Dual degrees allow students to gain two degrees in less time than it takes to study them separately.
The University of Portsmouth is to offer a new series of dual degrees in partnership with Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Western Australia.
Dual degrees (also known as double degrees or dual award degrees) allow students to gain two degrees in less time than it takes to study them separately.
The double degrees involve studying at two universities, so students benefit from the teaching expertise, research and facilities of each institution. Students will study more modules than on a single degree so they develop a more comprehensive knowledge of the subject. They also gain an understanding of different cultures, which helps prepare them for a competitive employment environment in which employers favour graduates who are culturally sensitive and are able to work in a global environment.
Dual degrees typically last three and a half or four years when studied full time, compared to three years for a single degree. UK students will be based in Portsmouth in years one, two and four and spend year three at ECU. Students from ECU will spend years one, two and four at ECU and spend year three in Portsmouth.
They're not the same as joint degrees, where students study with two or more universities and graduate with a single certificate signed by all institutions.
In order to be competitive in the global environment, our students will have an added advantage if they are to demonstrate their global outlook. We see this as an important addition to our programmes and in our development of the global graduate.
The two courses are for September 2021 entry and are:
- BSc (Hons) Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Cybercrime (ECU award = Bachelor of Science (Cybercrime, Security and Intelligence)
- BSc (Hons) Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (ECU award = Bachelor of Science (International Exercise and Sport Science)
- BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Management
Chris Chang, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Student Life) at the University of Portsmouth, said: “In order to be competitive in the global environment, our students will have an added advantage if they are to demonstrate their global outlook. We see this as an important addition to our programmes and in our development of the global graduate.
“Having a dual award from the UK and Australia could be an attractive proposition for some of our students and provide them with the opportunity to include a global experience as part of their degree.
“This partnership aligns with our Global Engagement Plan that seeks to create a network of strategic global partnerships that significantly enhance our international profile and extend the strength, scale and impact of our international education, research and innovation activities.”
These international dual degrees are wonderful opportunities for students to expand their life experience, benefit from studying their chosen field in an international context and, of course, graduate with two separate degrees.
Professor Simon Ridings, Edith Cowan University Deputy Vice-Chancellor International, said:
“These international dual degrees are wonderful opportunities for students to expand their life experience, benefit from studying their chosen field in an international context and, of course, graduate with two separate degrees,” he said.
“ECU is renowned for offering a five star student experience and we wanted to ensure that in any agreement, our international partner would deliver the same sort of high quality teaching. That’s why the University of Portsmouth, with its top 30 student satisfaction rating, is the right fit for ECU’s students.”
To enable cross-cultural collaboration between students and broaden engagement strands, the University of Portsmouth and ECU will be part of the UK / Australia Season, a joint initiative between the British Council and the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The season launches on 1 September 2021.