Call for New Interdisciplinary Modules
Are you interested in developing a new taught module at UG or PGT level which places learning beyond disciplinary boundaries at its core?
The Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL) is pleased to announce a special call for new interdisciplinary module proposals beginning in the academic year 2026/27.
IATL offers an exciting portfolio of modules which are available to all UG and PGT students across the university: 15 CATS at UG level and 10, 15 or 20 CATS at PGT level.
Timeline
Deadline for Expressions of Intent: 12.00pm (UK time) on Friday, 1. August 2025.
NB: Modules to start in academic year 2026/27.
Call for New Modules
IATL aims to provide sector-leading interdisciplinary learning experiences for students across our University. As such, we are always looking to expand and innovate through exciting new modules.
We are currently seeking module proposals which can offer a transformative learning experience to students at UG and PGT level on themes that can facilitate a 'radical' interdisciplinary learning experience in which all students across our University could thrive equally, regardless of disciplinary background.
Proposals should:
- Put into practice features of the IATL Strategy. This includes the core activity of Learning Beyond Disciplines.
- Offer a clear 3-5 year plan that illustrates how the module would run sustainably.
- Illustrate how the proposed module enhances the existing Module Portfolio, and again, how it reflects the IATL Strategy, including initial thoughts on how it aims to incorporate our 3 Foundational Principles: Research-led Educational Innovation, Participatory Practices, and Inclusive Structures and Care-Rooted Approaches.
- Confirm the applicant is willing and able to participate in all teaching and learning-related requirements and policies as a potential Module Convenor for IATL.
- Confirm the applicant is able and willing to seek endorsement from their Head of Department, if the application enters the next stage of review and selection.
Please do explore IATL’s current portfolio of UG and PGT modules prior to applying.
For any additional questions on this process, please get in touch with our Director of Education: Heather.Meyer@warwick.ac.uk
Selection Process
Round 1: Expression of Intent
The first round of the selection process involves the completion of an Expression of Intent form, which is a guided activity to give applicants an opportunity to articulate their module proposal ideas to IATL. Expressions of Intent forms must be submitted by 12 pm on Friday, 1st August 2025.
Round 2: Targeted questions about Expression of Intent
Where relevant and necessary, applicants may be contacted by IATL between 1. August and 12. September for more detail on their Expression of Intent.
Selection
On Monday, 15. September, IATL will select the Module Proposals the Department will support during the academic year 2026/27, and invite the applicant to then complete a formal Module Proposal (with support from the IATL Team) in January 2026.
Unfortunately this year, we are unable to offer financial support in the development of new modules.
Why should I propose an IATL module?
IATL Convenors enjoy a range of benefits from designing and delivering an interdisciplinary module in IATL. It is an opportunity to:
- Further develop your own approaches to Multi- / Inter- / Transdisciplinary Teaching and Learning.
- Collaborate with a new network of colleagues from around the university representing different disciplinary backgrounds and experiences.
- Engage with a diverse range of students on different degree programmes.
- Acquire a support network and belong to a community of interdisciplinary practitioners from our University.
- Enhance your teaching profile and demonstrate educational impact towards academic promotion.
What is Interdisciplinary Teaching and learning?
Our 'Learning with IATL' pages provide more detail.
How our modules are taught and assessed
IATL modules are typically taught in 1x two-hour sessions per week and run for a term. Class sizes average between 20-30 students. Sessions often feature weekly contributors from a range of disciplinary and professional backgrounds; problem-based and student-centred learning activities; and interactive, multidisciplinary group activities and discussion.
These skills of working with people from different backgrounds and developing complex understandings of concepts are increasingly valued by both students and employers alike, and offer students ways of engaging with some of the big questions facing us today. In an IATL module, students are not merely learning about the world, they are working with others to develop new ways of understanding it. And in this sense, they feature some of the core elements of interdisciplinary learning (i.e. collaboration, critical thinking, dealing with uncertainty, and reflection).
IATL Assessments vary, though they tend to be student-led, and encourage creativity, innovation and alternative research formats. You can find out more about our assessment methods here.
You can also explore our new online Assessment Exhibition space which showcases student assessed work on IATL modules.
IATL's Module Convenors' HandbookLink opens in a new window contains more information.
WIHEA/IATL Interdisciplinary Staff Hub
If you're interested in developing a new module proposal, this is your go-to resource for understanding interdisciplinary teaching. Dive into our case studies to see real-world examples of how inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary approaches are being used at the University of Warwick. These examples offer valuable insights and methodologies you can apply to your own teaching. Plus, you can connect directly with our Warwick Interdisciplinary Community
