The Macao University of Tourism (UTM), in partnership with the University of Surrey (UoS) in the United Kingdom, offers a “1+1” Dual Master’s Degree Programme that continues to provide students with an international platform for advanced study. By integrating high-quality educational resources from both East and West, the programme enhances students’ core professional competitiveness. Pong Si Weng (Ring), currently in the second year of her master’s programme in Digital Marketing and Analytics of UTM, enrolled in this dual master’s pathway. During her time at the UoS pursuing a Master’s degree in International Tourism Management, she found the experience invaluable in advancing both her academic competence and global perspective.
The professional knowledge and learning methods accumulated at UTM have laid a solid foundation for Ring’s further studies at UoS, enabling quicker adaptation to the UK teaching model and in-depth professional research. “UoS boasts a strong faculty team”, Ring noted. “Many professors are leading scholars in the field of tourism and bring extensive industry experience. Their teaching strikes a balance between theoretical depth and practical application, making the knowledge highly relevant and actionable.” The curriculum is comprehensive. In addition to core tourism management modules, it extends to related areas such as hospitality and events management, enabling her to systematically understand the integrated ecosystem of tourism, hospitality, and exhibitions, and to deepen her overall grasp of the industry value chain.
The programme closely aligns with emerging industry trends, covering topics such as tourism economics, innovative technology applications, and digital nomadism. It not only enhanced her understanding of the dynamics shaping the global tourism market but also strengthened her ability to apply knowledge and address practical challenges. Elective courses, including Accounting and Finance and Business Analytics, further equipped her with transferable business skills, laying a solid foundation for either deepening her career in the cultural and tourism sector or pursuing cross-disciplinary development in the future.
In addition, the UoS offers abundant industry resources. The University regularly invites industry leaders to deliver guest lectures and organises career fairs, creating valuable bridges between students and potential employers. These opportunities broaden students’ career perspectives while opening doors to potential employment pathways. The campus environment is welcoming and comfortable, complemented by a wide range of extracurricular activities and comprehensive student support services, fostering balanced academic and personal development.
During her studies abroad, Ring learned alongside peers from around the world. Through cultural exchange and the sharing of diverse perspectives, she continually expanded her international outlook, enjoying a vibrant and enriching campus life.
Looking ahead, UTM will continue to expand its global academic partnerships, bringing together leading institutions worldwide to develop more flexible and diversified joint programmes. By providing students with broader overseas study and practical learning pathways, the University aims to nurture well-rounded professionals equipped with international vision, strong expertise, and industry adaptability, contributing sustained momentum to the development of the global culture and tourism sector.