Course Features

This program is tailored for mid- to senior-level managers in the hotel and tourism industry, personnel from governmental and non-governmental tourism

organizations, and educators in related fields. It combines an international perspective with local characteristics to cultivate students' global competitiveness.

The curriculum emphasizes integrated resort management at a high level, with a strong focus on the deep integration of theory and practice. By maintaining close collaboration with the industry, the program ensures a seamless connection between academic research and industry practice. Adopting an action-learning

model, it places particular emphasis on cultivating students’ innovative thinking and decision-making capabilities, with the ultimate goal of developing strategic, high-level management professionals for the hotel and tourism sectors.

Academic and Teaching Arrangement

1. Area of Concentration: Tourism Management

2. Duration of Study: 3 years

3. Medium of Instruction: Chinese/English

4. Study Mode: Lecture

5. Enrollment Conditions: In accordance with the provisions of Article 21, Clause 8 of Law No. 10/2017 (Higher Education System), as amended by Law No. 2/2022.

6. Graduation Requirements:

(i) The credits required to complete the course are 48 credits.

(ii) The doctoral degree is subject to the writing and submission of an original written thesis, which is publicly defended and passed.

Credits Required for Graduation: 48 with the following breakdown

1.  12 credits for the compulsory courses listed in Table 1;

2.  9 credits for the elective courses listed in Table 2;

3.  27 credits for the thesis listed in Table 3.

Study Plan 

Table 1 Compulsory

Table 2 Elective

9 credits (3 subjects) for the elective courses listed in Table 2

Please be advised of the following:

1. Elective subjects will be designated by the University at the beginning of each semester.
2. All course syllabi shall be based on the official version published in the Government Gazette.
3. The University reserves the right to cancel any subject with insufficient enrollment.

Table 3

Course Description

Compulsory courses

1. Quantitative Research Methods in Management (3 Credits)

This subject provides a systematic introduction to the application of quantitative research methods in the field of hospitality management, aiming to equip

students with the ability to conduct empirical market investigations and research. Focusing on real-world industry scenarios, it covers the entire research process—including study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and professional reporting—while emphasizing research ethics and professional standards.

Through case-based learning and hands-on training with statistical software (e.g., SPSS), students will learn to design research projects addressing practical

hospitality challenges, perform rigorous data analysis, and transform findings into actionable management strategies, ultimately delivering data-driven insights to support evidence-based decision-making in the hospitality industry.

2. Qualitative Research Methods in Management (3 Credits)

This subject equips students with qualitative research methods to address problems in hotel management decision-making. It covers essential data collection and analysis techniques, including observation, in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, content analysis, thematic analysis, and grounded theory analysis.

Through interactive teaching and case studies, students will learn to apply these methods effectively. By the end of the course, they will be able to use qualitative

data analysis to solve complex management challenges in their professional work.

3. Strategic Hotel Management (3 Credits)

This doctoral-level course equips students with advanced strategic thinking and leadership skills essential for top-tier roles in the global hospitality industry, and

familiarize students with the strategic planning process in the hospitality industry and how it influences hotel operations. One highlight of this course is its strong

industrial connection, integrating insights from leading hotel executives, real-world case studies, and collaborative projects with international hotel brands.

Students will engage in critical analysis of emerging trends, competitive positioning, and innovative business models while developing practical knowledge

through simulations, industry mentorship, and applied research. Bridging theory with practice, this course ensures students can drive organizational success in

dynamic hospitality environments. By fostering close ties with Macau’s vibrant hotel sector and global industry partners, this course provides unparalleled

networking and hands-on learning opportunities, preparing students to lead with vision and operational excellence in the luxury and resort hospitality landscape.

4. Residential Field Study (3 Credits)

This course involves a multi-phase field study designed to give students firsthand insight into the operations of the hospitality and tourism industries. Students

will visit selected hotel clusters or tourism destinations, engaging with hotels, tourism organizations, NGOs, industry associations, and academic institutions, and

interacting with professionals and scholars.

Using an Action Learning approach, the course combines theory with practice through on-site observation, problem-based learning, and reflective analysis.

Students are required to complete pre-visit preparations, actively participate in all activities, and submit post-visit reports.

Participation in all phases is mandatory. Any absence must be approved in advance. Failure to complete the field study will result in a failing grade. Note: The

residential field trip is a compulsory part of this subject. Failure to participate in the field trip will result in a failure in this subject.

5. Thesis (27 Credits)

In order to obtain a doctoral degree, students must complete and submit an original written doctoral thesis in the field of hotel management, and pass the

publicly oral defense. The thesis aims to demonstrate the student's ability to propose innovative viewpoints on professional practices and to apply theoretical and practical knowledge to solve significant application problems related to the profession. The research will focus on analyzing the development trends, challenges,

and opportunities in the hotel industry, with the goal of providing practical solutions and strategic recommendations for the industry. The thesis will emphasize

the practical impact and contribution of the research content to the industry.

Elective courses

1. Case Study of Hotel Business Administration (3 Credits)

This course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the theories and practical aspects of the rapidly evolving global hospitality industry,

encouraging them to plan, develop, promote, and manage on a global hotel scale. Through collaboration with industry-leading enterprises, the course regularly

updates and selects cases closely related to current hotel management practices, ensuring the modernity and relevance of these cases. These cases range from

small boutique hotels to large international chains and cover various aspects of hotel management, including operations, human resources, marketing, and

financial management. The case teaching utilizes diverse educational methods, such as group discussions, role-playing, and strategic planning sessions, allowing

students to analyze problems from multiple perspectives and devise solutions. Each case includes a structured teaching framework that guides students in

analyzing cases and applying theory to practice.

Additionally, the course features project-based action learning, such as hotel development, market expansion plans, and service optimization, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real or simulated business environments. At the end of each project, students must submit detailed project reports and presentations,

with evaluations based on the innovation and practical effectiveness of their work. Field studies are also an integral part of the course; students visit various types of hotels and tourism-related businesses for on-site observations of both back-office operations and front-line services. Field activities include Q&A sessions with management and observation-based analysis reports, emphasizing critical thinking and strategic recommendations. This comprehensive learning approach aims

to cultivate students' ability to make key decisions in the face of real-world challenges.

2. Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hotel Industry (3 Credits)

This subject is to develop students’ business knowledge, research and management skills in the hospitality industry through a blend of strategic perspectives

and entrepreneurial venture planning. Industry practice, management skills and research competencies will be developed through the interdisciplinary subject

exposure, problem identification, business case analysis, and management application.

3. Contemporary Issues in Hotel Industry (3 Credits)

This subject will enable students to have a broader understanding of the new problems and characteristics in the development of the hospitality industry, analyze their causes and future development trends, and explore the impact on the hospitality industry. It will enable students to truly improve their scientific research

ability to find, analyze, and solve problems.

4. Theories and Concepts in Hotel Management (3 Credits)

This subject aims to provide an overview of key theories and concepts in the field of hotel management, emphasizing the integration of academic insights with

industry practices. Through multidisciplinary perspectives (such as management, behavioral science, technological change, etc.), students will use theoretical

frameworks to examine issues in hotel management at the social, managerial and strategic levels to ensure that what they learn has practical application value,

and explore the challenges and opportunities of the hotel industry in the context of globalization, digitalization and sustainable development. This course is the

first step in developing a thesis proposal and ultimately the theoretical basis for completing the thesis.

5. Statistical Analysis and Technology (3 Credits)

The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with a deep understanding of various analytical methods, the fundamental principles of big data

architectures, and programming techniques. In addition, students will learn how to process data using artificial intelligence (AI). The course content will expand

into smart hotel technologies, exploring how AI and big data can optimize operations and enhance customer service in the hospitality industry. Through the

module on data-driven decision-making, students will learn how to analyze hotel operational data to make strategic decisions, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of hotels in a fiercely competitive market. The entire course will focus on how these technologies can be transformed into practical applications, particularly

in terms of automation and customer experience optimization.

6. Investment and Financing Management in Hotel Industry (3 Credits)

This subject aims to deeply explore the investment and financing strategies of the hotel industry, and provide comprehensive financial management, investment

evaluation and capital operation knowledge based on actual case analysis. The course content focuses on key areas such as capital structure, investment decision-making, fund raising, risk management and asset management in the hotel industry, providing students with a solid theoretical foundation and application in

solving practical problems.