Enrolment procedures and benefits of IFTM’s new dual master’s degree programme, offered in partnership with the United Kingdom’s University of Surrey, were highlighted in a briefing at the Institute’s Taipa Campus
As part of efforts to widen the academic horizons available to its students, IFTM hosted a briefing session on December 12, focusing on a newly-launched dual master’s degree programme offered by IFTM in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s University of Surrey. Speakers from the U.K. institution took part in the event, to provide insights on the initiative.
The partnership, forged earlier this year, marks the Institute’s latest stride towards bolstering its international connections and furnishing students with world-class educational prospects.
The dual master’s degree programme permits postgraduate students pursuing their master’s degree at IFTM to undertake a segment of their studies at the University of Surrey. Programme participants can acquire 2 distinct master’s degrees within a 2-year period, having experienced 2 distinct cultural and academic environments.
During the briefing session held at the Taipa Campus, Prof. Gang Li, Director of International Relations at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey, introduced the IFTM audience to the new programme and gave details of the enrolment process.
The programme is accessible to IFTM postgraduate students enrolled on a number of Master of Science programmes. They are: International Tourism Management; International Hospitality Management; International Food and Beverage Management; International Gastronomy Management; Smart Technologies in Hospitality and Tourism; and Digital Marketing and Analytics.
Additionally, those studying for a Master of Philosophy in International Hospitality and Tourism Management with specialisations either in Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, Food and Beverage Management, Gastronomy Management, or Smart Technologies, are also eligible to apply for the new dual master’s degree programme.
Participants can choose from a selection of Master of Science programmes offered by the University of Surrey. These include: International Tourism Management; International Hotel Management; Strategic Hotel Management; and International Event Management.
The attendees at the briefing session exhibited keen interest in understanding the academic schedule, graduation requirements, work permit arrangements, and other issues relating to the U.K. portion of the studies. Prof. Li addressed all the queries they raised, emphasising the commitment of the initiative organisers to provide opportunities to gain insights overseas.
Prof. Li said: “As they acquire knowledge on Macao and the rest of the Asian context at IFTM, [participating students] will also be able to learn a lot about the European context.”
The University of Surrey scholar added: “Internationalisation is very high on our university’s strategic agenda.” He said the institution also included numerous lecturers and academic staff with direct involvement in the tourism and hospitality industry.
The dual master’s degree collaboration marks a significant first for the University of Surrey, noted Prof. Li. “We have not had a partnership with any Macao higher education institution for this type of degree collaboration,” he said.
The University of Surrey had already been a popular onward-study destination for IFTM graduates, prior to the Institute offering its own postgraduate degrees.
IFTM’s collaboration with the University of Surrey is a testament to IFTM’s dedication to offering top educational opportunities with a global dynamic. Last year, the Institute established a dual master’s degree programme with The University of Queensland in Australia. It has also formed partnerships with several top tourism and hospitality education institutions in Switzerland for dual bachelor’s degree programmes.
