Master's in Applied Mathematics

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

• The MSc Applied Mathematics programme focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in mathematics and the ability to use their skills in practical applications. Our students are equipped with the tools to tackle challenges in scientific and technological fields related to applied mathematics.

• The programme requires 60 credit hours of coursework, including 20 credits of dissertation research.

• The candidates complete a core curriculum in the two areas: (1) analysis of partial differential equations, and (2) numerical optimisation and scientific computing.

• The School of Mathematics and Physics (SMP) has nearly 100 full-time academic staff members, with active research areas extending beyond the scope of the modules covered. Their expertise also encompasses applications of research in industry and finance.

• Through studying this programme, students will receive an excellent education, developing their proficiency in core concepts, techniques, and applications related to applied mathematics. This gives our students a springboard for success in their careers or further study in PhD programmes at world-renowned institutions.

• A strength of this programme is the industry partnerships that the SMP has meticulously built over the years. The School has strategic partnerships with successfully established research institutions, such as the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI) and the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University HeXie Management Research Centre (HeXie Centre), as well as networks including insurance and financial companies. Through these collaborations, our academic staff create up-to-date curricular materials aligned with industry needs and academic requirements, providing our students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

Knowledge and skills

• Graduates of our MSc Applied Mathematics programme are expected to play an important role in many professional fields including research, education, industry, and finance, and be able to apply mathematical methods and technical support to solve practical problems.

Upon completion of the MSc programme in Applied Mathematics, students will be equipped with the following knowledge and skills:

• • In-depth understanding of mathematical theory: the ability to deeply understand and apply advanced mathematical theories such as partial differential equations, numerical analysis, and control theories;
• • Mathematical modelling skills: the ability to convert practical problems into mathematical models and use mathematical methods to analyse and solve them;
• • Computational methods and techniques: the ability to use various computational tools and software (e.g., MATLAB, R, Python, etc.) for mathematical modelling, numerical computation, and data analysis;
• • Data analysis and processing: the ability to use statistical and machine learning methods to analyse and process data, including data collection, cleaning, analysis, and interpretation;
• • Interdisciplinary knowledge: the ability to understand and apply mathematical tools to solve real-world problems in fields such as engineering, physics, biology, and finance;
• • Research methods and skills: the ability to conduct independent scientific research, including literature review, problem formation, research design, experimental methods, data analysis, and paper writing;
• • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: the ability to critically analyse problems, propose innovative solutions, and solve complex problems; and
• • Communication and collaboration skills: the ability to effectively communicate mathematical ideas and research results to others and to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.

Careers

• Applied mathematics is a discipline that studies the practical application of mathematical methods and techniques across various fields, including engineering, physics, biological sciences, medicine, social sciences, business, economics, and computer science. With the rapid development of science and technology and the growing demand for high-tech fields such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, the prospects for applied mathematics are very broad and optimistic. These include:

• • Data analysis and statistics. In the era of big data, data analysis has become an important tool for decision support. Applied mathematics plays a key role in data mining, statistical analysis, and predictive modelling;
• • Finance and economics. In areas such as financial engineering, risk management, and investment strategy analysis, applied mathematics provides powerful tools to help financial institutions optimise decisions and control risks;
• • Engineering and physical sciences. Applied mathematics is central to solving problems in engineering design, fluid mechanics, material science, and electromagnetics;
• • Biological sciences and medicine. Fields such as biostatistics, bioinformatics, and epidemiological modelling require the methods of applied mathematics for analysis and problem-solving;
• • Computer science. Applied mathematics provides the theoretical foundation and solutions in various areas, including algorithm design, artificial intelligence, machine learning, image processing, and network security; and
• • Environmental science. In climate modelling, environmental assessment, and resource management, applied mathematics helps in simulation and prediction to support decision-making for sustainable development.

• Due to the interdisciplinary nature of applied mathematics, it offers a wide range of career opportunities in various fields, including academia, research institutions, government departments, financial institutions, consulting firms, and technology companies. As society’s demand for advanced mathematical skills continues to grow, professionals specialising in applied mathematics will enjoy excellent career prospects.

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.