PhD in Mathematical Sciences

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.

• IMPORTANT BEFORE SUBMITTING AN ONLINE APPLICATION: All PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to contact/identify a potential Supervisor and prepare a research proposal before submitting an online application.

Overview

• The PhD in Mathematical Sciences aims to provide high calibre education and advanced training in mathematics. It will take advantage of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s international and vibrant research environment to prepare graduates for their research careers.

• Pursuing a full-time PhD typically involves three years of conducting research and one year of writing a thesis, supported by subject-specific and general skills training and development. A full-time PhD student must submit their thesis within four years (or six years for part-time PhD students).

• This programme is based extensively on self-motivated research. Students on this programme are formally registered with the University of Liverpool as off-site postgraduate research students. You will carry out research on XJTLU premises under the supervision of academic staff from both XJTLU and the University of Liverpool.

• The programme will be managed through collaboration between XJTLU and the University of Liverpool. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive a degree from the University of Liverpool recognised by China’s Ministry of Education and the UK Department of Education.

Why should I do my PhD in Mathematical Sciences at XJTLU?

Key benefits of this PhD programme:

• • Our PhD programme equips you with a range of professional skills to maximise your future employability;
• • Our supervisors will guide you through one of the most intellectually satisfying experiences of your life;
• • The PhD degree is awarded by the University of Liverpool in the UK. The degree is recognised by the UK Department of Education as well as China’s Ministry of Education;
• • Students receive supervision from academic staff at both XJTLU and the University of Liverpool;
• • XJTLU provides every registered PhD student with an international conference fund of up to 16,500 RMB. The purpose of this fund is to support students’ academic experience, encourage the dissemination of research, and enhance XJTLU’s research profile nationally and internationally;
• • As a registered full-time PhD student, you have the opportunity to apply for a research visit to the University of Liverpool for up to six months. Your accommodation and travel costs will be covered by XJTLU and the University of Liverpool; and
• • During the programme, there will be opportunities to work as a teaching assistant and develop fundamental academic and professional skills.

Research areas

Research areas within the PhD programme in Mathematical Sciences include:

• • Pure mathematics, including algebra, topology, geometry, computer algebra, algebraic statistics, combinatorics, algorithmic combinatorics, number theory, and algebraic theory of differential and difference equations.
• • Physics, including astrophysics, particle physics, statistical physics, condensed matter physics and integrable systems and math physics.
• • Applied mathematics and industrial mathematics, including system identification, process control, model identification, partial differential equations, optimisation and control theory, industrial and interdisciplinary sciences, numerical analysis, operational research, dynamical systems, image processing, coding and cryptography, computer algebra, and computer graphics.
• • Statistics, financial mathematics and actuarial mathematics, including financial mathematics, computational statistics, extreme value theory, actuarial science, risk theory, intelligent and stochastic control, insurance, machine and statistics learning, medical statistics and clinical trials, modelling operational risks, prediction theory and model selection, quantitative risk management, survival analysis and reliability, probability theory, and data distribution

To assist PhD students in Mathematics, XJTLU has world-class learning, teaching and research facilities, including:

• • The University Library Guide for PhD in Mathematical Sciences. The library guide provides a variety of resources on learning and research in the programme, including textbooks, references, recommendations on databases and digital resources, references, writing tips, and other academic tools;
• • The academic development platform. The programme collects helpful resources from professional institutions and other Schools from across the University to enhance students’ learning and research experience. These include learning materials, news, events and competitions;
• • The Intelligent Computing and Financial Technology Laboratory (ICFT). The laboratory aims to boost interdisciplinary research at XJTLU and provides cutting-edge teaching and executive training facilities. Both academic staff and students in the programme can take advantage of the innovative technology.
• • Research Institute of FinTech (RIFT). RIFT explores newly developed technologies and how they can integrate with applications in quantitative finance, risk management in insurance and finance, machine learning in actuarial science, and AI and big data.
• • Professional training platforms for the programme. Skills-development training is provided to our students with the full support of the platforms mentioned above. Additionally, the programme also provides access to a range of databases in insurance and finance:
  • – Bloomberg
  • – Datastream
  • – Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS)
  • – Wind

PhD students also have access to equipment in other Academies and Schools across the University.

Potential supervisors

School of Science

• • Find out potential supervisors from Department of Applied Mathematics.
• • Find out potential supervisors from Department of Financial and Actuarial Mathematics.
• • Find out potential supervisors from Department of Foundational Mathematics.
• • Find out potential supervisors from Department of Physics.
• • Find out potential supervisors from Department of Pure Mathematics.

XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang)

• • Find out potential supervisors from School of AI and Advanced Computing.
• • Find out potential supervisors from School of Robotics.
• • Find out potential supervisors from School of CHIPS.

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.