I have decided to create new topic to address this question. I have seen the last few days that potential students are asking primarily in the area of computer science and software engineering, about the benefits of such degrees. I am here to address the misconceptions and how to differentiate these degree programmes.

In one of the post, someone was asking about the Sunway Bachelor of Computer Science vs MMU's Programme. Now both are excellent Universities. However, the dual degree option with Sunway seems to be highly advantageous - however, I am here to explain a little bit about it.

DUAL DEGREES (Sometimes known as Dual Parchments)

Using Sunway as an example only: This degree is validated by Lancaster University and upon successful completion of the programme, graduates are awarded two certificates; one from Sunway University and another from Lancaster University.

The key word here is validation. It means that Lancaster University validates the programme at Sunway. Now Lancaster University(LU) does have a similar programme as Sunway which is good BUT they may not share the same modules. What does this mean? It means that the syllabus is entirely from Sunway and that LU has validated the programme and said that it is similar (but not exact) to LU's computer Science Degree. In some cases for other universities - the awarding University may not even have a similar programme but still validates the Malaysian University. Validation can mean either the course content, the teaching quality or just the overall quality practices. You will get a certificate/degree from the host university without ever stepping in that university NOR doing their degree programme.

Having said that - there are some instances which the Dual Parchment programmes take longer than the normal period it takes to complete your degree (3 years) or significantly more than 120 credits because they require you to do extra credits in modules by the awarding universities. That is really a bang for your buck because it means that the awarding university is really requiring you to match the standards of their university. Else, it's just a marketing gimmick at the end of the day. Employers knows now what is the difference between Dual Degrees and Double Degrees.

At the end of the day - depending on the institution, the extra parchment may come with additional administrative and validation fees payable to the foreign university. And it's usually higher than normal degree programmes but you learn the same thing, taught by the local lecturers and they are not even vetted by the foreign university.

TWINNING PROGRAMMES
A twinning programme means that a local institution has teamed up with a foreign university and upon completion of your studies, you will be conferred a degree by that overseas university although majority of your studies could be done in Malaysia. There are a lot of twinning options - 2+1, 3+1 or 3+0, the + 1 denotes the number of years spent overseas which the number prior to that is the number of years doing the programme locally. Twinning programmes are the most economically viable method of obtaining an actual overseas qualification. In other words, you WILL be getting the actual degree programme or experiencing the same type of education as your peers in the overseas university but at a lower cost. Lecturers are vetted by the overseas universities, the programme, assessment and projects are all from there as well although there are some leeway given to localise the content. Moderation of the programme do happen at least once a year as the overseas university will come over to review the student outcomes and modules. It is a highly controlled process which ensures quality. The difference between this and Dual Parchment is that you are actually getting the Degree Programme as awarded to students studying there. While the dual parchment is just a recognization that your local degree is similar to theirs.

To summarize - the qualification will be the same as if you studied at the partner university abroad. The syllabus and assessment methods will also be the same as the partner overseas university.

DOUBLE DEGREE

Of all the degrees listed here, this is the most impressive and hardest. This is you will be studying 2 different degrees at the same time and graduate with two separate qualifications. The intensity is that you will be asked to complete 2 degrees in less time than if you were to do them separately. Usually a Double Degree programme is 4 years or so from the normal 3 years.

Pursuing 2 full-time degrees simultaneously is extremely demanding. Double degrees does not mean that you do one degree in Malaysia and the other overseas one at the same time. It just means that you are doing two distinct degree programmes simultaneously. This option is uncommon or rare in Malaysia and is usually offered by overseas (Australian) University. This is not the same as double major.

So to summarize:

A dual parchment does not necessarily mean that the programme is better than an entirely local degree just because of the overseas link. The university partner may not even be a good university for that particular field to begin with. The factors i would consider is who the lecturers are and how the environment for learning is. A local university might have really good lecturers, superb learning environment and great teaching and learning practices with an emphasis on teaching quality.

For example, i would say that TARUC Computer Science Programme which is taught entirely by local staff is better than a third rate local university (i shall not name names) with a overseas partner.

Can we get an admin to pin this thread ?