I’m studying a double degree, B Com/B Econ at UNSW. I transferred at the start of this year into it from a B Econ. I can’t really comment on the other combined degrees, but the main reason I jumped at the opportunity to change courses was because I felt that 3 years was just not enough for the basic business orientated degree.
Some people say that it helps to have more options with combined degrees. I wouldn’t really say that. I plan to major in accounting and international business, and then economics. Obviously, I can’t work as both an accountant and an economist. So really it’s just complicated things for me when I choose where to work out of uni. If I head towards accounting, I feel that I won’t pick up the skills needed to work in an economics related field, and so that extra year at uni will be wasted (in the short run). Obviously, I would also be really shitty if I finish my accounting and don’t go on to do my CA. International business just fits in nicely as an interest.
On the other hand, down the track I feel that the extra specialisation in business related fields will help my knowledge base. Being able to draw from all three fields I think is a big advantage. And I’m sure that many of you could think of other combinations that would be great.
Also I think that for this particular degree, you are actually gaining a second degree because the core subjects are the same in both separate degrees. When you factor in that a major is basically one year of study (e.g. Com degree (1st year core, 2nd year first major, 3rd year second major) then the forth year in this degree would be well worth it.
Personally though, I feel that business degrees are basically geared towards the employer’s benefits. Before people start saying obviously, let me explain. A three year degree in my view is just not enough when people do double majors. I think that most of the skills people have in the workforce are provided by the employer rather than what you studied at uni. Basically, (this may sound far fetched) the way the degrees are structured the student is trapped by the employer in most fields. E.g. why do so many people leave big accounting firms when they get their CA? One possible reason could be because they have a profession where they can stand independently, they can confirm the skills they have because they are professionally accredited. Other areas are not, you have on the job training but this obviously differs with employers, and then what proof do you have if you wish to leave the job. I'm sure there are other reasons.
Also once you go through a business degree with the core and the compulsory subjects to get your major, you may get to choose one or two subjects that you are interested in as your free options. Is that really getting to know your major well? I’d prefer a 4 year commerce degree with two majors that are extended so I can get in depth knowledge of my subject area. That’s obvious because I’m doing an economics major, and I seriously just want to know everything.
Anyway I’ll stop ranting.