Melbourne Breadth

[dejan91]

Do the breadth subjects you complete count for anything after you've graduated? Like for example if you did breadth in engineering or something and stuck with it for the whole three years, would it be recognized in any way by employers or is it there to just uselessly fill in time? (sorry, excuse the word uselessly, I can't think of a better word atm, but you get my drift hopefully..)

[jimmy999]

I think the intention of it is for students to graduate in a specialised area whilst also having broad knowledge in other topics.
Really I just see the breadth as an information subject. Something you learn just for the sake of learning and knowing. It doesn't seem to directly help with your degree. Unless of course you do breadth subjects that are kind of related to what you do. Like studying the History of Mathematics as a breadth whilst doing a maths major in bachelor of science

[dejan91]

Well that's what I mean, is it just learning 'for the sake of learning and knowing'? Or does it get recognised like a 'bachelor of......... with breadth in ........"

[*ryan777*]

i guess alot of ppl choose their breadth subjects based on what they feel might give them some enjoyment and relaxation from their regular course, try to make a hobby out of it etc etc

[squance]

If you do a certain sequence of breadth subjects, it can lead to a mini major/minor

[Eriny]

Yeah, if you do 6 breadth subjects all in the same discipline, that would count as a minor (and you'd be credited for that minor, which means that you could work in that area, I guess) and if you did an extra, non-required breadth subject (so, 7 in one discipline) that's a major, I'm pretty sure. Other than that, it's a degree requireemnt at Melbourne, so no breadth, no degree.

[dejan91]

Ok well, yeah, so you are credited with something in that situation. This Melbourne Model stuff confuses me :s but I'm willing to give it a go lol it does seem pretty cool. I'm realllllly indecisive and have no idea where I want to go or what I want to study exactly (reason why I chose Melbourne over Monash )


Something just occurred to me: Because there is less time for commerce related subjects, doesn't that mean BComm graduates at Melbourne are less educated than their Monash or other University counterparts??

[jimmy999]

Ok well, yeah, so you are credited with something in that situation. This Melbourne Model stuff confuses me :s but I'm willing to give it a go lol it does seem pretty cool. I'm realllllly indecisive and have no idea where I want to go or what I want to study exactly (reason why I chose Melbourne over Monash )


Something just occurred to me: Because there is less time for commerce related subjects, doesn't that mean BComm graduates at Melbourne are less educated than their Monash or other University counterparts??

If we approach this logically, assuming each uni offers 8 subjects a semester. If doing it at Monash, you would complete 3x8 commerce subjects therefore 24 subjects in your degree. If at Melbourne, you would complete 3x6 commerce subjects meaning you only completed 18 commerce subjects in your degree. Based on this you would be less educated in commerce at Melbourne. However this doesn't take into account the actual content of each subjects. Melbourne might have more advanced subjects therefore you'd learn more there than at Monash. Also you can take breadth subjects slightly related to commerce areas, so you wouldn't really be disadvantaged.

[dejan91]

Ok well, yeah, so you are credited with something in that situation. This Melbourne Model stuff confuses me :s but I'm willing to give it a go lol it does seem pretty cool. I'm realllllly indecisive and have no idea where I want to go or what I want to study exactly (reason why I chose Melbourne over Monash )


Something just occurred to me: Because there is less time for commerce related subjects, doesn't that mean BComm graduates at Melbourne are less educated than their Monash or other University counterparts??

If we approach this logically, assuming each uni offers 8 subjects a semester. If doing it at Monash, you would complete 3x8 commerce subjects therefore 24 subjects in your degree. If at Melbourne, you would complete 3x6 commerce subjects meaning you only completed 18 commerce subjects in your degree. Based on this you would be less educated in commerce at Melbourne. However this doesn't take into account the actual content of each subjects. Melbourne might have more advanced subjects therefore you'd learn more there than at Monash. Also you can take breadth subjects slightly related to commerce areas, so you wouldn't really be disadvantaged.

Well that makes sense 24 vs. 18 does seem slightly disadvantageous... The thing is, it's not me being 'deprived' of education in commerce that I'm worried about, it's what employers think about it.  But I guess in reality, Melbourne no doubt did some research before implementing these 'New Generation' degrees about employers wants, etc..

Interestingly enough, the Wikipedia page for Melbourne said this:

Various groups, including trade and student unions, a handful of academics, and some students have expressed criticism of the Melbourne Model, citing job and subject cuts, and a risk of 'dumbing down' content.

As far as I can see, employers haven't been complaining. It's the students and staff who will be affected by the change. Or is it too simple to say that?

[jimmy999]

As far as I know, UoM still has professional accreditation for all their degrees. They also have their reputation, and in many cases, a reputation is what helps you get a job. I don't see any real disadvantage in gaining employment. Really the model only affects what you want to study. I didn't pick UoM as I wanted to study only science/engineering subjects and not other subjects. It's why I chose Monash. However both Uni's have accreditation and would make little difference in gaining employment

[Kopite]

Ok well, yeah, so you are credited with something in that situation. This Melbourne Model stuff confuses me :s but I'm willing to give it a go lol it does seem pretty cool. I'm realllllly indecisive and have no idea where I want to go or what I want to study exactly (reason why I chose Melbourne over Monash )


Something just occurred to me: Because there is less time for commerce related subjects, doesn't that mean BComm graduates at Melbourne are less educated than their Monash or other University counterparts??

If we approach this logically, assuming each uni offers 8 subjects a semester. If doing it at Monash, you would complete 3x8 commerce subjects therefore 24 subjects in your degree. If at Melbourne, you would complete 3x6 commerce subjects meaning you only completed 18 commerce subjects in your degree. Based on this you would be less educated in commerce at Melbourne. However this doesn't take into account the actual content of each subjects. Melbourne might have more advanced subjects therefore you'd learn more there than at Monash. Also you can take breadth subjects slightly related to commerce areas, so you wouldn't really be disadvantaged.

Well that makes sense 24 vs. 18 does seem slightly disadvantageous... The thing is, it's not me being 'deprived' of education in commerce that I'm worried about, it's what employers think about it.  But I guess in reality, Melbourne no doubt did some research before implementing these 'New Generation' degrees about employers wants, etc..

Interestingly enough, the Wikipedia page for Melbourne said this:

Various groups, including trade and student unions, a handful of academics, and some students have expressed criticism of the Melbourne Model, citing job and subject cuts, and a risk of 'dumbing down' content.

As far as I can see, employers haven't been complaining. It's the students and staff who will be affected by the change. Or is it too simple to say that?

I don't actually think employers care about the actual amount of information you have attained during university. I think they are more attracted towards the skills you have acquired (e.g-problem solving, team work skills, negotiation skills). Sure if you want to do accounting, you will do an accounting major, but a lot of the information required can be learnt on the job. Don't think a lot of people actually retain a lot of the info from uni as a lot of it is crammed in a month before exams. And I guess this is the point of the Melbourne Model;  to try and give you different ways of thinking about and attacking certain situations. Although admittedly, quite a few subjects are very general and are undertaken by students who just want a bludge subject. 

[*ryan777*]

Ok well, yeah, so you are credited with something in that situation. This Melbourne Model stuff confuses me :s but I'm willing to give it a go lol it does seem pretty cool. I'm realllllly indecisive and have no idea where I want to go or what I want to study exactly (reason why I chose Melbourne over Monash )


Something just occurred to me: Because there is less time for commerce related subjects, doesn't that mean BComm graduates at Melbourne are less educated than their Monash or other University counterparts??

If we approach this logically, assuming each uni offers 8 subjects a semester. If doing it at Monash, you would complete 3x8 commerce subjects therefore 24 subjects in your degree. If at Melbourne, you would complete 3x6 commerce subjects meaning you only completed 18 commerce subjects in your degree. Based on this you would be less educated in commerce at Melbourne. However this doesn't take into account the actual content of each subjects. Melbourne might have more advanced subjects therefore you'd learn more there than at Monash. Also you can take breadth subjects slightly related to commerce areas, so you wouldn't really be disadvantaged.

Well that makes sense 24 vs. 18 does seem slightly disadvantageous... The thing is, it's not me being 'deprived' of education in commerce that I'm worried about, it's what employers think about it.  But I guess in reality, Melbourne no doubt did some research before implementing these 'New Generation' degrees about employers wants, etc..

Interestingly enough, the Wikipedia page for Melbourne said this:

Various groups, including trade and student unions, a handful of academics, and some students have expressed criticism of the Melbourne Model, citing job and subject cuts, and a risk of 'dumbing down' content.

As far as I can see, employers haven't been complaining. It's the students and staff who will be affected by the change. Or is it too simple to say that?

I don't actually think employers care about the actual amount of information you have attained during university. I think they are more attracted towards the skills you have acquired (e.g-problem solving, team work skills, negotiation skills). Sure if you want to do accounting, you will do an accounting major, but a lot of the information required can be learnt on the job. Don't think a lot of people actually retain a lot of the info from uni as a lot of it is crammed in a month before exams. And I guess this is the point of the Melbourne Model;  to try and give you different ways of thinking about and attacking certain situations. Although admittedly, quite a few subjects are very general and are undertaken by students who just want a bludge subject. 

yeah, just to back up what kopite said, employers will be more than willing to teach you on the job provided you have good "fundemental" skills
the melbourne model gets SO MUCH crtitism but it can be quite usefull to have a broader knowledge and range of skills

[Kopite]

oh and just another point-the 24 v 18 commerce subject comparison is somewhat flawed. if you do an accounting major at melbourne, a few subjects that are required for that particular major are actually taken from the law department, thus counting as breadth, yet monash will also (i'm assuming) have a few subjects related to business+tax law that are compulsory for their accounting major (probably?). thus the difference in the number of commerce subjects you take is not as great as six subjects, i don't think.

[QuantumJG]

With breadth, the commerce faculty put together streams for people to do a collection on meaningful subjects. I have chosen to do a personal finance stream and its going to be great as I get to do a bit of maths along with learning how to make the right personal financial decisions.

With breadth as long as you do 6 breadth subjects (where you do at least one 3rd year breadth subject), you will satisfy the breadth requirements. 

[dejan91]

Ok, so you're saying that uni's focus more on equipping you with the right personal, communication, problem solving, etc, etc skills because employers are looking more for that then the actual theory behind your studies (not that this is unimportant..). If so, then the Melbourne Model and its objectives make perfect sense. It's just my only concern was how your breadth studies would be recognised academically.You know, so employers can see and appreciate what other skills you've acquired in addition to those of your main area of study. And in saying that, QuantumJG, my concern wouldn't be whether I met the requirements of breadth studies or not.