Learning and Teaching: Course Design Blueprint: Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary learning

Interdisciplinary .... or multidisciplinary?

Different types of programmes will require different approaches to the development and management of interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary curriculum design.

Interdisciplinary programme design will see a curriculum designed to ensure that students make connections across the different disciplines. this needs to be at the heart of the learning and assessment design and be explicit to students.

Multidisciplinary programme design will students engage with different subjects, but with very little or no integration between the content.

Regardless of which approach a programme takes it is important that

the programme as a whole feels like a coherent course of study
students feel that they belong to a department, and programme cohort
students have clear information about how they can access resources, support and from whom.

Considerations:

What is the rationale for the programme and approach?
How will the two (or more) subject areas be balanced in the design of the programme?
How will students be taught across the courses? How is this reflected in tutor groups, in module timetabling?
How will students be able to bring their learning from the different subject areas together and demonstrate their learning and understanding? Will this be throughout the programme or through the final year assessment?
How will you communicate with staff in the other course area to ensure you have a good insight into the experience of students in each of the disciplines?