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 Computer Science and Software Engineering develops your understanding of the research process and your ability to analyse and constructively augment a particular research area. It provides you with experience in communicating research results in both written and oral forms and equips you with advanced knowledge and research skills relevant to both academia and industry.

• We provide high-calibre, discipline-specific training that takes advantage of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s distinctive international features and vibrant research environment.

• The programme, based at 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.

• Students enrolled in this programme are registered with the University of Liverpool as off-site postgraduate research students. You will carry out research on XJTLU premises under the guidance of a supervisory team.

• You will be appointed a designated primary (local) supervisor at XJTLU who is a full-time member of academic staff. In addition, you will have a designated secondary supervisor based at the University of Liverpool.

• Pursuing a full-time PhD typically involves three years of conducting research and one year of writing a thesis, supported by subject-specific and generic skills training and development. A full-time PhD student must submit a thesis within four years. A part-time PhD student must submit it in six years. As a registered full-time PhD student, you will have the opportunity to apply for a research visit to the University of Liverpool for up to six months. Your accommodation and travel fees would be covered by XJTLU and the University of Liverpool.

• XJTLU provides every registered PhD student with conference funds of up to 16,500 RMB over the course of study at XJTLU. The purpose of this fund is to support students’ academic experience, encourage the dissemination of research, and enhance XJTLU’s research profile nationally and internationally.

Why should I do my PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering at XJTLU?

• • Our PhD programme equips you with a range of professional skills to help you maximise your future employability;
• • Our supervisors will guide you through one of the most intellectually satisfying experiences of your life;
• • You will receive supervision from respected academics at both XJTLU and the University of Liverpool;
• • PhD students have dedicated travel budgets for participating in international conferences;
• • You will have the chance to apply for a research visit to the University of Liverpool for up to six months; and
• • You will have opportunities to work as a teaching assistant and develop academic skills crucial to your career.

Research areas

The main research areas for the PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering include the following:

• • Computer science and software engineering: high-performance computer systems, storage systems, network systems, software engineering, cloud computing, generalised human-computer interaction, internet theory and technology, intelligent network learning environment theory and technology, computer network security, dynamic trust management theory, new-generation programming methodology, parallel computing, data mining, pattern recognition, computer vision, distributed computing, pervasive computing, deep learning, generative models, medical image processing;
• • Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data: AI, transformative AI, generative AI, decision intelligence and AI knowledge representation, human centred and collaborative AI, edge AI and distributed enterprise, embedded intelligence, big data, data science, machine learning;
• • Internet of Things (IoT): IoT, software architecture for IoT, semantic web of things (SWoT), IoT for smart cities, analytics for IoT, artificial intelligence IoT, application-specific IoT, internet of vehicles, edge computing, fog computing, edge AI and embedded intelligence, security for IoT, IoT network design and architecture, IoT network protocol, IoT-enabled software architectures and middleware, human-computer interaction in IoT, data trading in IoT; and
• • Intelligent robotics and related technologies: robots and robot control, human-robot interaction, computer graphics, machine vision, optimisation theories.

Potential supervisors

School of Advanced Technology

• Find out potential supervisors from Department of Communications and Networking.

• Find out potential supervisors from Department of Computing.

• Find out potential supervisors from Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

• Find out potential supervisors from Department of Intelligent Science.

• Find out potential supervisors from Department of Mechatronics and Robotics.

XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang)

• Find out potential supervisors from School of AI and Advanced Computing.

• Find out potential supervisors from School of Internet of Things.

• Find out potential supervisors from School of Intelligent Manufacturing Ecosystem.

• Find out potential supervisors from School of Robotics.

• Find out potential supervisors from School of CHIPS.

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.