition should be aware that short stays in Hong Kong during the study period may not fulfil the CSCSE residential requirements, leading to possible uncertainty and risks to their credential recognition.
- Students are seriously advised to consider the above when making personal plans, such as accommodation and travel plans from Hong Kong, etc. and make necessary arrangements where appropriate.
- It is the responsibility of the students to be familiar with and comply with the University regulations and guidelines governing the Taught Postgraduate Programmes. Students should refer to the Graduate School website for the General Academic Regulations and the Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate Programmes for details.
- Students should consult with CSCSE if they have any enquiries.
1 June 2025
[English version only 只備英文版本]
Programme Aims
The programme aims to:
- To prepare students to critically assess legal issues related to national security and apply appropriate legal instruments and policy solutions;
- To fosters students capable of shaping responsive legal frameworks, enhancing institutional resilience, and contributing to regional and international dialogue on security governance;
- To develop students' curiosity and creativity in exploring the potential of legal reasoning and strategic decision-making, within government, the private sector, or civil society.
Prospective Students
This programme aims to attract candidates who aspire to engage in national security legal practice, compliance management, government and international affairs, as well as academic research in fields related to national security law. It is designed to shape professionals who will advance the rule of law and strengthen institutional governance at the national and global levels.
Programme Structure
The LLM(NSL) (One-year Full-time) is a 24-credit-points (cps) programme. Students need to complete 24 credits in order to graduate. Each course bears 3 credits (if students choose to do Independent Research, the course bears 6 credits). Students need to complete 4 core courses and 4 elective courses (or two elective courses and one Independent Research course).
Core courses | 12 cps |
Elective courses | 12 cps |
Total | 24 cps |
Programme Curriculum
Type | Course Title | Credit Points (cps) |
| Core course | Foundations of Comparative National Security Law | 3 |
| Core course | International Law and National Security | 3 |
| Core course | Economic and Financial Security Law | 3 |
| Core course | Hong Kong National Security Legal System | 3 |
| Elective course | National Security and Informational Security | 3 |
| Elective course | Cyber Criminal Law and Practice in Hong Kong | 3 |
| Elective course | Seminar on Protecting Cultural Diversity and Cultural Security | 3 |
| Elective course | Counter-Terrorism Law and Human Rights | 3 |
| Elective course | Biosecurity, Environmental and Climate Security Law | 3 |
| Elective course | International Trade and Investment Security Legal Systems | 3 |
| Elective course | Cross-Border Law Enforcement and Judicial Procedures | 3 |
| Elective course | National Security Law Practice and Advocacy | 3 |
| Elective course | Independent Research | 6 |
Medium of Instruction
The medium of instruction is mainly English.
Study Location
Classes in the same or different semester(s) may be scheduled on weekday daytime/evenings, weekends and/or during long holidays at the Tai Po Campus / Tseung Kwan O Study Centre / North Point Study Centre / West Kowloon Study Centre / Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre and/or other locations as decided by the University.
Career Propsects
Become a National Security Law Expert with Cross-border Legal Expertise and Open up more Possibilities for Future!
Graduates may pursue the following careers:
- National Security & Legal Policy Professionals: Working in governmental organs, public institutions, and relevant enterprises, applying legal theories and national security strategy-related skills to national legal development, institutional resilience building, and public strategy formulation.
- Legal Advisory & Diplomatic Professionals: Serving in law firms, professional consulting agencies, and international organizations, providing legal advisory services to meet domestic and transnational legal compliance requirements, and undertaking diplomatic roles related to national legal and security affairs.
- Regulatory & Legal Implementation Specialists: Employed in government regulatory departments and public institutions, responsible for implementing policies aligned with national comprehensive security strategy, supervising legal compliance in related fields, and promoting legal innovation across domestic and transnational settings.
- Academic or Further Education: Those who may choose to pursue a PhD in public administration, international relations, law and other related fields, and work as a teacher or researcher at a university to advance academic research on national legal development, security strategy, and transnational legal issues.
Disclaimer
The University is committed to upholding the educational quality and standard of the programmes it offers. The University, being funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC), is one of the nine self-accrediting institutions in Hong Kong. In addition, the quality of the educational experience in all programmes offered by the UGC-funded universities is subject to the quality assurance process administered by the Quality Assurance Council of the UGC. Individuals who wish to apply for qualification certification in Chinese Mainland after graduation should contact the CSCSE (website: https://zwfw.cscse.edu.cn/cscse/lxfwzxwsfwdt2020/xlxwrz32/index.html) directly for updated details and confirmation. The certification in Chinese Mainland is an independent process from the conferral of academic qualification in Hong Kong by the University. For the avoidance of doubt, no warranties are given in respect of individual graduate’s qualification certification or recognition in Chinese Mainland or any other professional qualification or license outside Hong Kong.
In the event of inconsistency between information in English and Chinese versions or where an interpretation of the programme content is required, the decision of the University shall be final.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this website. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time as due to change of circumstances and the University reserves the right to revise any information contained in this website as it deems fit without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website.
Any aspect of the courses and course offerings (including, without limitation, the contents of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University if necessary. Without limiting the generality of the University’s discretion to revise the courses and course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors including staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by change of circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.
EdUHK, has not collaborated with any agency in Chinese Mainland or Hong Kong on admission, and does not encourage students to entrust their applications to any third-party agents and we always contact applicants directly on updates regarding the applications. You must complete and submit your own application via the EdUHK online admissions system and provide your own personal and contact details. Please refer to the official EdUHK channels, such as programme websites and the admissions system, for the required information to complete your application.
Important Notes for Students from Chinese Mainlandon Overseas Credential Evaluation
- Students who have fulfilled the programme requirements will be conferred the degree upon the approval of the University's Academic Board. The University bears no responsibility for the evaluation of its degrees outside of Hong Kong. Students are advised to consult with the relevant authority(ies) for the prevailing rules/regulations.
- Individuals who would seek qualification certification in Chinese Mainland after graduation should contact the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) 中國(教育部) 留學服務中心 (https://www.cscse.edu.cn) for updated details.
- The certification in Chinese Mainland is an independent process from the conferral of academic qualification in Hong Kong by the University. For the avoidance of doubt, no warranties are given in respect of individual graduate's qualification certification or recognition in Chinese Mainlandor any other professional qualification or license outside Hong Kong.
- CSCSE takes a very prudent approach in evaluating each application, including the students' residential period in Hong Kong during the entire study period. When evaluating graduates' credentials, the full border entry and exit records of individual applicants will be examined.
- Students who would pursue credential recognition should be aware that short stays in Hong Kong during the study period may not fulfil the CSCSE residential requirements, leading to possible uncertainty and risks to their credential recognition.
- Students are seriously advised to consider the above when making personal plans, such as accommodation and travel plans from Hong Kong, etc. and make necessary arrangements where appropriate.
- It is the responsibility of the students to be familiar with and comply with the University regulations and guidelines governing the Taught Postgraduate Programmes. Students should refer to the Graduate School website for the General Academic Regulations and the Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate Programmes for details.
- Students should consult with CSCSE if they have any enquiries.
1 June 2025
[English version only 只備英文版本]
Entrance Requirements (for 2026/27 Admission)
1. General Requirements
- Recognised Bachelor's Degree or other equivalent qualifications.
Applicants who obtained degrees from universities in Chinese Mainland are required to provide:
- Degree Certificate（學位證書-中文原件掃描）and Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate（學位在線驗證報告）issued by the CHSI（學信網）with a validity period of six months;
- Graduation Certificate（畢業證書-中文原件掃描）and Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate（學歷證書電子註冊備案表）issued by the CHSI（學信網）with a validity period of six months; and
- Final Transcript（最終成績單-中文原件掃描）.
2. Work Experience
- Preference will be accorded to individuals boasting over two years of professional experience, particularly those who have refined their expertise in mid-level to senior management positions.
3. English Language Proficiency Requirements
- Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution in a non-English speaking system should normally fulfil one of the following minimum English proficiency requirements:
i. Overall score of IELTS 6.0 (academic version) #; or
ii. TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based test) #; or
iii. Band 6 in the College English Test (CET) # with a total score of 430; or
iv. Grade C or above in GCSE/GCE O-Level English; or
v. Other equivalent qualifications on a case-by-case basis.
# The test should be taken in test centres and the result should be valid within two years. TOEFL Home Editions, TOEFL MyBest Score, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, IELTS One Skill Retake, Duolingo and National Postgraduate Entrance Examination (全國碩士研究生招生考試) are NOT acceptable.
4. Interview
- Shortlisted applicants are required to attend an admission interview.
5. Supplementary Documents
Applicants are also required to submit supplementary documents through online application system:
- Two Referee’s Reports
Applicants are required to invite two referees to complete the Referee's Report through the "Confidential Report/References" section in the online application system, or to write a Reference Letter.
- A Personal Statement of 800 words in English
Disclaimer: This Master of Laws programme is primarily designed for applicants with a prior law background and aims to provide advanced academic training in national security law for legal professionals. This programme should NOT be interpreted as a shortcut or alternative pathway for non-law graduates seeking to qualify for China's national judicial examination. Eligibility for the judicial examination is determined solely by national regulations and is not directly related to obtaining this degree. Prospective applicants should consult relevant authorities regarding examination eligibility requirements.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee (2026/2027 Cohort) is HK$198,000 (24 cps) for the whole programme, which is provisional and subject to adjustment. Tuition fees paid are normally not refundable or transferable. Students who still need to take courses to meet graduation requirements beyond the regular study period (one year for full-time will need to pay a fee for extended study.
The University reserves the right to make changes to tuition fee without prior notice.
AAPSEF Entrance Scholarship
Starting from the 2026/27 academic year, the Academy for Applied Policy Studies and Education Futures will offer a one-off entrance scholarship (HK$30,000) to local and non-local students with outstanding academic and non-academic achievements in its taught postgraduate programmes.
Places are limited, please visit the Academy’s website for details: https://aapsef.eduhk.hk/study/aapsef-entrance-scholarship
Application and Enquiries
Admission: acadmission@eduhk.hk
Programme: 2948 7740, llmnsl@eduhk.hk
Interested applicants please submit your application via EdUHK Online Application Systems. Prior to your submission, please visit https://www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/postgrad/index.html for detailed application and admission information.
Disclaimer
The University is committed to upholding the educational quality and standard of the programmes it offers. The University, being funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC), is one of the nine self-accrediting institutions in Hong Kong. In addition, the quality of the educational experience in all programmes offered by the UGC-funded universities is subject to the quality assurance process administered by the Quality Assurance Council of the UGC. Individuals who wish to apply for qualification certification in Chinese Mainland after graduation should contact the CSCSE (website: https://zwfw.cscse.edu.cn/cscse/lxfwzxwsfwdt2020/xlxwrz32/index.html) directly for updated details and confirmation. The certification in Chinese Mainland is an independent process from the conferral of academic qualification in Hong Kong by the University. For the avoidance of doubt, no warranties are given in respect of individual graduate’s qualification certification or recognition in Chinese Mainland or any other professional qualification or license outside Hong Kong.
In the event of inconsistency between information in English and Chinese versions or where an interpretation of the programme content is required, the decision of the University shall be final.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this website. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time as due to change of circumstances and the University reserves the right to revise any information contained in this website as it deems fit without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website.
Any aspect of the courses and course offerings (including, without limitation, the contents of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University if necessary. Without limiting the generality of the University’s discretion to revise the courses and course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors including staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by change of circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.
EdUHK, has not collaborated with any agency in Chinese Mainland or Hong Kong on admission, and does not encourage students to entrust their applications to any third-party agents and we always contact applicants directly on updates regarding the applications. You must complete and submit your own application via the EdUHK online admissions system and provide your own personal and contact details. Please refer to the official EdUHK channels, such as programme websites and the admissions system, for the required information to complete your application.
Important Notes for Students from Chinese Mainlandon Overseas Credential Evaluation
- Students who have fulfilled the programme requirements will be conferred the degree upon the approval of the University's Academic Board. The University bears no responsibility for the evaluation of its degrees outside of Hong Kong. Students are advised to consult with the relevant authority(ies) for the prevailing rules/regulations.
- Individuals who would seek qualification certification in Chinese Mainland after graduation should contact the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) 中國(教育部) 留學服務中心 (https://www.cscse.edu.cn) for updated details.
- The certification in Chinese Mainland is an independent process from the conferral of academic qualification in Hong Kong by the University. For the avoidance of doubt, no warranties are given in respect of individual graduate's qualification certification or recognition in Chinese Mainlandor any other professional qualification or license outside Hong Kong.
- CSCSE takes a very prudent approach in evaluating each application, including the students' residential period in Hong Kong during the entire study period. When evaluating graduates' credentials, the full border entry and exit records of individual applicants will be examined.
- Students who would pursue credential recognition should be aware that short stays in Hong Kong during the study period may not fulfil the CSCSE residential requirements, leading to possible uncertainty and risks to their credential recognition.
- Students are seriously advised to consider the above when making personal plans, such as accommodation and travel plans from Hong Kong, etc. and make necessary arrangements where appropriate.
- It is the responsibility of the students to be familiar with and comply with the University regulations and guidelines governing the Taught Postgraduate Programmes. Students should refer to the Graduate School website for the General Academic Regulations and the Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate Programmes for details.
- Students should consult with CSCSE if they have any enquiries.
1 June 2025