MSc Urban Planning XJTLU

Master’s in Urban Planning

Introduction to the Program

The Master’s in Urban Planning at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a one and a half year program for international students taught in English.

About XJTLU

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.

About the Program

About The Department of Urban Planning and Design

The Department of Urban Planning and Design at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is unique and dynamic. Initially built on the foundation of the University of Liverpool’s Civic Design department, home of the oldest urban planning programme in the world (established in 1908), the Department of Urban Planning and Design at XJTLU has grown into a truly international department that marries the best of urban planning and design theory and practices from around the world to the specificities of practice in rapidly urbanising China.

The department’s connections to others within XJTLU, and unusual strength in urban design, help to foster the interdisciplinary inquiry essential to good urban planning and design.

Our international and interdisciplinary mix of academic staff, and their wide range of professional and academic experience, makes for a lively intellectual atmosphere that nourishes staff and students alike.

Careers

The MSc Urban Planning programme provides a solid basis for a range of careers across the world. These include but are not limited to urban planning, policy development, urban design, property development, working with community groups as an advocate to give them a voice in built environment decision-making processes, working with local and central government, and working with non-governmental organisations.

Knowledge and Skills

Throughout this programme, you will be introduced to theories and techniques that will allow you to approach urban planning in a critical, communicative and people-oriented way. Students graduate with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary urban problems and possible planning responses, as well as a mastery of the techniques and procedural skills necessary for effective work in the planning profession.

Scholarships

XJTLU offers a generous scholarship of up to 50 percent of the total tuition fee for all full-time masters programmes based on academic merit.

Start Date of the Program

September

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

Upper second class (2:1) honours

China

1st tier universities: 75 percent or above
2nd tier universities: 80 percent or above

Note: Chinese applicants are not required to take the MoE postgraduate entrance exam.

North America

3.0 Cumulative GPA (out of 4) or 3.2 Cumulative GPA in the final two years of your undergraduate programme

Other Regions

Equivalent academic qualifications

Academic Background

An undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant field, such as urban planning and design, architecture, geography, economics, management, environmental science, social or public policy.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language or if you have not studied in English at degree level, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You should normally possess one of the following qualifications:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in all sections)
TOEFL iBT: 90 (minimum of 21 in any skill)

In exceptional circumstances, individual cases will be considered on their own merits. You may be required to attend interviews or tests to further demonstrate your English proficiency.

If you miss the English language requirements by 0.5-1.0 of an IELTS band, or a similar number for other English language exams, you can be admitted to the programme after successful completion of our four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

You can also apply to take the XJTLU English language test in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent. Based on the score, students may be admitted or may be required to take and successfully complete the four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

Additionally, students may be required to complete English language courses on a pass/fail basis as part of the additional learning activity requirement during their studies at XJTLU.

Application Deadline

30 June

Curriculum

Core Modules

Theory and practice of urban regeneration
Governance and finance of urban regeneration
Politics, society and participation
Place-making and urban design
Spatial analysis and evaluation
Sustainable urban planning strategies
Heritage, historic districts, and conservation
Project management

Additional learning activities

The completion of additional learning activities is required to complete your masters degree. Normally, required ALA hours will be distributed evenly across each semester, amounting to 200 hours per semester. Part-time programmes will normally require 100 to 150 hours per semester.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees are RMB 90,000 for the entire 18 month full-time programme.

If you are a graduate of XJTLU, the University of Liverpool or Xi’an Jiaotong University, you will automatically receive a discount of 20 percent of the tuition fee.

Masters students have the option to pay tuition fees in instalments each semester. You can also choose to pay the fees upfront at the time of registration, in this case a discount of five percent of the total fees will be offered.

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.