As the season of blooming flame trees ushers in a time of dreams setting sail, the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in International Hospitality and Tourism Management programme at the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) nears its second anniversary and is set to celebrate its first cohort of graduates. This research-oriented programme covers diverse fields such as hospitality management, tourism management, food and beverage management, gastronomy management, smart technologies, and events management. It places a strong emphasis on cultivating the research and analytical capabilities of students, laying a solid foundation for their future development.
Geralt Lu Junke, from Shenzhen, Guangdong, completed his undergraduate studies at UTM. During his senior year, he was encouraged by her supervisor to participate in research initiatives, sparking a profound interest in academic research. He subsequently enrolled in the MPhil in International Hospitality and Tourism Management programme. Geralt highlights UTM’s focus on fostering students’ independence, encouraging them to design and execute their own research projects. Unlike certain institutions where research topics may be confined to the supervisor’s expertise, UTM offers students greater freedom to choose their research direction.
The programme’s structure concentrates coursework in the first year, allowing students to focus on research and their thesis in the second year. Leveraging the University’s resources, Geralt participated in an exchange programme at Sun Yat-sen University and is currently pursuing the “1+1” Dual Master’s Degree Programme jointly offered by UTM and the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia. Reflecting on these experiences, he recognises the competitive edge gained from UTM’s English-medium instruction and internationalised environment, which cultivate exceptional students capable of excelling even at other institutions.
Another soon-to-be graduate, Nevaeh Lu Yunxi, hailing from Daqing, Heilongjiang, shares her appreciation for UTM’s international environment and diverse teaching methods. She notes that the programme emphasises practical application and interactive learning. Inspired by this approach, she decided to continue her studies at UTM after completing her undergraduate degree. Unlike conventional teaching methods, UTM employs diverse and interactive strategies, such as debates and “flipped classrooms”, which sharpen critical thinking skills and teach students to apply knowledge to solve problems. In terms of academic research, Nevaeh values the significant guidance provided by her supervisors, which has enabled her to access the latest academic achievements, trending research topics, and industry developments and insights. This has enhanced her understanding of the field and clarified her career goal of pursuing academic research.
In addition, UTM’s international faculty and student body further enrich the learning experience. With professors from countries such as Nepal and Canada, and classmates from Malaysia and Vietnam, Nevaeh has experienced a multicultural environment. During her undergraduate years, the array of extracurricular activities was particularly enriching. She undertook internships, served as a key member of the student union, and assisted the University’s public relations team as a student ambassador, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
David Xu Jiawei, from Shaoxing, Zhejiang, transitioned to UTM after studying hospitality management during his vocational education in Mainland China and gaining over a year of hotel internship experience. Despite graduating with a degree in journalism, David realised that his true passion lay in the tourism and hospitality sector, prompting him to pursue further studies at UTM.
Reflecting on his learning journey, David praises the overall academic atmosphere and the well-structured programme. He commends the high teaching standards of the faculty and the professional curriculum design. In contrast to the traditional memorisation technique of “rote-learning”, UTM emphasises self-directed learning, encouraging students to actively seek information and gain a deeper understanding of knowledge. This approach, he believes, helps students explore their fields of interest and fosters personal growth.
With prior internship experience, David has utilised the programme to enhance his academic capabilities and gain a deeper understanding of the current state and challenges within the tourism and hospitality industry. From frontline knowledge to the application of advanced technologies, the programme has broadened his knowledge base and positioned him for future career development.