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 BEFORE SUBMITTING AN ONLINE APPLICATION:
All PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to contact/identify a potential Supervisor and prepare a research proposal before submitting an online application.

Overview:

In an era of disruptive innovation in education, the Doctor of Education (EdD) programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) provides a lifelong learning opportunity for those who are committed to education practice with passion and purpose. The programme supports students’ aspirations to synergise theory with practice, play a role in transforming education for the future, and explore possibilities for achieving such transformation in both the Chinese and global contexts. The programme adopts an interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approach while concurrently developing students’ academic ability and professional expertise. This research-based, practice-oriented programme enables students to think critically about how to address challenges and how to play a leading role in shaping education for the future.

Why is EdD at XJTLU your best choice?

• • You can earn a doctorate from the University of Liverpool and get an internationally acclaimed education without travelling outside of China. This degree is also accredited by China’s Ministry of Education.
• • This programme is conducted in a blended way, combining online and onsite lectures and tutorials for a flexible learning schedule.
• • Every year, you are provided with opportunities to participate in hundreds of conferences and events hosted by XJTLU. These events allow you to socialise with other EdD candidates and be a part of a unique community that strengthens lifelong learning.
• • Your learning experience is further enriched by various teaching methods, such as classroom brainstorming, case studies, workshops, lectures, study tours in China and other countries, field visits to different cities, and president-entrepreneurial forums. These sessions are designed to enhance teacher-student interactions, group collaboration, and work-integrated learning, which can help you develop global perspectives and improve your leadership competencies.
• • This programme capitalises on the robust ecosystem built by XJTLU’s Academy of Future Education. You will engage with people who share your commitment to innovation in education, including elementary and middle school teachers, vocational leaders, and university professors and administrators.
• • After being admitted into this programme, you will have two supervisors, one from XJTLU and the other from the University of Liverpool. As education researchers and practitioners, they will broaden your horizons about how to learn and teach in the global context.

Knowledge and skills

The EdD programme aims to cultivate leaders and experts who can drive educational transformations for the future. Graduates of this programme will:

• • obtain a comprehensive theoretical understanding of various aspects of education, including educational leadership and management, future education, educational reform, learning theories, and more;
• • develop a research methodology that integrates theory into their own educational practices. It can enhance their lifelong learning through reflective practice;
• • utilise research-oriented approaches to explore educational practices and tackle existing and potential issues in the field of education; • engage critically, reflectively, and collaboratively with education communities through research and professional practices;
• • become future educational leaders who think globally and act locally, and make an impact on education both domestically and internationally.

Academic requirement

Must have a Master’s degree. Students with a Master’s degree in education, psychology, leadership, intercultural communication, or other relevant social science field are preferred.

Work experience/other requirements

Applicants must have acquired at least four years of full-time experience in the education sector (or equivalent) and aspire to be leaders in education.

English language requirement

All applicants applying for the EdD programme must demonstrate that they are competent in the use of English language and satisfy the University’s requirements. You will need to provide evidence of your level of English proficiency.

• • IELTS academic 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in each component), or
• • TOEFL iBT 100 (with L 21 R 21 W 21 and S 23), or
• • PTE Academic 69 (with minimum scores of 61 in each component).

*We do not accept MyBest Scores of TOEFL iBT or a combination of test scores taken at different times for any accepted English proficiency tests.

Please note this is only valid for two years from the test report date to the start date of the programme. If you are unsure about the requirements or which test scores are accepted, please contact the Admissions Team at [email protected] for clarification.

English language exemption requirements

You will qualify for an exemption from the English language requirement if one of the following applies to you:

• • You are a national of a majority English-speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration;
• • You have completed, or are completing, a degree at XJTLU or in the following countries or territories (excluding Chinese joint-venture programmes): Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Overseas Territories, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, or the USA.

Please note this exemption is only valid for two years from the date of the degree award to the start date of the doctoral programme.

Core Modules:

Year 1
Engaging with Educational Literature (10 credits)
Educational Research: Theory and Practice (10 credits)

Year 2
Conducting Quantitative Research (10 credits)
Conducting Qualitative Research (10 credits)

Year 3
Advanced Educational Research Studies (20 credits)

Years 4- 5.5
Research Thesis (120 credits)

Total credits for graduation: 180

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.