The London Interdisciplinary School

A Radical, New Institution

At the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), we break away from traditional academic department boundaries. Our interdisciplinary approach integrates knowledge from various fields, enabling students to tackle complex, real-world challenges from multiple perspectives—a skill set essential for the future of work and learning.

As industries evolve, employers increasingly seek individuals who can think across disciplines and adapt to interconnected roles, where solutions require insights from technology, social sciences, arts, and beyond.

This structure is particularly valuable for postgraduate students, who not only deepen their expertise but also gain the agility to navigate diverse challenges across sectors. By building interdisciplinary thinkers, we prepare graduates for a world where adaptability, innovation, and collaboration are key to making meaningful impact.

LIS is exactly the institution I hoped it would be plus more. The collected faculty has such diverse and overlapping sets of interests that I feel as though every field and method is only a message away. Without the dusty tradition and institutional sluggishness of my previous universities, the staff have been able to listen fully to students and their partners to build the university around the problems it solves. It's a really exciting place to be, and I'm thrilled to see how it continues to develop.

MASc student

The Home of Interdisciplinary Learning

LIS is the first UK university in over 50 years to open with degree-awarding powers from the start, earning top marks for academic standards from the Office for Students. Located in East London, our campus brings together a diverse faculty from institutions like Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford, all passionate about interdisciplinary problem-solving. Our student-to-faculty ratio allows for strong connections between students and faculty, fostering open conversation, innovative thinking, and fresh perspectives. Led by Professor Carl Gombrich, our team spans fields from philosophy to epidemiology, journalism, and mathematics, offering a truly interdisciplinary learning experience.

Of the many reflections I have on the course one is this: leaders in organisations need much more of this sort of learning. The depth, breadth, challenge and support feels like a pathway to growth in a way that more specialised and etiolated curriculums do not.

Cross-Functional Leadership participant.

A Programme for Polymaths

Our master’s programme is a rigorous “bootcamp” in interdisciplinary problem-solving, equipping students with essential qualitative and quantitative skills to tackle complex, real-world challenges across fields.

Flexible Study Options

• We offer flexibility to accommodate students’ needs and commitments. Choose to study full-time (on campus) or part-time (remotely). This allows you to fit your studies around your lifestyle while gaining valuable skills.

Our Students

• Our students come from diverse fields—computer science, history, the arts, and beyond—creating a rich environment for interdisciplinary discussion. They bring together unique perspectives, blending knowledge and developing innovative solutions.

Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project is the programme’s culminating experience, where students identify a real-world problem of their choice and propose a set of solutions. They present their findings through a professional-grade output, such as a mobile app, policy report, or prototype, allowing them to showcase their work to a broader audience and make a real-world impact.

Postgraduate Programmes

We offer a full-time (1 year, on-campus) and part-time (2 years, remote) master’s in:

Masters of Arts & Science (MASc) in Interdisciplinary Problems and Methods

Professional Courses

We offer a range of short courses and accredited certificates for professional learners.

Cross-Functional Leadership Short Course

Systems Thinking for Sustainability Short Course

Location

LIS is located in Whitechapel, East London, close to the cultural hotspots of Brick Lane and Shoreditch. This vibrant area offers rich social, cultural, and recreational opportunities, ideal for student life. With excellent transport links via Whitechapel and Aldgate East stations, exploring London’s diverse neighbourhoods is easy.

The campus location also offers strong networking opportunities in one of the world’s top job markets.

Career Prospects

LIS MASc students come from varied backgrounds, seeking to expand their expertise or pivot into new career paths. Our career support for MASc revolves around four pillars: the LIS Network (over 200 organisations), one-on-one career advising, interdisciplinary career design frameworks, and co-curricular activities. This network spans sectors from startups to global corporations, recognising the power of interdisciplinary skills in solving complex issues.

Fees, Funding, and Costs

Full-time

• UK students: £14,000 per year
• International students: £25,000 per year

Part-time

• UK students: £7,000 per year (over two years)
• International students (remote): £14,000 total (over two years)

Short Courses

• Fees range from £950 to £2,200 depending on course length and structure
• Discounts available for self-funding individuals, startups, and non-profits

We want to make sure that you’re given an opportunity to succeed at LIS and we know that everyone’s situation is different. LIS may offer master’s bursaries in the form of a partial fee discount. Eligible students can also apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan. Visit our website for more information on fees and funding.

How to Apply

The MASc programme requires a minimum 2:1 UK undergraduate degree (or international equivalent), though candidates with relevant professional experience are considered individually. Applicants submit a Critical Reflection as part of the process, showcasing their ability to approach issues from multiple perspectives.

For short courses, applications are open year-round via our website.

If you have questions or need guidance, contact admissions@lis.ac.uk for support.