5 Reasons To Do a Double Degree (And How To Explain It To Your Friends and Family)
If I had a penny for every time I was asked what exactly a ‘Double Degree’ is, or why I willingly signed on for an extra year of studying… Well, you get the idea. So consider this a little guide to answering those questions!
Let me start with a little bit of background: I’m Lara, 24, German, and for the past two years I have been doing a Double Degree in Economics at the Universities of Konstanz and Nottingham. The best way to explain what that means is probably: two for the price of one! Two years, two universities, two Master’s degrees… and the best part: you only have to write one Master’s thesis. Now I’m back in England for my PhD, which leads me to the first reason a Double Degree is a terrific opportunity.
1. If you want to pursue an academic career…
This is probably the most obvious reason for splitting your degree over two universities – you get the chance to explore two (sometimes entirely different!) academic systems, meet people from two different countries, and do some serious networking, which might help you secure a PhD position later on. If you’re reading this as someone who is used to one-year Master’s degrees, extending your studies for an additional year is also an opportunity to broaden your skills or give yourself a little more time to figure out where you want to go from there.
2. If you do not want to pursue an academic career…
Yes, you read that right – a Double Degree is a great option either way. Having spent a year abroad will certainly boost your CV and set you apart from other candidates. And even if you’re not sure what exactly you want to do yet, it doesn’t hurt to explore your options, does it?
3. Now that the boring information is out of the way…
What does a Double Degree offer besides studying? Well, let me just put it like this: when I wasn’t busy freaking out about exams, I spent my time playing Quidditch, drinking cider, and swimming in the ice-cold English sea. English universities have a lot to offer in terms of social activities and sports clubs, from belly dancing over archery to a society dedicated to drinking tea, there really is something for everyone!
4. Living abroad for a year…
If you have ever spent a year in a different country, you’ll know what I’m talking about and you can skip this section. If you haven’t – go and do it. Living in a different country isn’t just about networking or joining a quirky society… If you ask me, stepping out of your comfort zone into a completely different culture will shape you in a way that nothing else ever could. After an initial period of “What are these weirdos doing?” you’ll suddenly start asking yourself why you do things the way you do, and you might even discover little peculiarities that you would gladly take back to your home country. For example, I love that everyone in England goes by their first name, and you never have to worry about how to address them (German speakers will know what I’m talking about). Or the other way around, I have it on good authority that spending a year in Germany as an English person will definitely change your opinion on what good bread is all about…
5. Travel, travel, travel!
For this one I best let the pictures speak for themselves (see below)…
A little disclaimer at the end: of course this is all quite subjective, and may not apply to every Double Degree option the University of Konstanz offers, but perhaps the best way to sum up why you should consider it anyway is that I have yet to meet someone who did a Double Degree and would not recommend it. And that’s quite something, isn’t it?
(Lara Suraci)
