On Tuesday, SMU and SUTD announced a dual degree programme offering undergraduates the option to pursue degrees in both engineering and management. The move marks the first time two local varsities have teamed up to offer degrees. The four-year course will start in May and will offer places for up to 45 students, with scholarships made available to Singaporean students. Undergraduates will attend classes at both campuses and be taught by faculty of both universities. They will eventually graduate with two degrees – a Bachelor of Business Management from SMU and a Bachelor of Engineering from SUTD, with a specialisation in engineering product development, engineering systems and design, or information systems technology and design. “This initiative shows that universities do compete – we compete for talent, for faculty, the best students – but we can also work together, to complement each other’s strengths to enhance the learning experience of our students,” said SMU President Arnoud De Meyer.