Program Overview
The Architectural Design at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is a MA programme in Arts & Design over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of arts & design. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Architectural Design programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across China and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: EUR 21,650 (Tuition (Full programme)) — International students; EUR 21,650 (Tuition (Full programme)) — National students
- Location: Suzhou, China
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Architectural Design programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:
- Creative Director
- Graphic / UX Designer
- Art Director
- Curator
- Visual Artist
- Media Producer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Design studio I
- Applied technology in architecture
- Architectural theory and criticism
- Additional learning activities.
- Design studio II
- Advanced professional practice
- Topics in architectural history
- Additional learning activities.
- Summer break
- Additional learning activities (such as internships, study trips, independent studies, etc.)
- Design Studio 3
- Architectural Design and Research Methods
- Practice Based Enquiry and Architectural Representation
- Design Studio 4
- Thesis
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
Academic Background
An undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in BArch, BEng in Architecture, BA (Hons) in Architecture or equivalent. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their own creative works (A3-size, typically 10 to 30 pages, in PDF format). An internship in an architecture-related practice is recommended, but not required. We might accept applicants with substantial work experience or an outstanding portfolio even if their grades are lower than the minimum entry requirements.Minimum entry requirements:
UK
- Upper second class (2:1) honours
China
- 1st tier universities: 75 percent or above
- 2nd tier universities: 80 percent or above
Note: Chinese applicants are not required to take the MoE postgraduate entrance exam.
North America
- 3.0 Cumulative GPA (out of 4) or 3.2 Cumulative GPA in the final two years of your undergraduate programme
Other regions
- Equivalent academic qualifications
English Requirements
If English is not your native language or if you have not studied in English at degree level, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You should normally possess one of the following qualifications:
- IELTS: 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in all sections)
- TOEFL iBT: 90 (minimum of 21 in any skill)
In exceptional circumstances, individual cases will be considered on their own merits. You may be required to attend interviews or tests to further demonstrate your English proficiency.
If you miss the English language requirements by 0.5-1.0 of an IELTS band, or a similar number for other English language exams, you can be admitted to the programme after successful completion of our four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.
You can also apply to take the XJTLU English language test in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent. Based on the score, students may be admitted or may be required to take and successfully complete the four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.
Additionally, students may be required to complete English language courses on a pass/fail basis as part of the additional learning activity requirement during their studies at XJTLU.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
EUR 21,650 (Tuition (Full programme)) — International students; EUR 21,650 (Tuition (Full programme)) — National students
Tuition fees: EUR 21,650 (Tuition (Full programme)) — International students; EUR 21,650 (Tuition (Full programme)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Suzhou, China
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline Jun, 2027
- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
