As the tourism and hospitality industry becomes increasingly global, professionals today are required to work across different markets, cultures and operational systems. In response to this demand, the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) has partnered with The University of Queensland (UQ) to offer a “1+1 Dual Master’s Programme”, enabling students to complete two master’s degrees across Macao and Australia in as little as two years.
The programme is designed not only as a pathway to dual qualifications, but as a structured experience that connects two academic systems. Students begin their studies at UTM before continuing at UQ, gaining exposure to different teaching approaches, cultural environments and professional expectations. For both current students and graduates, the experience goes beyond academic progression, shaping both personal growth and professional development.
Experiencing a New Cultural and Learning Environment
For Eloise Deng Junyi, the decision to join the programme was closely tied to her desire to experience life beyond familiar surroundings. “I always felt that living and studying in a place is very different from just visiting it,” Eloise reflects. “I wanted to experience a new environment and a different culture.”
The structure of the programme also played an important role in her decision. “It allows me to complete two degrees in a relatively short time and make better use of my time,” she explains.
Her transition to UQ was marked by both novelty and adjustment. The large campus, the diverse environment, and using English every day all made the experience quite different from what she was used to. Classroom settings also differed from what she had previously encountered. In some classes, interactive activities formed part of the teaching approach, including activities where “we had to stand up and participate together,” she recalls.
Beyond the classroom, Eloise took part in a course that required students to plan and execute a live exhibition in collaboration with local communities, businesses and government stakeholders. The process was demanding and, at times, uncertain. “There were moments when we thought the project might not continue,” she says. “But in the end, we were able to complete it successfully.”
Reflecting on the experience, she notes that the programme has helped her develop a more open mindset. “I have gained more courage and confidence,” she says. “I realised things don’t always have to be perfect. You just adapt and keep going.”
From Structured Learning to Independent Thinking
While Eloise’s journey highlights experiential learning, Jacob Fang Xieruoxiu’s experience reflects a shift in academic approach and thinking.
“I wanted to gain learning experiences in two different systems within a relatively short time and strengthen my academic background and improve my job prospects,” Jacob explains. In his view, the dual master’s structure provides not only academic progression, but also a gradual transition into an international education environment.
Pre-class reading, class discussions, and working with classmates from different backgrounds quickly became part of his routine. “Each student brings their own experiences into the discussion,” he says, “which lets us see different ways of thinking.”
One of the most memorable aspects of his study was a course involving a simulation project where they ran an airline operation and made decisions on routes and pricing. Working in teams, they also had to plan routes, set pricing strategies and manage resources. “It allowed me to transform abstract theories into practical experience,” he reflects.
Through these experiences, Jacob believes he has become more independent and adaptable. “I have developed stronger communication skills and a more open way of thinking,” he says.
Developing Resilience Through Academic Challenge
As a fresh graduate of the programme, Geralt Lu Junke, has recently been awarded a full scholarship for PhD studies at UQ. In the most recent selection round, only 12 international student scholarships were available across UQ’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. Geralt was the sole successful candidate from the tourism field. For Geralt, the 1+1 programme represents challenge and intellectual growth. “The programme itself is intensive,” Geralt observes. “It requires switching between two academic systems while adapting to different expectations and standards.” Managing coursework, research and long-term academic goals at the same time requires a high level of discipline.
For him, the most significant experience was conducting research in a new academic context. During his time at UQ, Geralt worked on a journal paper related to accessible tourism in Australia. “It was my first time conducting research within a local Australian context,” he explains.
This experience required Geralt to rethink his approach to research. “Working across academic systems is not just about changing topics,” he notes. “It means learning how to ask questions and build arguments in a different way.”
Reflecting on the overall experience, he sees the programme as a process that strengthens capability rather than guaranteeing outcomes. “What I really gained was learning how to stay focused and keep going under pressure,” he says.
Translating Academic Experience into Career Advantage
For graduates, the value of the programme becomes more evident in the transition to professional life. Elaine Zeng Yuling, who now works in brand promotion in Shenzhen, describes the experience as a combination of academic and personal growth.
“My biggest gain is the improvement in both cross-cultural understanding and professional skills,” Elaine says. In her view, studying at UTM provided a solid understanding of industry practice, while UQ broadened her perspective and introduced her to different ways of thinking.
During her time in Australia, Elaine also stepped beyond the classroom by participating in an international exhibition as a volunteer. Working in a fully English-speaking environment and helping coordinate large groups on site helped her build practical skills. “It really strengthened my ability to respond to situations and communicate across cultures,” she explains.
From a career perspective, Elaine believes the dual master’s background has been beneficial. “I do feel it gives me an advantage when applying for jobs,” she says, which she attributes to recognised qualifications, interdisciplinary knowledge and international experience. As a result, she notes that her career options have broadened, with “more options and a stronger starting point.”
A Pathway Connecting Systems, Perspectives and Futures
The experiences of these students and graduates demonstrate that the 1+1 Dual Master’s Programme is not defined by a single outcome. For some, it offers a platform for international exposure and personal growth; for others, it provides a pathway to career development or further academic exploration.
By offering collaborative programmes, UTM and UQ create an environment where students can experience different approaches to learning and engage with diverse perspectives. Graduates emerge with far more than two degrees, carrying the practical agility to thrive across cultures, disciplines, and professional landscapes.