How to structure your degree your way
Brought to you by The University of Melbourne
If you’re thinking of going to university, you’ve likely come across references to a dual or double degree. This is a study option offered by many universities that enables you to undertake two separate undergraduate degrees at the same time.
There are many benefits to a dual or double degree, but they can also take longer to complete and restrict you from changing your mind along the way.
In contrast to a double degree structure, the Melbourne curriculum comprises a three-year broad-based undergraduate degree followed by an optional two-year specialised graduate program. You’ll be empowered to explore your interests and strengths, gain a higher qualification and set yourself up to make an impact on a global scale.
The University of Melbourne curriculum approach was the first of its kind to be introduced in Australia, and is aligned with many of the leading universities in Europe, Asia and North America.
Through this unique study pathway, you can achieve a higher qualification than you would with a double degree, graduating with a competitive advantage over many of your peers.
Moreover, you’ll be among the world’s most employable graduates, entering the workforce equipped with the knowledge, skills and experiences to succeed over the entire course of your career.
Follow your career ambitions from day one
If you have a firm idea of what you want to do, you can structure your degree from day one to gain the skills and experience you need. Continuing to one of 200 professional masters, doctoral or research higher degrees will allow you to gain further specialisation and set you apart as an expert in your field.
You could even guarantee your place in a graduate program at Melbourne before you even start your undergraduate course, by applying for a Graduate Degree Package.
For example, you could enrol in the Bachelor of Science and lock in your spot in the Master of Engineering to know with certainty the path you will take.
Still finding your path? That’s okay too.
If you’re still figuring things out, you’ll be supported and encouraged to explore your strengths and passions first, before specialising in your preferred discipline.
The Melbourne curriculum allows you to choose from more than 100 study areas as you progress – designing a course that’s uniquely yours.
"I remember thinking this was one of the biggest decisions I'd ever had to make," says Paige, Bachelor of Biomedicine student. "I was 18, how was I supposed to know what I want to do with the rest of my life? Melbourne allowed me leeway when I wasn't 100% sure what I wanted to do in the future."
Combining breadth and depth of study
A core outcome of the Melbourne curriculum is that you develop a broad, well-rounded knowledge base while gaining deep expertise in your chosen discipline.
One of the ways this is made possible is through breadth subjects. Breadth subjects are subjects you can take from outside your core area of study, enabling you to explore diverse fields of interest in complementary disciplines.
Breadth subjects are much more than just electives. By being exposed to other disciplines, you’ll be challenged and inspired to explore new ways of thinking that can help you get more out of your degree and open up more career possibilities.
"After studying Politics and Criminology for three years, I’ve learned how often these two areas of interest intersect with the other. Within both fields, I study how legislation affects our global community, the nation state and individuals on a personal scale."
Sonya, Bachelor of Arts student
Preparing you for an ever-changing world
No one knows where future job opportunities lie, and fewer people are retiring from the same career in which they started. That’s why it’s crucial to cultivate the skills, knowledge and adaptable mindset to help set you up for a broad range of professions.
Through the Melbourne curriculum, you’ll graduate with a globally recognised qualification and the ability to see the world from different perspectives, connect thoughts and ideas, find innovative solutions to problems and put them into practice.
Take your next steps to Melbourne by discovering the range of undergraduate courses available.
