More students choose interdisciplinary learning through UCIL
05 Nov 2026
More students are choosing interdisciplinary learning. Here's how you can help them explore their options
More students are choosing to broaden their studies through University College for Interdisciplinary Learning (UCIL), with enrolments continuing to grow across the University.
With Semester 2 enrolment still open, colleagues who advise, teach or support students can play an important role in helping them understand the opportunities available and consider whether interdisciplinary learning could form part of their studies.
UCIL offers more than 30 credit-bearing interdisciplinary units that students can take alongside their main degree where their programme allows, giving them the opportunity to learn beyond their own discipline, work with students from across the University and explore some of the wider challenges facing society. By the end of the Semester 1 enrolment period, enrolments had reached 2,864, an 8% increase on the same point last year.
Demand for UCIL units has grown steadily over the past five years, reflecting increasing interest from students in learning experiences beyond their core discipline. As more students explore these options, making them aware of what’s available can help them make informed choices about their studies.
Dr Alison Fisher, Academic Lead for UCIL, said: “It’s wonderful to see more students choosing to broaden their studies through UCIL. Addressing complex problems requires us to draw on knowledge and ideas from across disciplines. UCIL encourages students to question familiar assumptions and recognise the value of their own perspectives in tackling these challenges. The continued growth in enrolments is an encouraging sign of the appetite for these opportunities.
“It’s also exciting to see students already taking up our newly launched short courses, opening up opportunities for interdisciplinary learning outside their degree programmes.
“Thank you to the colleagues across the University whose expertise, creativity and support make learning through UCIL such a welcoming and rewarding experience.”
Help students explore their options
If you work with students who have free-choice credits available, take a look at the Semester 2 UCIL units and short courses on offer and consider sharing the opportunities with students who may be interested.
Find out more about UCIL: