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

• The PhD in Environmental Sciences, based at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), is a strategic research collaboration between XJTLU and the University of Liverpool. Upon successful completion of your programme, you will receive a University of Liverpool-issued degree, which is recognised by China’s Ministry of Education.

• This PhD programme aims to produce advanced researchers with strong analytical, lab and field skills in the range of disciplines constituting environmental sciences. Following the highest international standards, candidates will be equipped with thorough knowledge and skills in how to collect, critically analyse and interpret environmental data. You will also learn how to generate and present top quality academic manuscripts and scientific reports. In this programme, students will:

• • develop a deep understanding of a key area of environmental science, as well as of the interactions among the disciplines constituting this field of knowledge;
• • acquire the expertise to skilfully and independently design field- and/or lab-based research experiments and projects, as well as to thoughtfully coordinate and implement the required tasks;
• • gain a comprehensive understanding of advanced statistical tools necessary to master analysis, interpretation and reporting of scientific data;
• • cultivate a range of communication skills for proficiently reporting scientific findings to a broad audience, as well as the necessary professional skills to thrive in the job market;
• • expand the current body of knowledge of environmental science by conducting research at the edge of its sub-disciplines, or the intersection among them, as well as by producing cutting-edge scientific papers; and
• • achieve a thorough understanding of the ethical implications of scientific activities, as well as the necessary criteria to assess risks of these activities, in order to carry out adequate decision-making when planning and conducting research.

Research areas in this programme include, but are not limited to:

1. Biodiversity, including its mechanisms and human influences
2. Landscape changes, including urbanisation and rural farming
3. Community ecology, including species interactions and trophic dynamics
4. Soil nutrients and pollution, including interactions and bioavailability
5. Air pollution, including aerosol processes, air quality and human health
6. Soils to plants, including nutrition/heavy metals and human health
7. Pollutants across interfaces, such as those between soil, water, air, biota and humans

Why should I do My PhD in Environmental Sciences at XJTLU?

• • You will be equipped with strong academic and professional skills to help you maximise your future employability;
• • XJTLU’s English-speaking working environment will enhance your English communication skills;
• • You will receive supervision from respected academics at both XJTLU and the University of Liverpool;
• • XJTLU’s research laboratories are equipped with cutting-edge instruments;
• • PhD students have dedicated travel budgets for participating in international conferences; and
• • You will have the chance to apply for a research visit to the University of Liverpool for up to six months.

Career opportunities

• With an increasing demand for environmental scientists worldwide, there are ample career opportunities in a wide variety of workplaces, including research centres, universities and institutes, government departments, and environmental consulting and management industries. Most recent graduates have secured post-doctoral fellowships or tenure-track positions in well-known institutions in China or abroad.

Research environment and facilities

• The Department of Health and Environmental Sciences has 21 academic staff with wide expertise. Academic staff from different countries, such as the US, Spain, Germany, Sri Lanka and China, bring students new ideas and different perspectives. These academic staff members collaborate with colleagues from numerous domestic and overseas institutions. All academic staff are research-active, publishing and holding grants, which has strengthened the foundation from which PhD students gain research experiences and develop research skills.

• The Department’s laboratories are well equipped with advanced instruments and facilities, including over 1,200 square metres of lab space. More than 17 million RMB has been invested in lab instruments.

Potential supervisors

• Find a supervisor from the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences

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.