The PhD in Public Health aims to provide high calibre education and advanced training in public health sciences. It takes advantage of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s international and vibrant research environment to prepare graduates for research careers in any setting and equip students with highly specialised technical skills.

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.

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

The programme will be managed through collaboration between XJTLU and the University of Liverpool. Upon successful completion, you will receive a University of Liverpool-issued degree, which is recognised by China’s Ministry of Education.

WHY SHOULD I DO MY PHD IN PUBLIC HEALTH AT XJTLU?

Key benefits of this PhD programme:

• Our PhD programme equips you with a range of professional skills to maximise your future employability;
• Your 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

The PhD programme equips graduate students with a wide range of general skills to maximise employment opportunities. Students explore contemporary issues under the supervision of academic staff who have trained in internationally renowned laboratories.

We welcome proposals from students interested in relevant areas of expertise, including:

• environmental epidemiology
• clinical epidemiology
• social epidemiology
• nutritional epidemiology
• public health nutrition
• maternal and child nutrition
• dietary assessment
• health behaviour
• health effects of atmospheric pollutants
• sociology of health and illness