Joint Honours
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Joint Honours (also known as dual honours) is a specific type of degree offered generally on Bachelor levels in the UK and Canada, plus several universities in Australia such as University of New South Wales.
Most students want to specialise in one subject and choose to study a single honours degree. However, to keep their options open, one can study two subjects by opting for a joint honours degree. In reading for a joint honours degree, one typically takes half the modules from one subject and half from another. The degree title would reflect the combination, eg: BA(Hons) English & Criminology. Occasionally, the subjects taken can be balanced unequally (for example 75/25 or 66/33 weightings are common). One of the well known universities to offer a large range of joint honour degree classification is Keele University, England, UK, where most students gain a joint honour degree. [1]
Reading for a joint honours degree has both its advantages and its disadvantages, only some of which are detailed below.
For one, it is often seen to be something taken by over-achievers and can lead to overqualification for various jobs. Some employers also think that it does not focus enough on any one topic, and therefore contradicts the point of taking a degree in the first place.
However, a joint honours degree may also be advantageous. For those who aren't sure exactly what to take, or who are very good at two similar subjects, this type of degree is definitely an option. Those seeking employment in an area requiring multiple skills and a variety of knowledge may also benefit from a joint honours degree.
Both subjects are taken at the same levels and at the academic standards as those taking single honours. Most British universities now have dedicated Centres for Joint Honours/Degrees which assists students.
A good example of Joint degrees might be:
- Politics and International Relations
- Physics and Mathematics
- Physics and Computer Science
- Drama and History of Arts
- History and Anthropology
- Philosophy and Political Science
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- English and French
- Any subject with a foreign language
A Joint Honours scheme is not the same as a double degree scheme.
