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 MSc Urban Planning (specialisation in Urban Design) programme allows you to engage in applying design principles and techniques to address urban challenges in the changing contexts of Chinese and global environment.

• You will learn to consider the interplay between spatial design and social, economic, environmental and political issues evident in a range of urban settings. Taught with an interdisciplinary approach to the development of urban form, the programme is not limited to those with architecture or urban planning backgrounds – it is relevant to anyone interested in understanding the nature and production of spaces.

• Our international teaching staff bring with them the best learning methods from some of the most prestigious universities in the world, offering you the chance to learn in a supportive, integrated learning environment.

• Note: For students from this programme who need degree verifications from the Ministry of Education of China, the degree verification only indicates the degree title “Urban Planning “, without the specialisation in brackets.

Why should I study Urban Planning (Specialisation in Urban Design) at XJTLU?

• • Study in the Suzhou-Shanghai region, one of the most dynamic and exciting environments to learn
  about and experiment with urban design in the 21st century.
• • Gain a multidisciplinary perspective and skills through modules delivered by both the Department
  of Architecture and the Department of Urban Planning and Design.
• • Benefit from exposure to global best practices and cutting-edge research, facilitated by faculty
  members with extensive experiences in both academia and industry.
• • Earn a prestigious degree from the University of Liverpool, recognised globally across academic and
  professional communities.

Knowledge and skills

By the time you graduate from the MSc Urban Planning (specialisation in Urban Design), you will have:

• • A comprehensive understanding of urbanisation in China, alongside comparative insights into
  global urban development trends.
• • Knowledge of key urban planning and design theories and methodologies to create and articulate
  site-specific design solutions across multidisciplinary contexts.
• • Professional design skills in spatial analysis, representation techniques (mapping, modelling,
  filming), and conceptualisation (scenario building and vision creation).

Careers

• This programme equips graduates for dynamic careers in urban design across both public and private sectors. Potential career paths are not limited to urban design but also encompass roles such as sustainability specialists, project coordinator, and professional consultant. In these roles, graduates leverage their expertise in land use planning, community development, urban management, and the revitalisation of infrastructure and facilities. These positions afford graduates a unique opportunity to actively participate in the crafting of sustainable, functional, and vibrant urban spaces.

Core Modules

Semester 1
Architectural Theory and Criticism
Fundamentals of Urban Design
Place-making and Urban Design

Semester 2
Urban Design Inquiry (Studio)
Sustainable Urban Planning Strategies

Semester 3
Dissertation

Optional Modules

Semester 1
Theory and Practice of Urban Regeneration
Politics, Society and Participation

Semester 2
Topics in Architectural History
Heritage, Historic Districts and Conservation
Spatial Analysis and Visualisation

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.