Why you should study an interdisciplinary module at York
What are York Interdisciplinary Modules?
Anyone can study York Interdisciplinary Modules. They are ‘elective’, and can be studied alongside modules from your course. You’ll gain meaningful experience of tackling environmental problems, and meet people studying a range of degrees. They’re a great way to consider new perspectives, ideas, and approaches.
There are currently four of these classes on offer:
- The Future of Food: finding solutions to a sustainability challenge within the food system.
- The Sustainability Clinic: working with a partner organisation or business in York to help them identify and achieve their sustainability goals.
- Sustainability and Policy: finding effective policies to solve climate-related challenges.
- Climate Crisis Action Lab: working with an environmental organisation to help solve problems facing them and elevate their concerns to different audiences.
- Further details can be found here
What is Climate Crisis Action Lab?
You’ll learn from lecturers of Chemistry, Environment and Geography, and Law departments. There are engaging weekly workshops with group working opportunities. You’ll focus on promoting the work of one of York’s environmental partner organisations.
This year, we worked with the River Foss Society. We learned valuable writing skills, tailoring content to different audiences. We produced promotional materials raising awareness of their work, tackling issues of sewage and pollution in the river, flooding, and river health.
You’re exposed to so many ideas and perspectives. Each group designed completely different projects. We created a series of lessons about river health for primary school children. We focused on why rivers are important, the threats facing them, and what we can do to help. Another group made a campaign video about sewage pollution, interviewing York’s member of parliament. A third group created a scientific framework for measuring river pollution and biodiversity. The framework will gather evidence encouraging intervention from local authorities
What makes these modules unique?
The support and guidance on offer from the lecturers is fantastic and thoughtful, helping find the best way to tackle complex issues. Creativity is encouraged, with the freedom to focus on issues most important to you. The module leaders are experts in their field. They’ll encourage you to connect with and learn from people across the University and beyond. All of the modules are about finding solutions to sustainability challenges and there is constant constructive feedback.
What I’ve taken away from the module
These modules have made me feel far more optimistic about our ability to address environmental problems. They are inspiring me to apply for Masters degrees focused on dealing with climate change and sustainability. They look great to future employers, too!
I studied the Sustainability Clinic module earlier this year, helping one of York’s libraries create a plan to reduce their carbon footprint. It was a massive confidence boost and gave me new skills. I came up with ideas and solutions to problems with library staff, and could see the difference as they were implemented.
I would highly recommend choosing an interdisciplinary module, as well as studying at York. The Campus is amazing, with its lakes, ducks, green space and atmosphere, and proximity to York itself, which boasts fun nightlife, an amazing selection of food, coffee shops and fun activities like axe throwing, museums and shopping.
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