Choosing between Bachelor of Computer Science / Economics (UNSW) and Bachelor of Advanced Computing (USYD) (1 Viewer)

[TaserTaser99]

Hi everyone,

I did a post a little while ago which outlined the dilemma I was having between choosing a double degree in Computer Science and Economics at UNSW vs Commerce and Advanced Computing at USYD. After some thought and research, I concluded that instead of doing the double at USYD I could get away with just doing Advanced Computing and double majoring in economics/econometrics and probably computational data science which is more the field I wanted to go down rather than something in Commerce.

I still haven't fully decided yet but was wondering if anyone could give advice on how the whole double major concept works and how it compares to doing a full degree at either university. (How would this effect employability?)

I'm considering USYD because I have a pretty significant scholarship, transport times and also because I have friends going there compared to UNSW which is a great uni in its own regard for CompSci and literally has the double degree I want to do.

Any help would be really appreciated thanks!

 

[jimmysmith560]

Essentially, a double major involves studying two fields as part of one degree, which can also be achieved by studying a double degree, although the former constitutes a shorter path time-wise compared to the latter. This is evident given that the Bachelor of Advanced Computing is a 4-year degree, whereas the Bachelor of Advanced Computing/Bachelor of Commerce is a 5-year program.

The general difference between a double major and a double degree is the extent to which you wish to broaden your knowledge and skills. A double major typically involves studying two fields that are less distant from each other compared to two fields in a double degree. For example, studying Computational Data Science and Cybersecurity as a double major within the Bachelor of Advanced Computing compared to Cybersecurity and Accounting as part of a Bachelor of Advanced Computing/Bachelor of Commerce. At the same time, the fact that USyd allows the second major to be from the shared pool (i.e. outside the main majors of a specific degree) makes the double degree option questionable, when you can instead simply study one major from the Bachelor of Advanced Computing and one major from the Bachelor of Commerce without the need to enrol in the double degree, allowing you to complete your studies earlier.

Employability is naturally greater when you possess more knowledge and skills (such as when you study more than one field), which can be achieved through both of these options. This also means that there may be more employment opportunities that you can access because your knowledge spans two fields instead of one, including opportunities where you may be required to combine knowledge and skills gained from both fields. Of course, this is in addition to essential elements, including reasonably good university results and any relevant work experience that you may gain during your time at university.

I hope this helps!