Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin
Logo der Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin. Zur Startseite

Double degree

A double degree programme means studying two different degree programmes at the same time, each with its own degree.

A dual qualification may be necessary or at least desirable for certain fields of work. For example, school psychologists in Berlin need a teaching qualification and a degree in psychology, or you may want to optimise your own job market opportunities by, for example, considering studying technology or IT at the same time as studying economics.

However, some people find it so difficult to decide between two subjects that they consider studying both at the same time (perhaps to decide later).

There are a few things to consider here.

Risk of confusion

Sometimes a double degree programme is confused with studying a combination of subjects (combined bachelor's degree) or with a second degree programme (started after having already completed a degree).

Reasons against a double degree programme

Firstly, the Berlin Higher Education Act only permits double degree programmes if this does not exclude other prospective students from the first degree programme. So if your two desired degree programmes are subject to a numerus clausus, you can at best hope for remaining places.

On the other hand, it is more difficult to study and organise your studies: the workload for one degree course already corresponds to about a full working week and would double if you added another degree course. This can lead to a greater workload and an increase in study time.

Apply for a double degree programme

For a desired degree programme with a numerus clausus (NC), you must first submit a regular application or an application for admission for an NC-free degree programme; information can be found on our Apply page.

If you are admitted to a double degree programme, a decision on the approval of a double degree programme will be made after the application has been submitted as part of the enrolment process. A double degree programme can only be approved in exceptional cases and for degree programmes with different subject content. It is also a prerequisite that you are able to study properly in both programmes.

You can only be enrolled on a second degree programme with restricted admission if this makes sense with regard to the study objective and if others are not excluded from the first degree programme as a result(Berlin Higher Education Act §14). This means that at the end of the application procedure there must still be places left.

If you have any further questions about applications and procedures, please contact the Student Services Department.

Alternatives

Counselling at the employment agency

Enquire at the employment agency about possible paths to the desired field of work, e.g. with the help of the Berufenet portal or in a personal consultation at the study and careers advice centre.

Study programmes with several fields of knowledge

There are now many degree programmes that combine two or more fields of knowledge (not only combined bachelor's degrees, but also degree programmes such as biophysics, business informatics, etc.). Do some research at the University Compass.

Master's programme

If you actually want two degrees with different content, you could first complete a degree programme and then look for a (postgraduate) Master's degree in the desired field.

Second degree programme

As an alternative to the double degree programme, it is also possible to complete a further undergraduate degree after graduation.

Frequently asked questions

A double degree programme will therefore only be an option in very rare cases. Nevertheless, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Yes, that would even have a certain advantage: you would then be able to better estimate the amount of work and organisation required.

Yes, that is not impossible.

The payment of fees and contributions for the second degree programme is waived at HU if you can prove that you have already paid them at another university in Berlin or Brandenburg. If other universities are involved, please enquire about their regulations.

No, this is not possible for a double degree programme.

No, this is not possible at the HU.

This might also interest you

Decision in favour of a degree course

Are you about to finish school and wondering whether you should study or do an apprenticeship? Or are you already working and considering whether you would like to study? You can find relevant information here.

Second degree programme

A second degree programme is when someone has already completed a degree at a German university or a university in the European Economic Area and then wishes to study another undergraduate degree programme.