A double degree is a programme of study that leads towards two separate qualifications, taken concurrently, meaning you study two degrees at the same time, rather than completing them one after the other. This option can be useful if you are interested in subjects from more than one type of degree.
Double degrees usually include the cross crediting of papers to more than one qualification. This is when passes are credited towards the requirements for two University of Otago undergraduate qualifications. Cross-crediting can reduce your overall workload by allowing some papers to count towards both degrees.
In general, a candidate who is enrolled for two degrees concurrently, or who has completed one degree and is proceeding with another, may cross credit 100-level and 200-level papers which are common to both degrees up to a maximum of:
- 126 points between two three-year degrees (for example, BSc and BCom)
- 180 points between a three-year and a four-year degree (for example, BCom and BPhEd)
- 234 points between two four-year degrees (for example, BSW and LLB)
Refer to the regulations for each programme to determine which papers can and cannot be shared between two programmes.
The number of points cross-credited between two programmes depends on the minimum number of years required to complete the programmes concerned. This can reduce the total number of points needed to complete programmes of study.
A student must complete the requirements of each degree when factoring in what papers can be cross-credited. The papers selected to cross-credit between programmes may be unique to a particular student's paper selection across their two degrees, but factors taken into account are:
- Each programme's regulations
- Papers required for major and/or minors
- The number of papers within each schedule of the degree (e.g. Science Schedule C, Commerce Schedule C)
- Level of paper – only cross-credit at 100- and 200-level
A double degree is not the same as a double major. A double major is completed within a single degree, whereas a double degree results in two separate qualifications.
If you are considering taking a double degree programme, you should first seek course advice. A double degree can be a big commitment in terms of time and resources, and should only be undertaken after due consideration and with appropriate advice:
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