The Dual Degree Programme is offered by the School of Distance Education (SDE) to full-time Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students who are in their second year of study or above.

The degree awarded through this programme carries the same academic standing as the bachelor's degrees offered by the School of Distance Education (SDE) and the full-time bachelor's degree programme offered by other schools at USM.

PROGRAMMES OFFERED

The Dual Degree Programme has been offered since the 2016/2017 Academic Session and includes the following programmes:

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Biology)
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Mathematics)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (History)

Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours)

• Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) (Anthropology and Sociology)
• Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) (Political Science)
• Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) (Economics)

Bachelor of Management (Honours)

• Bachelor of Management (Honours) (Finance)
• Bachelor of Management (Honours) (Strategy and Organisation Management)
• Bachelor of Management (Honours) (Marketing)

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The programme follows the academic session system currently practised by the School of Distance Education (SDE). Students will undertake the existing curriculum of the Distance Education Programme.

The total credit units required for graduation are as follows:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) = 122 unit
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) = 124 unit
• Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) = 124 unit
• Bachelor of Management (Honours) = 126 unit

However, under the Dual Degree Programme, students are only required to complete the Core courses for their selected field of study. Credits for Elective, Minor, and University courses may be transferred to the maximum extent permitted.

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME

The Dual Degree Programme enables students to earn two bachelor's degrees while studying at USM. This provides graduates with a competitive advantage by broadening their knowledge and skill sets, enhancing their capabilities, and improving their employability compared to graduates who hold only a single degree.

BLENDED LEARNING

The Dual Degree Programme offers a unique learning experience through a blended learning approach that combines face-to-face instruction, online learning, and self-directed learning.

Face-to-face learning includes lectures, tutorials, and laboratory/practical sessions conducted during intensive courses. Online learning is supported through video lectures, WebEx web conferencing, and various digital learning materials uploaded to the e-Learning portal. Self-directed learning is facilitated through recorded e-Lectures and learning modules developed by academic staff.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The programme is open to all first-degree students at USM.

• Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:
• Obtain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.75 in their current first-degree programme upon completion of the second semester.
• Apply only for a programme that is not offered*by their school.
• Remain enrolled in their original degree programme and are not permitted to withdraw from it.
• Register for a minimum of 10 credit units in each academic session in accordance with the regulations of the Distance Education Programme.
• Maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.75 in their original degree programme throughout their studies.
• Satisfy the minimum admission requirements for the Distance Education Programme applied for.

*Note: At present, the SDE Dual Degree Programme is open only to students from the USM Main Campus, Penang.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested students may download the Dual Degree Programme Application Form (click here) and complete all the required information. The completed application form must be endorsed by the Dean of the applicant's respective school before submission to:

School of Distance Education
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 USM
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

OR

The completed application form may also be submitted via email to:

Dr. Zainil Hanim binti Saidin
Dual Degree Programme Coordinator
Email: zainilhanimsaidin@usm.my

CONTACT INFORMATION

For enquiries and further information, please contact:

Dr. Zainil Hanim binti Saidin
Dual Degree Programme Coordinator
School of Distance Education
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 USM
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-653 2316

Email: zainilhanimsaidin@usm.my