On June 11 2013, There was a video meeting at Bangor University about the evaluation of the bachelor degree in law and Chinese studies on the video network., Experts from the University of Manchester attended the meeting via video. Before the meeting, the degree program had been accepted by the British Bar Association. After a two-hour meeting, Bangor University approved the first LLB law degree in the UK to combine expertise in Law with Contemporary Chinese Studies. The three year, full time programme, recruiting now for September 2013 entry to the university, will give students an outstandingly employable set of skills and experiences, based on understanding of both legal systems and a cultural insight and sensitivity. Students taking this new Law degree will also have the opportunity to participate in a summer school in Beijing, as well as to work in a placement in Beijing with international law firms and international companies based in China.

Prof. Dermot Cahill, Head of Bangor School of Law said, "Our students already leave with strong theoretical and practical skills in Law and its context. The LL.B. in Law with Contemporary Chinese Studies offers a unique combination of skills at the interface of East and West, which is in high demand by law firms, companies and organisations with global reach and ambition."

This initiative by the School of Law at Bangor University is in partnership with the Confucius Institute at Bangor University, one of over 400 such Institutes across the world, which act as a portal of understanding between China and global partners through cultural exchange. The Confucius Institute at Bangor University, launched in September 2012, is the only one in the world to focus specifically on Law. The Institute has been established in partnership with the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL), Beijing – one of the most prestigious universities in China.

Professor of Law at CUPL and Co-Director of the Bangor Confucius Institute, Prof. Zhang Liying, said, "Companies undertaking business in China are increasingly approaching CUPL for expert, independent advice on how to work effectively within the Chinese legal system. We are proud to have established this strategic partnership which brings the opportunity for graduates to occupy key roles at the helm of business and collaboration related to a rapidly growing Chinese economy."

Dr. Wei Shi, Director of the Confucius Institute and Reader in Law at Bangor University said, "With a wide range of modular options conducted through both English and Welsh, graduates emerging with a multi-cultural understanding based on sound understanding of legal doctrine, concepts, institutions, values and principles will be in great demand in UK, Wales, Europe, China and globally."

Prof. Cahill added, "This is only the beginning of a major programme of collaboration between Bangor and CUPL, which will offer opportunities for joint degrees, inter-cultural exchange, continuing professional development and research supported by some of the best legal minds in both continents, and backed by the Welsh and Chinese governments."

Dr. David Joyner, Executive Director at the Confucius Institute added, "Bangor's initiative is engaging with communities and individuals of all ages and interests including primary, secondary schools and colleges across north Wales. It can offer Chinese language training from beginners to advanced levels, cultural tasters and experiences of all kinds and a programme to explore the interchange of culture between Wales and China. As part of our portal of understanding between peoples, every year we will be sending groups to China and receiving guests to Wales."

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)