Programs

The Doctor of Education is a 4.5-year professional doctorate for education practitioners, combining online and on-site study. It is awarded by the University of Liverpool and grounded in applied research across Chinese and international education contexts.

A four-year English-taught PhD in Architecture at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, delivered jointly with the University of Liverpool through the Design School; supports original research in architectural design and studio education, environmental or construction technology, computer-aided design, architectural history and built heritage, or social study of the built environment; features dual supervision; awards a University of Liverpool degree recognised by China’s Ministry of Education; full-time students complete three years of research and submit the thesis within four years.

The PhD in Biological Sciences is a four-year research doctorate focused on original investigation into significant biological questions. Supervision is provided by faculty trained in international laboratories, and candidates use Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s research facilities. The degree is awarded by the University of Liverpool and recognised by China’s Ministry of Education.

The PhD in Chemical Engineering and Technology at Soochow University is a four-year, English-taught research programme. It addresses challenges in process design, reaction engineering, separation technologies, and sustainable chemical production.

This four-year, English-taught PhD in Chemistry at Soochow University supports independent research across subdisciplines including organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and materials chemistry. Candidates work under faculty supervision to advance knowledge through experimental or theoretical investigation.

The PhD in Chemistry is a four-year English-taught research programme at Xi Jiaotong Liverpool University, delivered in collaboration with the University of Liverpool. Research themes include nanomaterials, organic synthesis, green chemistry, sensors, and drug delivery.

The PhD in China Studies is a four-year doctorate in the humanities and social sciences, jointly delivered by Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and the University of Liverpool. It supports original research on China across disciplines including history, literature, sociology, anthropology, geography, politics, and international relations. Students are based at XJTLU and supervised by academic staff from both institutions. The award is a University of Liverpool degree, recognised by China’s Ministry of Education.

A four-year, English-taught PhD in Civil Engineering offered collaboratively by Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and the University of Liverpool. Research is based on the XJTLU campus with supervision from a local XJTLU supervisor and a University of Liverpool co-supervisor. The award is a University of Liverpool degree recognised by China’s Ministry of Education. Full-time students usually spend three years on research and one year finalising the thesis, and may undertake a three- to six-month research visit to Liverpool, supported by conference travel funding.

This is a four-year PhD programme in Civil Law and Commercial Law delivered in English at Soochow University. Candidates develop original legal scholarship under faculty guidance, focusing on doctrinal, comparative, or socio-legal dimensions of civil and commercial law frameworks.

The PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering is a four-year English-taught research programme at Xi Jiaotong Liverpool University, delivered jointly with the University of Liverpool. Research areas include artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, and software systems.

A four-year English-taught PhD in Condensed Matter Physics at Soochow University. Training covers experimental and computational approaches to investigating materials and their properties, supporting future research roles in academia, industry, and research organisations.

The four-year PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering is co-supervised by Xi’an Jiaotong–Liverpool University and the University of Liverpool. Research areas include power systems, electronics, robotics, IoT, and high-voltage engineering; the degree is awarded by the University of Liverpool and recognised by China’s Ministry of Education.

The PhD in English, Culture and Communication is a three-year English-taught research degree offered by Xi Jiaotong Liverpool University in partnership with the University of Liverpool. It covers language, literature, translation, film, digital media, and communication studies.

A four-year English-taught PhD in Environmental Science at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, delivered jointly with the University of Liverpool; develops analytical, laboratory, and field skills for environmental data collection and interpretation; awards a University of Liverpool degree recognised by China’s Ministry of Education; full-time study comprises three years of research and one year of thesis writing.

A four-year English-taught PhD in Industrial Design at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, delivered jointly with the University of Liverpool; candidates are registered as off-site University of Liverpool researchers, supervised by a principal supervisor at XJTLU and a co-supervisor in Liverpool; full-time study involves three years of research and thesis submission within four years; awards a University of Liverpool degree recognised in China and the UK.

The PhD in Intelligent Transportation Science & Technology at Soochow University is a four-year, English-taught programme focused on research in transport systems, automation, data-driven traffic management, and smart infrastructure. Candidates develop original work under academic supervision, drawing on interdisciplinary methods from engineering, computer science, and urban planning.

A three-year, English-taught PhD in International Relations delivered jointly by Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and the University of Liverpool. Research takes place in the Department of International Studies at XJTLU with dual supervision from both institutions. Graduates receive a University of Liverpool degree acknowledged by China’s Ministry of Education. Full-time students may undertake a funded six-month research stay at Liverpool, typically in year two, and supervision spans international relations, area studies, history, communications, and politics.

A four-year English-taught PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at Soochow University. The curriculum addresses materials design, characterisation, and processing, with a focus on innovative research and real-world applications across academia, industry, and government.

Soochow University’s four-year, English-taught PhD in Materials Science and Engineering focuses on the synthesis, characterisation, and functional application of advanced materials. Research areas include nanomaterials, biomaterials, energy materials, and structural composites.

The PhD in Mathematical Sciences is a four-year English-taught research programme at Xi Jiaotong Liverpool University, co-supervised with the University of Liverpool. It spans pure and applied mathematics, statistics, physics, and financial or actuarial modelling.

This is a four-year PhD programme in Media and Culture Industry delivered in English at Soochow University. Students conduct independent research on topics related to media systems, cultural production, and industry dynamics. Supervision is provided by faculty with expertise in these areas.

This PhD programme in Medical Cell and Molecular Biology at Soochow University is a four-year, English-taught research degree. Students conduct independent laboratory-based investigations into cellular and molecular mechanisms relevant to human health and disease. Supervision is provided by faculty members with expertise in areas such as cancer biology, stem cells, and gene regulation.

A four-year English-language PhD programme in New Energy Science and Engineering at Soochow University, Suzhou, centred on supervised original research.

A four-year English-taught PhD in Optics at Soochow University. The programme integrates theoretical understanding, hands-on skills, and interdisciplinary methods to advance research and applications in optical science.