PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU)

PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering

Introduction to the Program

The PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a three year program for international students taught in English.

About XJTLU

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University 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.

About the Program

The three-year PhD programme within the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering gives suitably-qualified students the chance to address important problems and challenges in computing.

The programme:

develops your understanding of the research process and your ability to analyse and constructively augment a particular research area
provides you with experience of communicating research results in written and oral form
equips you with advanced knowledge and research skills that are relevant to both academia and industry.

We provide high-calibre, discipline-specific training that takes advantage of XJTLU’s distinctive international features and vibrant research environment.

The programme is a strategic research collaboration between XJTLU and the University of Liverpool, and is based at XJTLU. Upon successful completion of your programme you will receive a degree from the University of Liverpool, which is recognised by the UK’s Department of Education as well as China’s Ministry of Education.

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

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

The normal length of full-time PhD programme is three years. At the end of three years’ full-time study, you can apply for an extension of one year to complete the writing of your dissertation. Part-time PhD degrees usually take four to seven years.

As a registered full-time PhD student, you have the opportunity to apply for a research visit to the University of Liverpool for up to three months. Your accommodation and travel fees will be covered by XJTLU and the University of Liverpool.

Full-time PhD students are funded to attend local and international conferences during their studies.

About The Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering

The Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and many of our graduates take further studies at world-leading institutions or start their careers with prestigious employers.

Our highly qualified staff members have a diverse range of international experience in teaching, research and working with industry, which benefits our students in enhancing their learning experience and employability. We are active in research and business interaction and have funding support from various international, national and local sources, such as the European Union, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and industry. We are keen to continue our work with business and industry to serve society and further develop our expertise.

Scholarships

We have a number of scholarship options for PhD candidates, including tuition-only scholarships for full-time PhD study and an academic merit scholarship for international students.

Key Benefits of PhD Study 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
Supervision from respected academics at both XJTLU and the University of Liverpool
PhD students have dedicated travel budgets for participating in international conferences
The chance to apply for a research visit to the University of Liverpool for up to three months
Opportunities to work as a teaching assistant and develop crucial academic skills

Start Date of the Program

First day of any month

Entry Requirements

We accept a wide variety of academic qualifications for entry onto our PhD programme. The typical minimum entry requirement is a UK undergraduate (bachelors) degree with honours at a first or upper second class level in an appropriate field of study. Individual consideration is given to mature students with significant and relevant experience with professional qualifications. Equivalent overseas degrees are also accepted.

Normal entry requirements for Chinese applicants include an undergraduate degree with a minimum grade of 80 percent or a masters degree from a recognised Chinese university.

Some PhD programmes, however, have additional entry requirements so you should check individual programmes for specific information.

If your degree certificate and university transcript are written in another language other than English, you need to have them verified, translated into English and notarised.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English or have not studied at degree level in English are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. So, if you received your degree from a Chinese university, for example, and the teaching was not in English, proof of English language ability is needed.

Individual cases will be considered on their own merit. You may be required to attend an interview or take a test to further demonstrate your English proficiency.

English language qualifications accepted by the University include the following:

Application Deadline

There is no deadline for PhD application

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for full-time students is RMB 80,000 per year. The total for the 3 year program is 240000 RMB.

The tuition fees for part-time students is RMB 60,000 per year. Part-time PhD study is typically completed in four to seven years.

Accommodation

The accommodation facilities are located within the Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District, where the University is situated. All accommodation within this area is private and managed by the Suzhou Industrial Park Education Development & Investment Limited Company (SIPEDI), and also provides to students studying at other institutions.

For further information on the accommodation visit the accommodation page here.

Application

To apply complete the application form and pay the application fee here. It takes approximately 4-6 weeks for your application to be processed and before an admissions decision is given. After you have been accepted you will receive your official acceptance letter visa application form. If you have any questions contact us.