Australia-Thailand double degree to develop business talent for a disrupted world

The idea of getting a double degree in the time it takes to study one is a clearly appealing prospect for anyone considering university. Throw into that deal the chance to gain these from two different universities on different continents and it gets even more enticing.

The University of Newcastle (UON), Australia, and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), based in Bangkok, are offering exactly that.

To achieve both degrees, students are not even expected to travel, and can complete all modules in their country of choice – either Australia or Thailand.

So how does it work exactly?

This unique programme allows students to gain two degrees through completing one programme of study delivered entirely in English at the International College UTCC Bangkok campus. In the first part of the programme, students undertake courses through UTCC and Goal Business Education. In the second part of the programme, students undertake (UON) courses that are still taught at UTCC.

Upon satisfactory completion of all course requirements, students are awarded double degree certificates – one from UON and a second from UTCC.

Courses will be kicking off in January 2020, the first of which will be in Business, in which graduates will walk away with a Bachelor of Business Administration awarded by UTCC and a Bachelor of Business (major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship) awarded by University of Newcastle.

Commerce courses will also be starting in 2020, covering BA of Accountancy and BA of Commerce with a major in Accounting.

In the postgraduate offerings, the Global MBA from UTCC paired with Master of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship awarded by UON promises to be a game-changer in shaping the region’s next-generation business leaders.

“We expect that the programme will prepare students well for careers in the dynamic Thai economy and help to stimulate business between Australia and Thailand and intra-regional trade in Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, said in a statement.

“It is wonderful that the current intake of students on the two-degree programmes not only represent great talent potential and nationality diversity, but, significantly, 15 of the 27 are the first in their family to go to university.”

Later in the year, the two will also be signing up students for the Global MBA paired with a Master of Professional Accounting.

Associate Professor Dr. Sauwanee Thairungroj, President of UTCC, said the partnership reflects a continuing commitment to produce the next generation of talent for industry by giving students the world-class standards and recognition they deserve.

“This partnership is a fantastic example of the university working in collaboration to achieve global impact,” said Thairungroj.

“Our collective aim is to reach and develop talent for industry like no other university in Thailand and this partnership will help us meet that agenda with a set of partners who share our mission and passion.”