The University of Law has opened a campus in Hong Kong and pledged to 'raise the bar' in legal education, in spite of escalating violence in the region after a pro-democracy protester was shot with live ammunition.

The Hong Kong campus, which welcomed its first intake of students this month, is the university’s first international opening. Students are starting part-time and full-time law conversion courses and will be led by inaugural dean Peter Crisp, who is also the university’s pro vice chancellor (external).

Aruna Verma, programme director at the Hong Kong campus, said: ‘We have applied our rich history and high-quality teaching standards to everything we have done at the Hong Kong campus.

‘We are committed to continuing to focus on employability and strengthening our students’ capabilities, so that we can provide excellent entry routes into successful careers.’

Professor Andrea Nollent, vice chancellor and CEO at the University of Law, added: ‘We recognise Hong Kong’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution service hub, and it is therefore a significant market for The University of Law.’

The university said it has ‘ambitious goals of raising the bar in Hong Kong’s provision of quality education’. It did not wish to comment on the pro-democracy protests currently taking place in the region. 

Unrest in Hong Kong intensified yesterday after a protester was shot with live ammunition for the first time in four months of demonstrations. The shooting took place on the 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule in China.