Multiply your opportunities with a UNSW double degree

By completing the core courses of each degree at the same time, you can complete two qualifications in less time than if you studied them back-to-back. In most cases, a double degree only takes one to two years longer than a single degree.

Two degrees doesn’t mean double the workload. Each year you’ll complete the same number of units as a single degree, eight courses across three terms, or the part time equivalent if you choose flexible study options. Plus, you’ll have more diversity in the courses you’re studying, with different topics to help keep you engaged. This allows you to mix up your study schedule, assignment time and exam preparation.

Whether you're just starting out in your career or advancing it, you’ll have an extra dimension of industry knowledge and skills that will appeal to employers. Double degrees open up the career options you'll have available when you graduate, as you'll stand out to employers as a graduate with a diverse and in-depth level of practical knowledge and skills. You’ll benefit from work-integrated learning placements and internships, where you’ll gain professional development and industry experience that you can then apply to different fields.

A double degree, also referred to as a dual or combined degree, allows you to study two degrees at the same time. Double degrees at UNSW are available in all six faculties and combine programs from the same faculty for in-depth study in an area of interest or across two completely different faculties so you can follow your passions and broaden your knowledge. We have double degrees available in undergraduate, postgraduate or combination programs. 

At graduation, you'll receive two certificates recognising the two qualifications you've earned.

Some of our most popular double degrees include:

• Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Media

• Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) 

• Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)/Master of Biomedical Engineering

• Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry
• Master of Global Health/Master of Public Health
• Master of Information Technology/Master of Commerce

By combining two single degrees into a double degree, you’ll study focused courses in each program, allowing you to complete two degrees in less time^.  See how this works in the example below, which shows which core courses you would complete in the sample double degree compared to the electives and other courses in two single degrees.

Undergraduate double degree example:

^{*Excluded courses completed in the single degree program only.
^Undergraduate double degrees vary in length, ranging from 4-6.7 years, depending on which programs are combined. Postgraduate double degrees can be completed in as little at 1.5 years depending on whether you qualify for advanced standing.} 

A double degree will cost you more than studying a single degree alone, but you’ll be gaining an additional qualification and increase your career opportunities. Double degrees cost less than studying the same two degrees separately as single programs one after the other. This is due to fees being calculated by the courses (also known as units of credit (UOC)) you complete, which in a double degree can be as little as one additional year's course load.