Factual description
The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS) offers an interdisciplinary degree to solve real-world problems. The LIS’s interdisciplinary degree involves focused learning on a range of disciplines across the sciences, arts and design, technology, the social sciences, and the humanities. It’s important to not think in traditional ways when considering these subjects - the world is not divided up in this way, so neither is the LIS’s degree. Whilst problems provide the framework for the course, it’s the focused knowledge of core academic disciplines and research methods that give us the ability to tackle them.
Students attending LIS develop:
1) Interdisciplinary knowledge:
Superconcepts, like evolution, entropy, and post-modernism, are powerful tools for any polymath. They are just one of the tools we use to go beyond the constraints of subject silos. Originating in a single discipline, superconcepts traverse disciplinary boundaries - often blossoming in disciplines far removed from their initial genesis. Consider evolution. Evolution, originating from biology, is now found in psychology, game theory, history, ecology, environmental science, computer science, new media...
2) Research methods
Research methods allow to produce our own knowledge as well as critique knowledge gained in a wide variety of disciplines. In an age where factual knowledge is immediately easy to come by, the value of generating our own knowledge is greatly increased. By studying a range of qualitative tools (e.g., videography and ethnography), as well as key quantitative methods (e.g., machine learning and data science), students are well-positioned to do research in their own areas of interest and the areas of interest to outside organizations.
3) Practical skills for the future of work
It is no longer enough to simply graduate with a 2:1. Students need to graduate with the skills employers are looking for - skills they will actually use in the workplace. It is important to know how to communicate effectively across disciplinary boundaries so students can deliver genuinely useful work to a variety of audiences in written, oral, and graphic form. Not only this, but students will recognise and have a nuanced understanding of any ethical issues associated with their work.
4) Knowledge students can transfer
Transferable skills. Often talked about but rarely explained. At LIS, students’ learning and development will extend beyond the constraints of a traditional lecture theatre. Students are encouraged to be hungry for knowledge and to demonstrate an independence of mind.
