Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a new international university jointly founded by Xi’an Jiaotong University China and the University of Liverpool UK as a joint venture. As an independent Sino-Foreign cooperative university, it captures the essence of both prestigious parent universities and is the first and only one of its kind approved by the Ministry of Education in China.

The University offers undergraduate degree programmes in the fields of science, engineering and management, and awards both its own Chinese degree and a degree from the University of Liverpool.

Overview

• The programme provides you with a comprehensive foundation in architecture. The curriculum is centred on progressively articulated design studios, where students are confronted with various scales of design, from small buildings to the urban dimension, and with the issue of sustainability in all its facets and implications.

• These are complemented each semester by lecture-based modules ranging from theory of architecture and philosophy of arts, to materials, construction and environmental design, from urban studies to professional practice. Unlike other programmes, history of Asian and western architecture are both integrated and equally important in the curriculum.

• This is the first Bachelor of Architecture at a Chinese university to receive validation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). In their last accreditation report, the RIBA board commended the ambitious vision of the department and the university, the dedication of the staff and the provision of “exceptional workshop facilities, studios and resources”, as well as the diversity and richness of the design briefs. In previous visits the department was also praised for “creating a distinctive environment in which students learn from an international and Chinese context with an ambition to produce a new type of graduate, with an emphasis on human-centred architecture, for the emerging global context”, and for promoting an “alternative model for Chinese architecture education […] challenging both Western and Chinese educational paradigms for architecture and design”.

Why should I study Architecture at XJTLU?

• • Graduate from a programme accredited by RIBA and receive Part 1 validation, with the possibility to register for a Part 2-validated Master through the “Global Professional Architect Track”
• • Enjoy field trips, internships and study opportunities in China and abroad, including the chance to complete your education at the University of Liverpool or to spend Year Three at Politecnico di Torino in Italy
• • Participate in local and international workshops with world-famous architects, as well as guest lectures, exhibitions, competitions and conferences
• • Learn from award-winning international academics and highly-engaged practitioners
• • Study in world-class facilities including dedicated design studios open 24/7, a materials library, and fabrication and printing workshops equipped with the most advanced printers, laser cutters, robotic arms and 3D printers
• • Enjoy the opportunity to be published in the XJTLU Architecture Yearbook or to be featured in one of the exhibitions organised by the department every year
• • Experience an architecturally outstanding location in Suzhou, famous for its classical UNESCO World Heritage gardens and architecture and 30 minutes by train from Shanghai.
• • Earn two degrees: an XJTLU degree from the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally recognised degree from the University of Liverpool, a member of the Russell Group of leading UK universities.

RIBA Validation

• The BEng Architecture programme has become the first programme of its kind at a Chinese university to receive validation by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), thus demonstrating XJTLU’s commitment to providing world-class, internationally recognised education to students from China and abroad.

Knowledge and skills

By the time you graduate from the BEng Architecture Programme, you will have:

• • Fluency in the productive use of analogue and digital design tools and media
• • An understanding of processes that form and transform urban space, principles of structure and construction, environmental control, and professional practice, as well as knowledge of conventional and innovative materials, processes and techniques related to architectural design and construction
• • The ability to generate competitive, creative and critical design proposals and the skills and media methods to communicate these proposals clearly and effectively
• • Knowledge of architectural history and theory in both the Chinese and international context, as well as an understanding of the role of the architect in society and built environment
• • The ability to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in order to make and present sound judgments both within architectural design discourse and beyond.

Careers

• Graduates from this programme find excellent opportunities for employment and further education in architecture and its related disciplines, including other creative industries. Most of the graduates continue their studies in international postgraduate programmes. Our alumni have gone on to study at some of the universities ranked at the very top in the field, including the Bartlett at University College London, McGill University, the National University of Singapore, Politecnico di Milano, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Sydney. Our graduates have also secured employment in acclaimed international and Chinese practices such as Arata Isozaki, Arup, David Chipperfield, Farrells, Neri&Hu, and Tong Ming Studio. With a dual degree, RIBA validation, and strong communication skills developed through English language support and Chinese courses for international students, opportunities for postgraduate studies and professional careers in China and internationally are endless. Additionally, XJTLU offers its students a direct path to becoming a global professional architect by allowing them to register directly for the Master in Architectural Design during the first year of their studies*. The students can then bypass the application process upon graduation and become professional architects earlier in their careers. *Final registration and progression depends on completing all the necessary courses requirements and fulfilment of progression criteria

• The Royal Institute commended the Department of Architecture and its staff for “creating a distinctive environment in which students learn from an international and Chinese context with an ambition to produce a new type of graduate, with an emphasis on human-centred architecture, for the emerging global context.”

Year One:
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers a wide range of courses in the first year, including English for academic purposes (EAP), mathematics and physics, and humanities and social sciences. Click to learn more.

Year Two:
Core Modules
Design Thinking and Articulation
Small Scale Architectural Design
Introduction to Environmental Science
Structures and Materials
Small Space Design
History of Western Architecture
Construction and Materials
Humanities and Architecture

Year Three:
Core Modules
Environmental Design and Sustainability
Structural Design
History of Asian Architecture
Small Urban Buildings
Design and Building Typology
Urban Studies

Year Four:
Core Modules
Architectural Technology
Final Year Project
Small and Medium Scale Buildings
Professional Practice

Optional Modules
Architectural Theory
Philosophy of Art and Aesthetics
Building Information Modelling
Culture And Theory In Industrial Design
Critical Debates in Contemporary Cities
Urban Design Studio

For the latest information regarding programmes, please refer to the official XJTLU website.

Why Choose XJTLU?

• Two Degrees: 1 from the University of Liverpool & 1 from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (Bachelor's students)
• The University of Liverpool degree (Master's and PhD students)
• All degree courses are taught 100% in English.
• No knowledge of the Chinese language is required to apply to XJTLU.
• Learn free of charge Chinese alongside your course.
• A friendly international community.
• International Opportunities: "2+2" study route to the University of Liverpool, UK for undergraduate students (more than 3,500 XJTLU students are now studying at the University of Liverpool, UK through "2+2")
• International Opportunities: Wide range of study abroad opportunities in partner institutions in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, the USA, South Korea, Russia, etc.
• International Opportunities: Partnerships with multinational companies in the likes of HSBC, Standard Chartered, Siemens, KPMG, Alstom, Schneider, ICBC, etc.

About Suzhou

You have the opportunity to live in one of the most culturally rich areas of China, with Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage gardens and canals famous around the world.

Suzhou combines its rich 2,500-year-old history with a drive to become one of the most modern cities in China. It has a population of more than six million and a GDP of a trillion RMB – far larger than those of many entire countries!

Alongside its beautiful tourist spots, Suzhou has many excellent learning resources and sports facilities, a great choice of shopping malls, cinemas and restaurants, and a variety of bars and nightclubs.

Today, the city’s canals, stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens have contributed to its status as one of the top tourist attractions in China. The classical gardens in Suzhou were added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000.

Suzhou is located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province in eastern China. Within Suzhou is Suzhou Industrial Park, one of the most competitive development zones in China. This area also contains the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (home to XJTLU), which sits beside Dushu Lake, one of two lakes in SIP.

Central Shanghai can be reached from Suzhou in just 30 minutes by high-speed train.

Library

XJTLU students have access to a wide range of library resources, from books and journals to electronic databases and articles. The library plays a key role as a research support and learning centre for the University, developing its collection by focusing on subject development and research requirements.

The library currently holds over 500,000 books, which are added to and updated throughout the year in response to requests from academic departments. It provides 22,000 square metres of space, housing 300 PCs and 2,500 seats for studying, discussion and computer and studio work.

Campuses

North Campus

Full of striking, architecturally impressive buildings, our North Campus provides state-of-the art teaching, laboratory, research and support facilities. This includes the award-winning and iconic Central Building, which houses our library.

The campus also has sports facilities, world class-fully equipped science and engineering laboratories, International Business School Suzhou, and design studios, as well as a variety of catering facilities, including Subway, Pacific Coffee Company, and many canteen-style fast-food options.

Landscaped gardens complement pieces of modern art to create a campus environment that has become one of the striking features of Suzhou Industrial Park.

South Campus

The first phase of our South Campus was opened to the public on 26 July 2016, as a major part of the University’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

Architecturally it contrasts our North Campus and features modern designs that complement the surrounding area. Eventually, the South Campus will satisfy the learning and teaching needs of approximately 6,000 XJTLU students as well as the University’s academic exchanges and research development plans. It will consist of eight buildings and be developed over two further phases:

Phase II: International Business School Suzhou at XJTLU

This phase will see the completion of a new building for International Business School Suzhou, set to open by the end of 2017.

PHASE III: XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and XJTLU Gym

Phase III consists of two buildings – the construction of the XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and a gym. Both buildings are expected to open by the end of 2018. The development of the School, in collaboration with financial services provider Gold Finance Group, is a significant part of XJTLU’s academic development strategy. It will mix digital media arts and film and television production and technology with performance and acting. The gym will provide improved and diversified sports facilities for students and staff on campus.

Living in University

When you come to XJTLU, you will have the opportunity to try a whole range of different sports and activities as well as developing any existing skills you already have.

Student clubs and societies

Student clubs and societies play an important part of student life. XJTLU has many organisations with themes such as art, sports, music, entrepreneurship, dance to name but a few. Some of the more established groups include a Model United Nations and the Student Union.

Another society, Intercom, provides a platform for all international students to arrange activities and events, and share ideas and experiences with the wider student body.

Catering

3 canteens, 3 coffee shops, Bar, Restaurants

Sports 

Currently, 21 sports are offered through PE classes at XJTLU, including badminton, basketball, belly dancing, billiards, boxing, bridge, Chinese martial arts, football, free combat, body building, golf, popping, roller-skating, sport dancing, table tennis, taekwondo, tai chi, tai chi sword, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and yoga.

We have outside sport facilities that include basketball and tennis courts as well as indoor facilities, such as a golf training venue, gym, dance room, and table tennis room. There is also a football field located next to the new South Campus.