Policy Guidelines for Double Degrees

1. Preface

A double degree is defined by the University of Wollongong Course Rules as “an approved course leading to the conferral of two degrees as separate awards upon a candidate who has complied with the Course Requirements for double degrees and the two individual Course Requirements inclusively”.

The University's double degree programs are designed to enhance students' educational, academic and professional qualifications whilst minimising the costs of their studies. Students with the skills and the high level of motivation required are able, for example, to complete two 144 credit point, three-year courses in 4 years. Double degrees aim to broaden a student's knowledge and skills base and improve career options in competitive, increasingly interactive fields.

2. A Note on Participating Faculties

A double degree program may involve more than two Faculties (eg, for the BSc-LLB, Law, Science and Health and Behavioural Sciences).

3. Course Development and Design

•  The course patterns for double degrees shall be:

•  The credit point savings listed in this table are maximums. The maximum saving will not be available in all double degree programs, for example:

•  the number of credit points saved by a student may be limited by the prescribed structure of some degrees;

•  the saving may not necessarily be distributed across both component degrees and may be possible in relation to only one of them.

•  The Law component of a double degree is defined as 4 year component for purpose of course design and load.

•  A double degree Course Proposal shall be defined as a Major Amendment to current offerings but, on application, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) may waive the normal requirement for an ECAC where both degrees already exist.

•  A double degree Course Proposal shall be submitted, on a special Double Degree Application Form, by the “owner” Faculty, and:

•  include a “Calendar” entry in a common format, specifying: entry requirements, course objective, double degree course schedule, requirements for academic advice at enrolment and throughout course;

•  identify the “owner” Faculty (see current list attached, APPENDIX 1);

•  include entry for Course Rules (incl. course requirements, degree title and abbreviation, noting that a dash (-) is to be used between the two titles);

•  demonstrate that timetabling issues have been addressed;

•  provide estimates of enrolments/viability demonstrated by market research;

•  be ‘signed off ' by the Deans of all participating Faculties.

4. Entry Requirements

•  Eligibility for entry to a double degree program shall be based on achievement of the highest UAI course entry (or equivalent) requirement (where there are different Faculty entry levels).

•  When these requirements are not meet, the student shall be referred to the Faculty with the lower entry requirement for possible enrolment in another degree.

•  In the case of transfer from a single degree, the Sub-Deans from each participating Faculty shall consult with each other to determine the entry requirements and include them in their formal course information.

5. Enrolment

•  The Web Enrolment and Re-enrolment worksheets for a double degree student shall include a provision for the student to have the course program checked by the Sub-Dean or designated Double Degree Enrolment Officer from each participating Faculty.

•  Faculties with prescribed courses shall consult with the other participating Faculty/ies to ensure that the workload requirements for their courses can be accommodated in the double degree program.

6. Advice to Students

•  The Sub-Dean of the “owner” Faculty shall ensure that the double degree student receives a copy of the Double Degree Student Guide (see APPENDIX 2) at enrolment and is referred to it throughout the course.

•  The Sub-Deans of the participating Faculties, in consultation with each other and the student, shall:

•  advise the student on the structure of a study program for the double degree course, giving attention to workload demands, performance requirements* and timetabling issues;

•  approve, for their respective Faculty, any advanced standing from one degree to another.

*Note: Some Faculties may require double degree students to maintain a credit average during the course.

7. Honours

•  Where the component pass degree program is a 3-year degree, an end-on Honours program shall add 48 credit points to the duration of the double degree.

•  In the case of an end-on Honours program, an Application to undertake Honours shall make provision for checking and signature by the Head of the Department/Program and the Dean/Sub-Dean of the Faculty offering the Honours studies.

•  Honours studies may involve joint Honours between academic units in the same Faculty.

•  The Course Code for the Honours component of a Double Degree shall be the same as that for the pass double degree with the addition of an identifying letter.

8. Publication of Double Degree Student Guidelines

The Double Degree Student Guide shall be made available on-line to students and staff via the Course Handbook website and access details shall be provided in the Student Guide. A list of “owning” Faculties shall also be made available.

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Double Degree Student Guide

•  All double degree students are required to comply with the course requirements for double degrees and with the requirements of the two individual degrees for which they are enrolled.

•  All double degree students are obliged to consult with the Sub-Deans of the Faculties participating in the degree before finalising enrolment.

•  The number of credit points saved by a student in a double degree program may vary due to the prescribed structures of some degrees and may not necessarily be distributed across both component degrees.

•  The designated “owner” Faculty for the degree course are obliged to ensure the student is aware of and has access to (via the Web and in printed University or Faculty publications) a course schedule for the double degree.

•  The relevant Sub-Deans shall ensure that the student has a copy of this Guide, assist the student to prepare a study program and plan timetable and workload, and advise on a schedule for further consultation.

•  A student wishing to undertake Honours should note that:

•  where the component pass degree program is a 3-year degree, an end-on Honours program shall add 48 credit points to the duration of the double degree.

•  for an end-on Honours, an “Application to undertake Honours in a Double Degree program” must be checked and signed by the Head of the Department/Program and the Dean/Sub-Dean of the Faculty offering the Honours studies.