• XJTLU is China’s top international university. It’s China and the United Kingdom’s most outstanding joint research institute.
• During your studies, you will be introduced to both the theory and practice of design and construction.
• Design different teaching models help enrich your knowledge.
• Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as meeting the requirement for registration with the Engineering Council (EngC ) as a Professional Engineer.
• Located in Suzhou, one of China’s most attractive cities with a history over 3000 years, a city renowned for its artwork and design.

OVERVIEW

The BA/BEng Urban Planning and Design programme offers students the opportunity to study both local and international urban and rural landscapes in a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Students will be able to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to analyse, critique and, ultimately, contribute to the sustainability of urban and rural development both in China and around the world. On completion, students will be able to work in sectors such as urban planning, urban design, city management, central and local government policy, consultancy, and real estate development.

Urban planning and design students learn how to formulate strategic plans, design liveable spaces and create public places. You will consider the social, economic and environmental needs of a town or city and the impact of those on the built environment, helping companies and governments make difficult decisions on the use of land including whether to develop, what to develop and how to develop. In recent years, urban planning and design has become particularly concerned with the preservation and impact of the natural environment, for example, how we deal with the growing pollution in our cities and concerns about natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. Other concerns include the scarcity of land and how to achieve an efficient and effective use of space. The rate of development in China means that good planning is essential. The BA/BEng Urban Planning and Design programme at XJTLU is international in focus and has been designed to help students appreciate the similarities and differences between planning in China, the UK and other countries throughout the world.

WHY SHOULD I STUDY URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN AT XJTLU?

• Our globally competitive, professional programme is unique in its focus on both local Chinese and international planning systems and urban design practice
• You will be offered a range of learning experiences such as interactive studios, field surveys and local and international field classes and design workshops
• The Department of Urban Planning and Design offers a supportive learning environment which encourages you to become an independent active learner and critical thinker
• Gain transferable skills that provide a platform for success in your future study or employment in planning and urban design-related fields
• Earn two degrees: an XJTLU degree from the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally recognised degree from the University of Liverpool, a member of the Russell Group of leading UK universities

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

On successful completion of the BA/BEng Urban Planning and Design programme, you will be able to demonstrate:

• knowledge and understanding of the natural, economic, socio-economic and political factors that are shaping our surroundings
• knowledge and understanding of how the built and natural environment is managed in different places around the world
• an understanding of the role, scope and limitations of contemporary town and regional planning in contributing to the management of growth and change, and the conservation of the built and natural environment
• knowledge and understanding of the legal basis for action in environment and planning and the relationship between planning and environmental issues
• an appreciation of decision-making processes that represent the views of the diverse communities who are affected by those decisions
• an ability to think clearly and critically, to reason logically and to undertake systematic research
• techniques in computing, numeracy, design and various forms of communication
• skills in teamwork to achieve prescribed tasks collectively
• the ability to reflect critically on your studies and learning

MODULES

Year One
UK degrees are three years long whereas in China they are four, therefore we do accept students with certain qualifications directly into Year Two, which is the start of the main academic programme. Most students, however, enter into Year One, which provides you with a range of interesting modules, language classes and core skills for your degree.

The department also delivers the following optional modules for Year One students to acquire knowledge more closely linked to the subject.

Urban terminology
Introduction to urban planning and design
Imagining the city

Year Two
You will study the following core subjects to broaden your understanding about urban planning and design:

History and purpose of planning
Issues and practice of planning in China I
Issues and practice of planning in China II
Planning in the UK
Contemporary planning practice in Western Europe and the North America
Urban and environmental economics
Skills for planning practice
Neighbourhood planning

Year Three
You will build on this foundation and learn about knowledge and expertise needed to become professional urban planners and designers.

Environmental sustainability
Rural planning
Spatial design and the built environment I
Spatial design and the built environment II
Planning methodology
Networks and cities
Geographic information systems (GIS)
Projecting and managing the urban futures

Year Four
In the final year, you will have an opportunity to choose a topic of your interest and receive guidance from a supervisor to undertake an independent research project. You will also choose your specialization by taking a set of specialist modules in the area of 'environment and planning' or 'urban design', along with some core subjects.

Final Year Project and Dissertation (spanning both semesters)
Planning theory
Planning and property development
Planning law and governance
International Planning Studies
Specialisation option one: Environmental planning

Environment and planning
Environment and planning project
Specialisation option two: Urban design

Urban design
Urban design project

CAREERS

There is a high demand for graduates with knowledge of urban planning and design, so you will have many different options to choose from including:

• policy planner: developing plans for the future of countries, cities and communities
• urban designer: creating attractive, safe and pleasant places in which to live, work or visit
• property developer: the right developments for the right place
• transport planner: finding sustainable transport solutions
• environmental planner: tackling the effects of climate change
• regeneration planner: bringing life to places that have become run-down
• conservation planner: helping to protect our natural resources and heritages
• community planner: engaging with people about how their communities are developed
• smart city planner: promoting future cities that incorporate the latest in new technologies

FEES

International students
Expand/collapse this section
RMB 88,000 per academic year

Early bird discount
Early bird discount of RMB 8,000 (approx. GBP 860) available (accept the conditional or unconditional offer before 1st May)

Join a free Chinese language course
We now offer a free summer Chinese language course for all undergraduate and postgraduate students starting their degree before program start.

Year One entry

We welcome applications from high-quality candidates in all subjects with appropriate high school or equivalent qualifications. Students will normally be expected to have a high standing in their high school performance with a minimum B average in all subjects as well as relevant subjects.

Year Two entry

Students who have completed A-levels or International Baccalaureate (or equivalent) will be considered for entry into Year Two, different programmes have different subject-relevant requirements.

    A-level: BBB

    IB Diploma: 30 points

    AP Exams/ACT Tests/SAT II Subject Tests - High school diploma with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or above, plus:
        1. 3 AP exams: 4, 4, 4 or
        2. SAT I: 1280 or ACT: 27, and 2 AP exams: 4, 4 or
        3. 3 SAT II Subject Tests (taken prior to cancellation in 2021): 600, 600, 600

Notes:

1. BEng Architecture, BA Filmmaking, BA TV Production & BA Digital Media Arts: require a digital copy portfolio review and an interview with members of Departments of Architecture and Design & School of Film and TV Arts, which can be conducted in person or via the Internet.

2. BA International Business with a Language: normally international students study Chinese and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan students study Spanish or Japanese as the language option.

    For year 2 entry international students, students who are Chinese zero beginners will take an extra 5 credits Chinese language course.
    For year 2 entry Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan students, students should be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of Spanish (DELE/SIELE A1) or Japanese (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test N5).

3. BA Translation and Interpreting: for international and HK/Macau/Taiwan students whose native language is not Chinese, an HSK level 6 or the pass of the aptitude test arrange by the Department of Translation and Interpreting is required.

4. Programme in Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Industrial Design and Technology Science and so on require Mathematics and Physics.

5. Programme in Architecture, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Chemistry, Mathematics, Science and Digital Media Arts and so on require Mathematics.

You can also find more information on entry requirements on our Country/Region list.

English Language Requirements

For international applicants, if you are a non-native English speaker, or if you have not previously studied in English, you must have satisfactory English language skills to study at XJTLU. Various English qualifications are accepted:

Year One entry

    IELTS: 5.0 (min 4.5 in all sections)
    TOEFL: 62 (iBT)

Year Two entry

    IELTS 6.5 (min 5.5 in all sections)
    TOEFL: 90 (iBT) (min 21 in any skill)

English qualifications are not required for students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who take the Joint Examination or the GSAT.

Students who are entering into Year One with less than IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in their English proficiency will take 10 credits EAP, and students with IELTS 6.0 or above will take 5 credits EAP.

"*" means necessary documents that you must provide in your application.

*1. Application Form

Please upload your finished application form here.

*2. Passport photo

A recent passport-sized photo of the applicant

*3. Photocopy of valid passport

With name, passport number & expiration date, and photo included(Photocopy of valid passport identification page. Passport must be an ordinary passport and be valid for at least six months. Applicants currently residing in China must include a copy of the page containing a valid visa or residence permit.)

*4. Certificates of Senior High school

Certificate in languages other than Chinese or English should be translated into Chinese or English and be certified by notarization.

*5. Senior High school academic transcript

Transcript in languages other than Chinese or English should be translated into Chinese or English and be certified by notarization.

*6. Certificates of English language qualifications

Certificates of English language qualifications such as IELTS, TOEFL or other acceptable English qualifications (as required for non-native speakers of English)

7. SAT, ACT, GSAT or other entrance aptitude test scores (if available)

*8. Personal Statement

9. Portfolio (only for BEng Architecture, BA Filmmaking, BA TV Production and BA Digital Media Arts)

10. Supporting Documents: Certificate of Good Conduct

Provided by your current/previous school/company in Chinese/English to improve your success rate.

CUCAS Service

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• Free Online Consulting, response within one working day.

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• Free and easy-to-use online application system, only need 20 minutes to complete application.

• Free accommodation booking.

• Free DHL delivery - fast arrival and guarantee to get admission package.

• Mostly get admission letter in 2 weeks.

• Free visa guide, per-departure guide and students handbook.

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• Money Transfer Service.

• Chance to find alumni.

 

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