Types of undergraduate courses

Degrees (generalist, vocational or specialist)

A degree is a standard program of undergraduate study, usually of three years duration (with some students electing to complete a fourth or honours year). However, some courses can take up to five years, for example the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.

Some degrees are generalist, which means they have a broad base of subjects providing a breadth of knowledge. Students also choose to study some subjects in depth, following particularly interests to create a sequence of major and minor studies in their course. For example, the Bachelor of Commerce is a generalist degree, but students can specialise in areas such as accounting, management or marketing (and complete their degree with recognised qualifications).

Vocational and specialist degrees are more structured and are designed with specific careers in mind. For example, the Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging is a vocational degree designed to train students for a career as a radiographer. A Bachelor of Commerce (Management) degree is an example of a specialist degree as it consists of subjects selected from those available in a generalist degree, but chosen with a specific focus or specialisation.

Double degrees

A student studying a double degree undertakes two separate degrees simultaneously. The student will usually complete both degrees in less time than it would take to do two single degrees consecutively. A double degree usually takes about four years. By studying for a double degree, students get an opportunity to specialise in two distinct areas, or two areas that complement each other. For example, the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Engineering is a double degree.

More information about double degrees.

Double awards

In a double-award program, students undertake a Monash degree and a TAFE course at the same time. These programs combine the theoretical and academic benefits of a university course with the vocationally oriented and practical skills of a TAFE course, in complementary areas. For example, the Bachelor of Communication/Diploma of Arts (Professional Writing and Editing) is a double-award program offered through Monash’s Berwick campus and Chisholm TAFE.

Diplomas

Diplomas are intended for students who may be interested in an area of study outside their main undergraduate degree. This allows the student to take a structured set of units concurrently with their main or double degree. For example, the student may be enrolled in a Bachelor of Science and the Diploma of Languages at the same time.

Pathway diplomas

Monash College offers diploma programs as a bridge between school and university. Successful completion of the one-year diploma guarantees entry into second year of selected Monash University degrees.

The Diploma of Tertiary Studies is also offered at the Berwick and Gippsland campuses as an entry pathway for students who may not be otherwise able to access courses at Monash.