Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU)

Master in Sustainable Construction (Part Time)

Suzhou, China

The Master in Sustainable Construction (Part Time) at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a 3 year long program for international students taught in English.

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 MSc Sustainable Construction programme gives you advanced knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a comprehensive understanding of civil engineering construction.

The Programme provides technologically advanced knowledge, problem-solving skills and comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of sustainability in Sustainable Building Design and Engineering with a particular emphasis on performance, environmental impact, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

The two tracks being offered are (1) Sustainable building engineering and (2) Facade design. The first track encompasses comprehensive building engineering knowledge and competencies required for professionals operating in this area, from building performance, management and construction, to sustainability assessment methods and certifications. The second track focuses on facade design, a highly complex aspect of building engineering and architecture, and the most critical area of design in terms of energy performance and sustainability, as well as one of the most impacting in terms of cost and construction. Graduates of this programme will be equipped to take up professional employment in Sustainable Building Design and Engineering and become lifelong learners with an appreciation of the value of green building to society.

During your studies, you will become more aware of the current and future challenges of sustainability strategies and their integration in civil engineering. You will also optimise prospective solutions using emerging science and technologies.

The programme includes two semesters of taught modules, assessed by coursework and examination, and followed by a research dissertation in the third semester.

For candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree, this programme meets the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer, as accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators.

Why should I study Sustainable Construction at XJTLU?

  • Learn in an innovative and multicultural environment, which integrates accredited education with modern training, delivered in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities
  • Gain a multidisciplinary perspective, with modules delivered by the departments of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Design, Urban Planning and Design, as well as Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Graduate from a programme accredited by one of the world’s most recognised organisations, the Joint Board of Moderators, comprised of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
  • Study an advanced curriculum enhanced by practical applications, specialised research seminars and industrial training
  • Earn a degree from the University of Liverpool in the UK that is also recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

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

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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.

Fees

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Application Fee
0 USD
Tuition Fee
12,712 USD per year

Entry Requirements

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The minimum age is 18 and the maximum age is 35 .

English proficiency required: IELTS 5.5-6.0 (Primary)

Minimum education level High School diploma or equivalent

You need to have above average grades for the program. Above average - (Grade B-A, 60-70%, GPA 2.5-3).

All students from all countries are eligible to apply to this program.

Admissions Process

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  1. 1
    Step 1 Choose programs
  2. 2
    Step 2 Apply online
  3. 3
    Step 3 Enroll
Preparing documents

You can start your application now and send the application documents during your application. Some documents you can send later if you don’t have them right away. See document and eligibility requirements

Required documents

• Your Passport Copy (Program Requirement)

• Your Graduation Certificate (in English) (Program Requirement)

• Your Photograph (Program Requirement)

• Your Highest Academic Transcript (in English) (Program Requirement)

• English Language Certificate (Program Requirement)

• Curriculum Vitae (Program Requirement)

• University Grading System (Program Requirement)

• German Language Certificate (Program Requirement)

• Bank Statement - German University (Program Requirement)

Application process

• Applying Online is simple in just a few steps. Learn more about the application process

• The first steps are to choose the programs, pay the application fee and upload the application documents.

• Once submitted to Global Admissions, we will review your application within 2-3 days and proceed to the university or ask you for further clarification

• After it has been processed to the university you will receive your unique application ID from each university.

• The university may contact you directly for further questions.

• We will then follow up each week with the university for updates. As soon as there is any update we will let you know. If you have made other plans, decide to withdraw / change address at any time please let us know.

• After you have been accepted you will receive your admissions letter electronically and asked to pay the non-refundable deposit to the university.

• Once you have paid the deposit the university will issue you the admissions letter and visa form to your home country.

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) Reviews

Location
8.9
Accommodation
6.8
Food
7.4
Student experience
8.0
Value for money
8.4
Classes
8.0
Facilities
9.2
Recommend a friend?
8.6

Li W.

8.5

Self funded · Lived on campus · Bachelor in Information and Computing Science

The library is an architectural marvel and a great place to focus, making the intense workload more manageable.

Reviewed on January 22, 2026

Sarah M.

8.1

Self funded

XJTLU is the perfect bridge for those who want an international degree while experiencing the heart of China's tech hub.

Reviewed on January 22, 2026

Kevin Zhang

7.9

Self funded · Lived on campus · Bachelor in Architectural Engineering

Don't expect to be spoon-fed; XJTLU demands a high level of independence from day one.

Reviewed on January 22, 2026

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