XJTLU welcomes new MSc Cultural and Creative Industries students

On the afternoon of 5 September 2024, the Academy of Film and Creative Technology at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University hosted the MSc Cultural and Creative Industries Induction Day in the AS Building. The event aimed to help the new cohort of 2024 integrate smoothly into the academic community while providing them with a comprehensive overview of the curriculum, faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Professor Qian Liu, Dean of the Academy of Film and Creative Technology, opened the event with a speech, saying: “It’s a great honour to be here today. This marks a new beginning for all of us, both faculty and students, and there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation. Postgraduate education is not just about acquiring knowledge or attending classes—it’s a different experience altogether. We need to shift how we approach learning by collaborating with peers, engaging with professors, and tapping into our creativity and research.” His speech highlighted the significance of postgraduate education and emphasised the importance of collaboration and active participation at this level.

Dr Yiqing Yang, Director of the MSc Cultural and Creative Industries, followed with an in-depth introduction to the programme’s structure. The course offers four distinct pathways—Content Production, Creative Industries, Cultural Industries, and Interactive Media—designed to cater to the diverse aspirations of students. Faculty members from the School of Film and TV Arts in Suzhou Industrial Park and the School of Cultural Technology in the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) were introduced, offering insights into their expertise. Dr Isadora Petrauskas, head of the Interactive Media pathway, gave a detailed explanation of the future potential in areas such as interactive media and virtual reality.

Dr Yiqing Yang

Dr Isadora Petrauskas

Professor Li-Chuan Evelyn Mai, Dean of the School of Film and TV Arts, highlighted the MEGA International Creative Media Festival, a flagship event of the Academy. She urged students to participate in this prestigious festival to actively gain hands-on experience. Additionally, Professor Mai and Professor Alvaro Collar, Dean of the School of Cultural Technology, provided an overview of the two schools’ facilities, offering new students a clearer understanding of their upcoming academic journey.

Professor Li-Chuan Evelyn Mai

Professor Alvaro Collar

During a student exchange session, second-year students Yumeng Wang and Luoxingzhe Zhang shared their personal experiences. Wang noted: “Postgraduate study is meant to challenge us, pushing our critical and creative thinking.” She encouraged new students to immerse themselves in cultural activities to expand their horizons. Zhang added his thoughts on student life, commenting: “Here, you have a lot of freedom to enjoy your university experience.” He encouraged his peers to make the most of the resources available, including the chance to interact with people from various cultural backgrounds.

Yumeng Wang

Luoxingzhe Zhang

Development Advisors Qiaodi Zhang, Pingping Song, and Xinyue Zhou also offered new students comprehensive advice on academic development, career planning, and accessing the university’s resources.

In a lively Q&A session, faculty members addressed various questions from the students, providing further insights and support.

Following a tea break, the technical team led the new students on a tour of the AS Building, giving them a hands-on introduction to the Academy’s cutting-edge facilities.

The Induction Day gave the new cohort a detailed introduction to their forthcoming academic life and provided invaluable opportunities to connect with staff and fellow students. This event has set the stage for a transformative journey as Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s Academy of Film and Creative Technology welcomes a new generation of postgraduate students into the world of culture and creative industries.