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.

• IMPORTANT NOTE: Students with Chinese nationality can not apply to XJTLU as foreign students, even if they were born outside China. Students with Chinese nationality need to pass the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE), also known as Gaokao, in order to get into a university in China.

Overview

• The programme is undergoing major changes that will affect the offering from a.y. 24/25.

• China’s economic growth has coincided with rapid globalisation over the past three decades. As this growth continues there is a need for a more specialised understanding of the country’s growing socio-economic interactions with the rest of the world.

• The BA International Relations programme aims to deepen such knowledge and understanding, and to produce the entrepreneurial and managerial leaders of the future who will bring China to the world and the world to China.

• Through the interdisciplinary study of the interconnectedness of politics, economics and law in global affairs, the programme examines relationships between nation states, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and multinational corporations within the international framework.

• While the programme focuses on China in an international context, all students will spend one semester studying abroad in the country of their choice during their studies.

Why should I study International Relations at XJTLU?

• • Live in China, the perfect place to gain a unique understanding of the country’s place in the world
• • Learn another language with Spanish or Japanese available as additional languages if the required standard of Chinese and English is reached
• • Specialise in the study of one other country and spend one semester there as part of your programme
• • Undertake a significant piece of independent research based on your Semester of International Experience
• • 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.

Knowledge and skills

By the time you graduate from the BA International Relations, you will have:

• • an appreciation of other countries and societies, through both study and lived experience in a country of specialisation
• • specialist knowledge of China’s interactions with other parts of the world, other countries’ involvement with China, and world structures of business, trade, and investment
• • an understanding of the principal concepts of the humanities and social sciences, as well as a range of theories of knowledge in international relations and international political economy
• • advanced analytical, critical thinking, cross-cultural, interpersonal and communication skills
• • practical experience in research and policy analysis.

Careers

• Graduates from this programme are well prepared for positions related to the work of international, national, local organisations, think-tank and research institutions, both in China and in other countries of the world. Graduates may find employment in a range of sectors including multilateral organisations, governments, Non-Governmental Organisations, education, media, development, banking, business and trade relations. The programme also offers a solid foundation for pursuing further study in the humanities and social sciences. Our graduates have been accepted in the MA programmes of world-renowned universities, including: London School of Economics, Sciences Po Paris, University College London, University of California, San Diego, etc.

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
Contemporary International Relations
International Political Economy
World History: Twentieth Century to Today
History of the Americas
Managing the World: the Role of International Institutions
East and Southeast Asia: The Pacific Century
Foundations in Political Science

Year Three:
Core Modules
China and Asia
International Relations Research Methods
International Relations Study Abroad
Country Study
Foreign Policy Analysis
International Communications
Comparative Politics

Optional Modules
International China
International Politics Of Development In Africa
Regional Integration: The Case Of Europe
Contemporary Russian Politics And Economy

Year Four:
Core Modules
International Relations: Final Year Project
International Business Law

Optional Modules
Doing Business in China
Local Government in China
‘The Cultural History of West China’
China: International Trade
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Society
Cultural and Creative Industries in a Digital Economy
Globalisation and Science Communication
Investigative Journalism
Sino-European Relations: A Critical Approach
US Intelligence and Foreign Policy
Political Economy Of Foreign Aid
Public Policy and Cultural Diplomacy
Russia and China Great Powers in an Era of Global Disorder
Finding Solutions: Development Theory and Practice
Economic Issues and Policies for Development
Advanced Research Methods for International Relations
Postcolonial Literature
Climate Change and Literature
Intercultural Communication
Conference Interpreting

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.