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 BA China Studies provides you with an in-depth understanding of one of the most important global players of the 21st century – China.

• You will learn to apply theories from the humanities and social sciences to your understanding and analysis of China while benefiting from living in country and experiencing the language and culture first hand.

• The programme offers two pathways depending on your career goals. If you are interested in teaching the Chinese language, you can choose the ‘Teaching Chinese as an International Language’ pathway. If you are interested in the study and application of the social sciences, including teaching, you can choose the ‘Contemporary China Studies’ pathway.

• All students study the same modules in Years One and Two, allowing you to establish your strengths and interests before selecting your pathway for Years Three and Four.

Why should I study China Studies at XJTLU?

• • Experience China first-hand and take advantage of XJTLU’s strategic location in Suzhou – one of the most culturally and economically vibrant places in the country
• • Study a broad range of topics including those related to China’s history and culture, society and politics, and business and economics
• • Benefit from opportunities to undertake fieldwork and fieldtrips in different parts of China
• • Learn Chinese, one of the most spoken languages in the world
• • 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.

The degree is open to both Chinese and international students and is taught in English. International students who meet academic and English language requirements may enter directly into Year Two.

Knowledge and skills

By the time you graduate from the BA China Studies programme, you will have:

• • an advanced level of proficiency in both English and modern standard Chinese
• • a strong understanding of humanities and social science theories
• • an in-depth understanding of Chinese history and contemporary China’s society, culture, political and economic development

Careers

• Graduates from this programme pursue careers in a diverse range of organisations and companies looking to link with China in fields such as international business, economics, financial services, government, diplomacy, journalism, education, development and non-governmental organisations. The programme also offers you a solid foundation for pursuing further study in the humanities and social sciences. Between 2018 and 2021, acceptances & offers were obtained from world-renowned universities in the US, UK, and Australia, including:

• • University of Oxford
• • Columbia University
• • University of Pennsylvania
• • London School of Economics and Political Science
• • King's College London
• • University College London
• • Durham University
• • University of Bristol
• • University of Sydney and many others.

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
Chinese Civilization: Thinkers and Ideas
China’s History: 1027 BCE-1927 AD
China: Society and Development
Twentieth Century China

Optional Modules
Introduction to Chinese Literature
Doing Business in China
Aesthetics, Art and Design in China
Critical Thinking For China Studies
Modern Chinese in Socio-historical Perspective
Classical Chinese 1

Year Three:
Core Modules
Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature
China: culture, language and communication
Chinese Language 1
Chinese Language 2
Chinese Language 3
Chinese Language 4
Chinese Language 5
Chinese Language 6
Chinese Language 7
Chinese Language 8
Chinese Language 9 &10
Classical Chinese 2
Teaching Chinese as an International Language
Chinese Language Stage 11 and 12
Pedagogical Chinese Grammar
English Language and Study Skills III for Humanities and Social Sciences
Introduction to Second Language Acquisition

Optional Modules
International China
China and Asia
China: Social stratification and change
China: Family and society
Professional Skills For China Studies
Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature
China: Entrepreneurship and Development
China: Regional Development
China: culture, language and communication
Research Methods For China Studies
Classical Chinese
Modern Chinese 1
Modern Chinese 2
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods

Year Four:
Core Modules
China Studies: Final Year Project
Chinese Theatre and Performance
Chinese Rhetoric in Comparative Perspective
Chinese Language 1
Chinese Language 2
Chinese Language 3
Chinese Language 4
Chinese Language 5
Chinese Language 6
Chinese Language 7
Chinese Language 8
Chinese Language 9 &10
Chinese Language Stage 11 and 12
Chinese as a Global Language
Chinese Writing
Chinese Linguistics
Applied Linguistics

Optional Modules
Local Government in China
China: Social Policy
‘The Cultural History of West China’
China: Understanding Gender
Theories Of China’s Change
Chinese Theatre and Performance
China: The Public Sector
China: International Trade
Chinese Rhetoric in Comparative Perspective
Cities in Chinese History
Chinese Language 1
Chinese Language 2
Chinese Language 3
Chinese Language 4
Chinese Language 5
Chinese Language 6
Chinese Language 7
Chinese Language 9 &10
Chinese Language Stage 11 and 12
Chinese as a Global Language
Chinese Cinema
Introduction to Second Language Acquisition
Chinese Linguistics

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.