Interdisciplinary Problems and Methods
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About this course
Problems like climate change, inequality and the ethics of AI can’t be solved by one subject alone. We need an interdisciplinary approach.
At LIS, we teach students how to tackle complex, real-world problems by applying knowledge and skills from various disciplines across the arts and sciences. From coding to videography, machine learning to project management, and data science to public speaking, our curriculum is designed to break down barriers and foster a more integrated approach to problem-solving. Our curriculum ensures that knowledge from various arts, sciences and humanities subjects is effectively applied to tackle urgent problems. Explore how interdisciplinary learning at LIS breaks free from conventional subject boundaries, creating a unique approach to higher education.
We are so much more than just Liberal Arts! Firstly, we are Arts and Sciences (how are you going to understand the world today without some knowledge of science?). Secondly, we apply our knowledge to tackling real-world problems. In some quarters the Liberal Arts can seem a bit ‘remote’ from the real problems the world is wrestling with. We take the exact opposite approach and ensure that a range of knowledge from the relevant arts or sciences are applied to tackling urgent problems in climate, migration, AI, education, economics, politics, media etc.
The social sciences provide a great foundation for understanding complex social problems - but they often stop short of the knowledge you really need to intervene and make a difference. At LIS you’ll learn a range of social science methods and apply them to address complex real-world problems, as well as integrate them with methods from the arts, humanities, and natural sciences.
We teach a wide range of qualitative methods which involve several key techniques from the humanities such as Close Reading (English literature), Visual Literacy (the arts and design) and Storytelling (literature and media studies). We also have an emphasis on writing for impact which you may study through our module which focuses on the writing of manifestos, and the history of literature which has played a part in great manifestos of the past.
As an LIS student, you’ll also be part of the exciting journey of building a new university in Whitechapel, East London. You’ll have the opportunity to play a key role in establishing processes, clubs, societies, events and traditions. For example, ‘LIS Lates’, a career-focused event series, documentary film nights with directors, urban exploration sessions and more!
At LIS, you won’t have to wait until you graduate to make your mark. Throughout your student journey, there will be continuous touchpoints for you to plug into the world of work, through internships, 1:1 careers support and a range of workshops to enhance your employability.
We understand that being a part of a new and radical university can be daunting, but we believe as the world changes and problems evolve, we should evolve too. If your intellectual curiosity doesn’t fit into a box, and you recognise the need for interdisciplinary solutions - join us.
Do something different. Be someone different.
For more information, please visit www.lis.ac.uk
Modules
**Year One:**
During Year 1, you’ll develop a wide range of foundational methods and skills, learn to analyse and refine problem statements, explore concepts from diverse academic disciplines, and consider how to integrate your knowledge to answer the questions that matter.
Compulsory Foundational Modules:
- Problems 1a
- Problems 1b
- Problems 1c
Compulsory Qual and Quant Methods:
- Qualitative Methods 1a: Language and communication
- Quantitative Methods 1a: Thinking like a scientist
- Qualitative Methods 1b: Images and Systems
- Quantitative Methods 1b: Thinking through data
**Year Two:**
In Year 2, you’ll work on a new problem statement each term, build up your expertise in particular methods, and gain new conceptual frameworks to help you think across disciplines, in the form of ‘superconcepts’ and mental models.
Please note that the optional methods modules listed for Year 2 are indicative, to give you a sense of what you might study during your time at LIS.
Compulsory Problems and Superconcepts Modules:
- Problems 2a
- Problems 2b
- Problems 2c
- Mental Models and Superconcepts: Interdisciplinary Ways to View the World
Plus a Choice of Three Electives:
Quant 2A:
- Intermediate quantitative modelling
- Data science and machine learning in practice
- Material and making
Qual 2A:
- Design thinking
- Visual and creative methods
Quant 2B:
- Networks and games
- Natural language processing
Qual 2B:
- Thinking through writing
- Telling the story of a wicked problem
**Year Three:**
You’ll choose 5 options from a selection of modules, with at least 1x quantitative and 1x qualitative method included in your curriculum. You’ll also explore mixed methods in more depth. These final modules will help shape your Capstone Project.
Please note that the optional methods modules listed for Year 3 are indicative, to give you a sense of what you might study during your time at LIS.
Capstone Project:
The Capstone Project is an opportunity for you to work on a complex problem of your choice. You’ll apply a combination of methods to understand a problem of interest to you and develop a plan of action.
Mixed Methods and Interdisciplinarity:
Building on your work in Years 1 and 2, this module solidifies your skillset for combining different methods and disciplines critically and ethically. The topics prepare you for the level of many master’s or research degree programmes, as well as knowledge-rich roles in business and the public sector.
Quantitative Methods III - you’ll choose at least one and up to four quantitative methods modules:
- Data Science and Machine Learning in Practice
- Intermediate Quantitative Modelling
- Advanced Case Studies in Data Science and Machine Learning
- Advanced Quantitative Modelling
- Simplifying Complexity
- Network and Games
Qualitative Methods III - you’ll choose at least one and up to four quantitative methods modules:
- Design Thinking
- Global Thinking
- Thinking Through Writing
- Applied Ethnography, Practical Ethics
- Communities & Campaigning
Mixed Methods:
- The Matter of Thought: Speculative Sense-making and Sensory Data
- Encountering Ecosystems through Mixed Methods Research and Practice
For more information, please visit www.lis.ac.uk/undergraduate-degree/course-content
Assessment methods
At LIS, our students won’t spend their summer terms writing lengthy examination essays. Instead, our interdisciplinary programme will make use of a variety of assessment methods throughout the year.
These assessments will be challenging but also fair, engaging, and varied — reflecting the kinds of outputs you’d be expected to produce throughout a professional career. Assessments could include:
- Presenting group pitches to a real audience
- Writing a group consultancy report
- Conducting individual research projects
- Creating videos and podcasts
- Designing a publicity campaign
- Completing short, interactive quizzes
For more information, please visit www.lis.ac.uk/undergraduate-degree/studying-at-lis
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
Extra funding
We want to make sure that you’re given every opportunity to succeed at LIS and we know that everyone’s situation is different. So that we can provide financial support to meet different needs, we have a number of different forms of financial support for our students. If you receive any of the financial support listed below you will never need to pay anything back.
**Home Fees Students**
**Financial Support Bursary (household income below £25,000)**
If your household income (the money that your parents/carers earn together) is below £25,000, then you’ll be eligible for bursaries in each year of study. Bursaries will typically be £1,000 per year.
**LIS Foundation Bursary (household income between £25,000-£40,000 and/or care experienced or estranged)**
If your household income is in this category, you will be eligible for a bursary from our sister charity - the LIS Foundation. The Foundation is independent of LIS and the Trustees can make a number of awards ranging from £1,000-£2,000 per year depending on your situation.
**Additional support awards**
We know that the current cost of living, including accommodation, is extremely high, especially in London. We are therefore offering enhanced bursaries in cases of high need. High need will typically be considered in terms of care experience, estrangement and particularly low household income, but we realise that there might be significant cases of hardship which do not meet these criteria and we will assess these on a case-by-case basis. In 2023-24, we made some exceptional awards in this category of up to £5,000 per year. If you get one of these awards, you will not be able to get a Financial Support Bursary or LIS Foundation bursary on top.
**Emergency grants**
We know that you can hit an emergency while you’re at LIS. To try and support you in these situations, we have a dedicated fund for hardship grants for enrolled students, which are decided on a case-by-case basis.
**International Fees Students**
**International Scholarships**
We’re offering 2 types of scholarships for 2024 entry:
- Early LIS Scholarship
- LIS UG Sustainability Scholarship
They’re open to all students classed as ‘international’ for fees, and hold an offer for our programme.
For more information, please visit www.lis.ac.uk/undergraduate-degree/fees
The Uni
The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS)
LIS Faculty
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