IATL's Director, Professor Jonathan Heron and Dr Liz Blagrove (IATL Module Co-convenor of The Slow Movement: Interdisciplinary Adventures in Time and Pace) are the ITLR common theme leads for interdisciplinary learning.

The ARC Interdisciplinary Working Group has suggested the following definitions for this theme:

a.Multidisciplinarity: an additive approach –using knowledge from more than one disciplinary tradition but maintaining boundaries between disciplines when examining a topic.

b.Interdisciplinarity: an integrative approach –characterised by close interaction between disciplines and a synthesis beyond disciplinary boundaries when examining a topic.

c.Transdisciplinarity: a holistic approach –aims to displace disciplinary formations when examining a topic and sometimes involves collaboration with organisations beyond the University.

The common theme of Interdisciplinary Learning will explore the strategic and operational opportunities for academic departments to increase breadth and depth of disciplinary connections in learning. Through this theme the ITLR Review Panel will consider with departments how this facilitates all students to expand their subject awareness through interdisciplinary learning / activities, particularly regarding Interdisciplinary Pedagogy and Vision and Student Learning Beyond Disciplinary Boundaries which are two of the strategic drivers set out in our Education Strategy which enable student progression and positive outcomes.