Home - Academic - International Master of Chinese Law

International Master of Chinese Law

The International Master of Chinese Law (IMCL) is a graduate law programme (LL.M.) offered by China-EU School of Law (CESL) at the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL).

CESL is the first law school which was approved by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the People's Republic of China under the "Sino-Foreign Schools Agreement." Former Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his hope that "CESL will educate a great cohort of talented legal professionals equipped with knowledge spanning both Chinese and Western law". 

The IMCL programme will mainly focus on Chinese law, especially on Chinese civil and commercial laws. It is open to international students and the language of instruction is English. IMCL exposes international students to the historical background, transitional nature and developmental trajectory of Chinese law. Courses aim to provide students with general knowledge of Chinese law as well as a comparative approach to legal studies. Successful participants will receive a Master of Law (LL.M.) degree conferred by the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL).

Every autumn CESL offers the Chinese Law Taught in English programme(CLTE) to international students. Since 2011 there have been 134 international CLTE alumni. Starting in 2019, CESL expanded the CLTE programme to a full degree IMCL (LL.M.) programme. Globalisation and China’s rise to an economic world power are increasing the demand for legal professionals with a special expertise in Chinese legal matters. Thus, the programme prepares students for a wide variety of international careers working for multinational law firms, companies, organisations or government authorities.

In addition to courses, students have the opportunity to visit law firms and attend both civil and criminal trials. All classes are taught in English by experienced professors specialised in their respective field. The programme also offers assistance to students in seeking internship opportunities at law firms or companies both in Beijing and Europe. The school supports students who opt to learn Chinese in cooperation with CUPL School of International Studies.

The programme at a glance

Application deadline

The “early bird” application deadline for the 2024-25 IMCL programme is 15 March 2024. In case of still available places applications are welcome until 30 April 2024.

Diploma

Master of Laws (LL.M.) conferred by the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL).

Duration

Two years

First year full-time study in Beijing; Second year LL.M. dissertation.

Credits

A minimum of 26 CUPL credits

Classes

Diverse classes with International students and Chinese students

Dissertation

and Supervision

20,000 words English LL.M. dissertation and defense;

CUPL experienced supervisors with an international education background.

Tuition

50,000 yuan per academic year

two-year programme in total 100,000 yuan

Scholarships

37,000 yuan scholarship for students from CESL European partner universities to cover part of the tuition fees

Language

English

Visa will be updated according to the requirements of the National Immigration Administration (NIA) of the People’s Republic of China.

Contact

  • Ms Ma Anna, China-EU School of Law at the China University of Political Science and Law, Tel. +86-10-5991-5792, imcl_cesl@cupl.edu.cn

  • Ms Griselda Qosja, China-EU School of Law Consortium Office, Universität Hamburg, Tel. +49 40 42838-6830, grisenta.qosja@uni-hamburg.de

Download the flyer here.