I was considering doing both a bachelor of physics and a bachelor of computer science but a double degree sounds really stressful. Would a double major give me a edge without being too stressful? what are the differences? Specific information on certain universities would be really useful because the internet doesn't give much information on double majors.

Double degree = 2 degrees done simultaneously e.g. Monash BSci/CompSci and is 4 years (4 units/ semester) vs. Monash BSci and then Monash BCompSci after, which would take 6 years (each of those single degrees = 3 years). This means you’re usually dealing with two faculties of the same uni and doing a least one major (main speciality) in each, and will receive two certificates at the end, each with a major minimum.
Pros: explore two completely different areas, more flexibility than double major, can do a major and minor (lesser speciality) in each degree
Cons: longer time-wise, costs more

Double major = 2 majors in one degree and is just 3 years full time e.g. Monash BSci double majoring in physics and comp sci. They are two majors in the same faculty/ similar areas. You’ll only get one certificate with two majors written on it at graduation.
Pros: shorter time/ less study, cheaper degree
Neutral: more specialised
Cons: little wiggle room for other interests (less electives/ minors possible)

Note: if you’re doing a double degree, it’s not more stressful than a single degree. It’s just you’ll be answering to two faculties vs. one and studying more units across two areas.

Thanks for your information!
I did some more research and saw that there are two option at monash:
Double major in bachelor of science in physics and computational science
Double degree in bachelor of science (major in physics) and computer science.
So just another question: What would be the different between computational science and computer science?

Here’s the handbook entries, which is the uni study design, for both the BCompSci and the computational science major:

These have definitions on the subtle nuances between the two and what you’d be studying, should you undertake them. They will explain better than I can what differences there are. Note: if you do a double degree BSci/CompSci, you can’t major in computational science.

    Write a Reply...