Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) in Interdisciplinary Problems & Methods The London Interdisciplinary School

Complex, real-world problems require interdisciplinary solutions. Our Interdisciplinary Problems & Methods (BASc) is the first undergraduate degree of its kind in the UK. It has been designed to address real-world problems and equip students with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to thrive after graduation.

Throughout each term, students study knowledge and skills from across the arts, sciences and humanities. These diverse sources of knowledge provide the lenses through which to understand the given problem and start to identify ways to tackle it.

During our interdisciplinary degree, you will:

• Interrogate some of the toughest challenges faced by the world today
• Acquire theoretical knowledge from a range of disciplines
• Learn a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, developing the transferrable skills to kickstart your career
• Combine knowledge and skills to tackle complex challenges
• Work with companies and organisations on real-world challenges
• Learn from leading academics and industry experts

LIS students come from diverse backgrounds and academic experiences, but what they have in common is that they are:

• Intellectually curious
• Interested in a range of subjects
• Passionate about problems like climate change or inequality
• Excited about the idea of joining a new university

Year 1

During Year 1 of the BASc degree, you will develop foundational interdisciplinary skills such as learning to analyse challenges, developing cognitive flexibility, and exploring concepts from a diverse range of academic disciplines.

Please note that the problems, methods, and disciplinary perspectives listed below are indicative and may be subject to change in future years.

• Problems 1a (18 credits)
• Qualitative Methods 1a: Language and Communication (15 credits)
• Quantitative Methods 1a: Thinking Like a Scientist (15 credits)
• Problems 1b (18 credits)
• Qualitative Methods 1b: Images and Systems (15 credits)
• Quantitative Methods 1b: Thinking Through Data (15 credits)
• Problems 1c: Independent Work (24 credits)

Year 2

In year 2, you’ll have the opportunity to tackle a broader range of complex challenges, such as Technology and Ethics or Urban Design, involving group work and independent work, as well as more advanced concepts from multiple disciplines. You will also begin to study mental models and super concepts, extending your interdisciplinary knowledge.

Please note that the problems, methods, and disciplinary perspectives listed below are indicative and may be subject to change in future years.

• Problems 2a (18 credits)
• Problems 2b (18 credits)
• Mental Models and Superconcepts: Interdisciplinary Ways to View the World (15 credits)
• Problems 2c: Individual Project (24 credits)
• Elective Methods Modules (15 credits)

Year 3

Year 3 is an opportunity for you to exhibit the sum of your learning in interdisciplinary problem-solving and methods, by working independently to tackle a problem you care about.

Please note that the problems, methods, and disciplinary perspectives listed below are indicative and may be subject to change in future years.

• Capstone Project 30 credits
• Elective Methods Modules (15 credits)
• Mixed Methods (15 credits)

To gain a degree in the UK you must pass a certain number of credits in each year of the degree. Each module is given credit, which you are awarded when you pass each module at the assessment.

Credits are accumulated towards the total credit required for the degree. To get a BASc (Honours), you need to get a total of 360 credits over three years. Our degree is structured so that you complete 120 credits in Year 1, up to 135 in Year 2, and at least 105 credits in Year 3.