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.

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.

Visiting PhD students

The Department of China Studies welcomes visiting PhD students from other universities who come to XJTLU for a year or a semester. Students wishing to undertake field research in China may find the Department and the University an ideal base from which to proceed. Additional supervision is also available across a wide range of research into social change in China, as well as in other disciplines across China.

Please check the FAQ for further information about studying for a PhD at XJTLU.

Scholarships available in Business, Humanity and Social Sciences, and Design clusters

Scholarships are available to candidates who wish to pursue a research degree at the Department of China Studies in the following areas:

• Chinese society; Chinese politics and economy; Chinese history, literature and culture, China’s international relations

There will be two application rounds for each academic year:

First round – applications submitted by 17:00 CST(UTC+8), 15 October will be reviewed in the first round and the decision will be announced in December.

Second round – applications submitted by 17:00 CST(UTC+8), 15 April will be reviewed in the second round and the decision will be announced in June.

Go to Scholarships and find more information about how to apply for the scholarships.