wow its so eerily quiet on the forums
anyways,
Can somebody explain the difference between a double major and a double degree.
double degree is just two degrees from two different programs
e.g. LLB/BSci, BCom/BSci, BOptom/BSc
double major is two areas of specialisation within your degree
e.g. in BMedSci, course subjects are pharmacology, pathology, physiology, anatomy. so i could be a BMedSci student majoring in pharm., or a BMedSci student double-majoring in pharm and anatomy
Are double degrees proscribed or can you make up your own?
afaik double degrees are only offered as combined programs e.g. LLB/BSci, BCom/BSci, BOptom/BSc
check with your faculty.
Do you have to do gen ed courses?
yes, as prescribed within your program
How many units is a double degree compared with a double major,
compared with an ordinary degree?
i'm not sure, the structure of double degree programs varies e.g. some alternate subjects A and B ever year, whereas some do 2 years subject A and then 2 years subject B.
As an example with BMedSci you need 18UOC at least to qualify with a major, so to double major you would need 2 x 18 = 36 UOC.
What does the piece of paper say at the end?
double degree you get 2 pieces of paper for each of the degrees you did. dno about majoring though, i dont think they are listed on when you graduate.
And any other relevant differences?
not really
as a point of note there are some weird programs out there notably MBBS
now would you call that two degrees (Medicine and Surgery) or a normal degree (c.f. BMed, MD) or a sort-of double major within a degree (general medicine, surgery in BMed)