Are Double Degrees Worth it in Australia?

A double degree (also known as a combined degree) is when you study two university qualifications at the same time — for example, a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts. You graduate with two qualifications, usually in less time than if you studied them separately.

At most universities in Australia, a double degree takes around four to five years depending on the combination. It is super popular with students who want to keep their options open or combine two passions — like engineering and music, law and science, or commerce and computer science. But is it right for you? Let's break it down.

Table of Content:

• Why Do Students Choose Double Degrees?
• Are Double Degrees Worth It?
• How Can A Double Degree Benefit you?
• Tips To Consider When Choosing A Double Degree
• Conclusion
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Why Do Students Choose Double Degrees?

There are heaps of reasons students choose to go down the double degree path:

• More career flexibility: You can work in either field (or combine them in creative ways).
• Broader knowledge base: You get exposed to two different disciplines and ways of thinking.
• Competitive edge: Some employers love versatile candidates.
• Save time: Two degrees at once usually means you graduate faster than if you did them one after the other.

If you’re someone who loved doing both science and humanities in high school and can’t choose one over the other — a double degree might be for you.

Are Double Degrees Worth It?

It depends. Here’s what to consider before jumping in:

✅ Pros:

• Efficiency: You save 1–2 years of study compared to doing two degrees separately.
• Job Market Flexibility: Great if one industry is volatile — you've got a backup!
• Interdisciplinary strength: You might spot connections between fields (e.g. psychology + marketing) that give you an edge.

❌ Cons:

• Higher workload: More units per semester, more pressure. You’ll need solid time management.
• Longer than a single degree: You’re at university longer than your single-degree friends.
• Less depth in each field: Some double degrees reduce elective space, which means fewer chances to specialise.

How Can A Double Degree Benefit You?

Here are some popular double degree combos and how they work in practice:

• Law + Arts: Arts sharpens your critical thinking and cultural awareness, which are essential for roles in policy, human rights, or diplomacy where legal skills alone are not enough.
• Engineering + Commerce: Great for future leaders in infrastructure or technology. You’ll gain both technical design skills and the business acumen to manage budgets, teams, or even your own startup.
• Science + Education: Perfect if you want to teach. You build subject expertise in science while qualifying as a teacher — a high-demand combo, especially in STEM.
• Commerce + Computer Science: Ideal for careers in fintech, analytics or tech product design. You’ll speak both data and dollars — a major asset in today’s job market.
• Psychology + Criminology: Offers insight into both human behaviour and justice systems — a smart pathway into forensic psychology, social work, or criminal justice policy.

Tips To Consider When Choosing A Double Degree

If you're leaning towards a double degree, here are a few practical tips:

• Chat to current students: Ask about the workload, balance, and whether they’d do it again. You can do this on open days.
• Think about the overlap: Some degrees pair better than others (e.g. law + commerce share core units).
• Plan your future: Will both degrees help you get to where you want to go?

Conclusion

A double degree can be totally worth it, but only if you’re up for the extra effort and have a clear reason for doing it. If you're choosing it just because it “sounds impressive,” think twice. University is a long game, and the best path is the one that aligns with your goals, interests, and capacity.

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