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Master in International Relations (Part-Time)

Suzhou, China

The Master in International Relations (Part-Time) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a 2.0 year long program for international students taught in English.

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University gallery image
University gallery image
University gallery image

📖 Introduction

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

Overview: The MA in International Relations equips you with the knowledge, research skills and analytical tools to work at an advanced level, gain a profound understanding of international relations, and train you to follow careers in both public and private sectors. The program is designed so you can apply acquired knowledge to analyze and evaluate topics such as global governance, the history of international relations, foreign policy, inter-state cooperation, the functions of international and regional organizations, conflict, war, security and intervention, political economy and globalization, and regional integration. You will be supported in your academic and professional development as a scholar, analyst or policymaker in the discipline of international relations, with a focus on China’s evolving role in the world. Program Features: Engage with the interdisciplinary debates of International Relations with the purpose of establishing scientifically robust explanations of relevant questions of global reaches, such as climate change or migration, and with an ability to address such issues also in a narrower, regional context; Present a thorough understanding of how international relations work, with a deep knowledge of the socio-political phenomena, trends and actors involved in global politics as well as an accurate knowledge of the relations between the different sub-regions of the international system; Learn from international academics and active researchers with global experience and unique expertise on China’s position and influence in the world; Earn a University of Liverpool degree that is recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Knowledge and Skills By the time you graduate from the MA in International Relations, you will be able to: develop an independent way of doing research on and thinking about international relations, hence allowing you to continue with doctoral studies; evaluate the validity and reliability of different types of empirical data – qualitative and quantitative – and be capable of using them in policy- and decision-making; convincingly present, in oral and written form, your ideas and opinions. Career Prospects Graduates could take up a wide variety of roles in companies, non-profit organizations, consultancies, think-tanks, research institutes, regional and international organizations, and government agencies around the world that seek to recruit graduates with knowledge and experience of contemporary international relations and global affairs. The expertise in China gained from the program, as well as the opportunity to learn Chinese, Japanese or Spanish alongside your degree, will substantially enhance your career prospects. Fees RMB 90,000 for the entire 36-month part-time program. University tuition fees cover the cost of your study with us. Alumni Discount: 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. Payment Options: Masters students have the option to pay tuition fees in installments 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. You will be asked to indicate how you would like to pay the fees when you confirm your acceptance of the unconditional offer. Entry Requirements UK Upper second class (2:1) honors North America 3.0 Cumulative GPA (out of 4) or 3.2 Cumulative GPA in the final two years of your undergraduate program Other Regions Equivalent academic qualifications Academic Background An undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent). Some work experience in education would be an advantage. 3) English Language Requirements Applicants who are not native speakers of English are expected to meet the following English language requirements: a minimum of 7.0 on the IELTS English language test, with no less than 6.0 on any individual component of the test; TOEFL iBT: 100 (minimum of 21 in any skill) If you miss the English language requirements by 0.5 – 1.0 of an overall IELTS band but meet the language requirements for the Pre-sessional English (PSE) courses (including minimum component scores or equivalents), you may be accepted onto the PSE course subject to Programme Director’s approval. Upon successful enrolment on the PSE course, you will be able to change your XJTLU Master’s offer letter to ‘Unconditional’ for the English level. Please note that the Password Test is only available to students who have been issued a conditional offer to study at XJTLU. The University provides one Password Test opportunity for each conditional offer holder. Based on the score, students may be admitted or may be required to take and successfully complete the five- or eight-week intensive English presessional course. Additionally, students who are admitted onto a Master’s program by taking the Pre-sessional English (PSE) Course are required to complete English language modules listed on the Programme Specification on a pass/fail basis as part of their Additional Learning Activity plan during their studies at XJTLU. Scholarships XJTLU offers a generous scholarship of up to 50 percent of the total tuition fee for all full-time masters programs based on academic merit. Should you wish to apply for the XJTLU master scholarship, please submit a scholarship application letter in your application stating the reasons why you should be considered.

🏫 About the University


Why Choose XJTLU?

  • Two Degrees: 1 from the University of Liverpool & 1 from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (Bachelor's students)
  • The University of Liverpool degree (Master's and PhD students)
  • All degree courses are taught 100% in English.
  • No knowledge of the Chinese language is required to apply to XJTLU.
  • Learn free of charge Chinese alongside your course.
  • A friendly international community.
  • International Opportunities: "2+2" study route to the University of Liverpool, UK for undergraduate students (more than 3,500 XJTLU students are now studying at the University of Liverpool, UK through "2+2")
  • International Opportunities: Wide range of study abroad opportunities in partner institutions in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, the USA, South Korea, Russia, etc.
  • International Opportunities: Partnerships with multinational companies in the likes of HSBC, Standard Chartered, Siemens, KPMG, Alstom, Schneider, ICBC, etc.

About Suzhou

You have the opportunity to live in one of the most culturally rich areas of China, with Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage gardens and canals famous around the world.

Suzhou combines its rich 2,500-year-old history with a drive to become one of the most modern cities in China. It has a population of more than six million and a GDP of a trillion RMB – far larger than those of many entire countries!

Alongside its beautiful tourist spots, Suzhou has many excellent learning resources and sports facilities, a great choice of shopping malls, cinemas and restaurants, and a variety of bars and nightclubs.

Today, the city’s canals, stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens have contributed to its status as one of the top tourist attractions in China. The classical gardens in Suzhou were added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000.

Suzhou is located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province in eastern China. Within Suzhou is Suzhou Industrial Park, one of the most competitive development zones in China. This area also contains the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (home to XJTLU), which sits beside Dushu Lake, one of two lakes in SIP.

Central Shanghai can be reached from Suzhou in just 30 minutes by high-speed train.

Library

XJTLU students have access to a wide range of library resources, from books and journals to electronic databases and articles. The library plays a key role as a research support and learning centre for the University, developing its collection by focusing on subject development and research requirements.

The library currently holds over 500,000 books, which are added to and updated throughout the year in response to requests from academic departments. It provides 22,000 square metres of space, housing 300 PCs and 2,500 seats for studying, discussion and computer and studio work.

Campuses

North Campus

Full of striking, architecturally impressive buildings, our North Campus provides state-of-the art teaching, laboratory, research and support facilities. This includes the award-winning and iconic Central Building, which houses our library.

The campus also has sports facilities, world class-fully equipped science and engineering laboratories, International Business School Suzhou, and design studios, as well as a variety of catering facilities, including Subway, Pacific Coffee Company, and many canteen-style fast-food options.

Landscaped gardens complement pieces of modern art to create a campus environment that has become one of the striking features of Suzhou Industrial Park.

South Campus

The first phase of our South Campus was opened to the public on 26 July 2016, as a major part of the University’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

Architecturally it contrasts our North Campus and features modern designs that complement the surrounding area. Eventually, the South Campus will satisfy the learning and teaching needs of approximately 6,000 XJTLU students as well as the University’s academic exchanges and research development plans. It will consist of eight buildings and be developed over two further phases:

Phase II: International Business School Suzhou at XJTLU

This phase will see the completion of a new building for International Business School Suzhou, set to open by the end of 2017.

PHASE III: XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and XJTLU Gym

Phase III consists of two buildings – the construction of the XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and a gym. Both buildings are expected to open by the end of 2018. The development of the School, in collaboration with financial services provider Gold Finance Group, is a significant part of XJTLU’s academic development strategy. It will mix digital media arts and film and television production and technology with performance and acting. The gym will provide improved and diversified sports facilities for students and staff on campus.

Living in University

When you come to XJTLU, you will have the opportunity to try a whole range of different sports and activities as well as developing any existing skills you already have.

Student clubs and societies

Student clubs and societies play an important part of student life. XJTLU has many organisations with themes such as art, sports, music, entrepreneurship, dance to name but a few. Some of the more established groups include a Model United Nations and the Student Union.

Another society, Intercom, provides a platform for all international students to arrange activities and events, and share ideas and experiences with the wider student body.

Catering

3 canteens, 3 coffee shops, Bar, Restaurants

Sports 

Currently, 21 sports are offered through PE classes at XJTLU, including badminton, basketball, belly dancing, billiards, boxing, bridge, Chinese martial arts, football, free combat, body building, golf, popping, roller-skating, sport dancing, table tennis, taekwondo, tai chi, tai chi sword, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and yoga.

We have outside sport facilities that include basketball and tennis courts as well as indoor facilities, such as a golf training venue, gym, dance room, and table tennis room. There is also a football field located next to the new South Campus.

🛏️ Accommodation

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to Book

Register when you arrive

It’s not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it.

Register when you arrive

It’s not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it.

💰 Fees

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Tuition Fee

14,124 USD

14,124 USD

per year

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Deadline

June 01, 2026

Tuition

14,124 USD per year

28,249 USD in total

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