Design School

We are the leading interdisciplinary English-speaking Higher Education unit in the Creative Fields in China and beyond. Our students are exposed to a research-informed learning environment that combines art and design knowledge and technical and management education.

Our Bachelor’s in Urban Planning and Design is unique in its synthesis of “think globally” and “act locally”. Our programmes in Architecture, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design have gained international accreditation, confirming our quality and global recognition of our graduates and their competitiveness in the job market. All programmes integrate the latest advances in AI, Metaverse, Blockchains, Robotics, and other emerging technologies in their areas, and provide flexibility to customise each student’s learning experience through tailor-made specialisations and pathways, optional modules, the Extended Study Scheme, summer programmes, workshops and extra-curricular activities.

Dedicated to sustainability, the Design School houses leading research institutes, centres and laboratories focused on sustainable and digital design with significant collaborations, entrepreneurships, and projects with local and international industrial partners.

The Design School plays a leading role in producing high-quality research in a number of areas that include:

• Sustainable regeneration and revitalisation;
• Green and smart cities – Digital Twin;
• Circular Economy in the Built Environment
• Digital design and fabrication;
• Sustainable and advanced materials;
• Design for Social Innovation.

Our students benefit from the active synergies among the different departments and gain valuable experience in practice-oriented, problem-solving methods. With this approach, students are encouraged to apply the rich theoretical knowledge gained in the modules into ongoing projects.

Students further develop their creative, analytical and critical thinking skills through a balanced blend of hands-on, theoretical and computer-based activities supported by experts in the field with rich academic and professional experience.

Committed to research and design excellence, the Design School offers exciting opportunities to students who wish to develop their research portfolio through interdisciplinary projects supervised by academics across the School.

Vision: To become a leading unit in the provision of professional and interdisciplinary built environmental education in China and beyond through integrated knowledge of design, technology, engineering, humanities, and the arts.

Mission: To change and improve society through sustainability-focused education in order to shape the world of tomorrow.

RIBA International Validation

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s RIBA-validated architecture programmes are internationally recognised for their excellence, rapidly emerging as one of China’s most prestigious and globally oriented architectural education models.

JBM Accreditation

XJTLU is the first Sino-British university in China to achieve JBM accreditation for both undergraduate and postgraduate civil engineering programmes, ensuring internationally recognised standards and a direct pathway towards Chartered Engineer status.

CSD Accreditation

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is the first mainland Chinese university to have its BEng and MDes Industrial Design programmes accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers, providing students with professional recognition, enhanced employability, and access to an international network and resources.