Conjoint Degree

Are you interested in combining several areas of study and undertaking two undergraduate degrees at the same time? Then a conjoint degree (also known as a double degree) will give you a great base.

Combining complementary degrees can help you shape a unique programme of study that may be attractive to a range of potential employers. For example, combining a science degree (BSc) with the study of law (LLB) may prepare you for a career in patent law, forensics, insurance and a wide range of consultancy work. Conjoint programmes combining arts (BA) or social sciences (BSocSc) with another degree are becoming increasingly popular for students wishing to pursue careers in policy and research.

The number of points required to complete each level of study in a conjoint programme is dependent on the degree combination you choose. The time frame to complete the programme varies accordingly and is also dependent on your choice of full-time or part-time study. While students are bound by the regulations governing each degree, the total number of papers required may be reduced due to special cross-crediting arrangements. Both qualifications must be taken concurrently and conferred together in order to take advantage of these special cross-credit provisions.

Conjoint degree programmes can be challenging. Students are strongly advised to seek academic advice about these programmes and other options such as double majors and graduate or postgraduate diplomas. Not all conjoint combinations may be available every year. The regulations surrounding conjoint degrees can be found in the University Calendar and further information on the requirements for specific degrees may be obtained from the Faculty or School of Studies that offer them.

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For advice on how to plan your conjoint degree:

Call 0800 WAIKATO (0800 924 528) or email recruitment@waikato.ac.nz

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Examples of conjoint degrees offered at Waikato include:

• Bachelor of Teaching with a Bachelor of Sport and Leisure Studies
• Bachelor of Laws with a Bachelor of Management Studies
• Bachelor of Māori and Pacific Development with a Bachelor of Tourism
• Bachelor of Communication Studies with a Bachelor of Social Sciences
• Bachelor of Arts with a Bachelor of Management Studies
• Bachelor of Laws with a Bachelor of Arts

 

AKANISI NABALARUA

Law and Management Student

Studying for a conjoint degree in Law and Management suited Akanisi Nabalarua’s interests and both degrees complemented each other. In her final year of an LLB/BMS, Akanisi says that the two qualifications will give her more options in the future. Both degrees have also offered her a range of opportunities while she has been a student, particularly with the practical work and the competitions that have been available. Akanisi has majored in Strategic Management in her BMS and her
compulsory ‘499’ report will be about strategies for sustainability in the business environment, which fits well alongside her commercial and environmental law papers. Akanisi represented Waikato University in the Witness Examination competition at the Australian Law Students’ Association Conference in June 2008. Shortly after that she left on a student exchange programme to the University of Ghent in Belgium where the law papers she studied have been credited to her degree at Waikato University. Akanisi has also been a mentor for students in the Waikato Management School.

While her studies for her conjoint degrees have kept her very busy, Akanisi has been involved in University life including being on the committee of the Pacific Island Law Students’ Association and being a student ambassador visiting secondary schools.