The difference between a standard double degree and a vertical double degree is that a standard double degree involves studying two Bachelor's degrees. Examples of standard double degrees include:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Actuarial Studies/Bachelor of Laws
You may have noticed that standard double degrees explore two different disciplines, allowing students to gain knowledge and skills beyond a single field, as is usually the case with a single degree. Standard double degrees are also typically studied concurrently, since students may take units from both degrees each semester.
On the other hand, a vertical double degree involves studying and completing one Bachelor's degree, before progressing to a relevant postgraduate degree. Examples of vertical double degrees include:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Master of Biomedical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine
This brings us to another difference between a standard double degree and a vertical double degree, which is that a vertical double degree enables students to gain more extensive knowledge and skills in their chosen discipline compared to a standard double degree, i.e. broader knowledge of two fields versus more specialised knowledge of one field.
If you are certain that you want to study a vertical double degree, there is no reason to study each degree separately. You should access the relevant website and/or contact the university that you wish to attend in order to confirm whether there are any specific requirements to be met for the vertical double degree that you are interested in. Some universities/programs may set minimum performance requirements to be able to progress into the postgraduate component, whereas others may not.
I hope this helps!
