Master's in Economics and Finance

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.

Overview

• Now, more than ever, the ability to use modern research tools to predict, analyse and respond to rapidly evolving economic, financial, social, and political trends is vital to the success and long-term viability of the modern business. The MSc Economics and Finance programme aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the complex issues found within the world of financial decision-making, and the tools required to conduct rigorous research in applied economics and finance.

• The MSc Economics and Finance programme blends economic theory, applied econometrics, and financial research, creating a solid foundation for students to enhance their scientific research skills.

• IBSS students are able to take advantage of the school’s research centres and extensive industry links with companies in Suzhou and Shanghai for their internships, research and future careers. The school’s Financial Laboratory and Trading Platform provides real-world international data for learning and research, including data feeds from data streams such as Thomson Reuters. This programme features valuable EIKON system training by Thomson Reuters staff, allowing students to gain a Thompson Reuters EIKON training certificate. As a Quantitative Techniques for Economics and Management (QTEM) member school, IBSS is also able to provide students on this programme with additional learning opportunities at 25 top schools worldwide.

Why study Economics and Finance at XJTLU?

• • Enhance professional skills in economics and finance for excellent career prospects.
• • The Bloomberg Financial Laboratory with Bloomberg Terminals allows students to enhance their academic studies across a wide range of disciplines, and earn a Bloomberg certification, which is one of many ways students can gain real-world skills to stand out in the job market.
• • Extensive internship opportunities and close industry partnerships.
• • Build a solid foundation for doctoral studies in fields related to economics and finance.
• • Earn a University of Liverpool degree that is recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Knowledge and skills

By the time you graduate from the MSc Economics and Finance programme, you will have:

• • A solid understanding of core and advanced principles, theories and models relevant to finance and financial management
• • The ability to explain, understand and apply statistical and econometric techniques and their application to the analysis of financial information and data
• • Knowledge of portfolio selection, risk and risk management, and the macroeconomic context of international financial transactions
• • Skills in creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, data collection and analysis, and report writing
• • Experience a variety of disciplines within the finance modules, related to portfolio theory, corporate finance, investment strategy and derivatives

Careers

• This programme is ideal for students looking for future roles such as portfolio manager, investment strategy analyst, director of research, market risk analyst, head of investor relations, senior economist and industrial economist. MSc Economics and Finance graduates have gone on to work in the financial sector, with central banks and other monetary financial institutions, multinational organisations, research institutions and the wider business sector. This programme is also an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a PhD and career in academia.

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.