5 reasons to take a York Interdisciplinary Module in 2025/26
Posted on 28 February 2025
Want to gain skills, make an impact and think differently? Then consider choosing a sustainability-related York Interdisciplinary Module (YIM) next year!
What are York Interdisciplinary Modules?
Our York Interdisciplinary Modules (YIMs) are elective modules that allow all students to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams to solve local, regional and global sustainability challenges. Students are taught by academics from different departments and work in groups with students from across the University, allowing them to apply their expertise to these challenges and learn from students and staff from other disciplines.
Which modules are included as YIMs?
We currently have four sustainability-related YIMs available for students to take in 2025/26. They include:
- Future of Food (open to 2nd Year UGs in Semester 2)
- Climate Crisis Action Lab (open to 3rd Year UGs in Semester 2)
- Sustainability and Policy (open to 3rd Year UGs in Semester 2)
- Sustainability Clinic (open to 3rd Year UGs in Semester 1 and both 3rd year UGs and PGT in Semester 2)
5 reasons to choose a YIM in 2025/26
1. Expand your perspective
Sustainability challenges—like climate change, biodiversity loss, and social justice—can’t be solved by one discipline alone. Our YIMs bring together ideas from science, humanities, business, and beyond, helping you see the bigger picture and approach problems in new ways.
2. Boost your employability
Employers value graduates who can think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate across disciplines. By taking a YIM, you’ll develop transferable skills in teamwork, communication, and systems thinking—essential for careers in sustainability and beyond.
3. Make a real-world impact
Our YIMs don’t just teach theory—they connect learning to real-world issues. You’ll explore case studies, work on practical projects, and engage with current sustainability challenges, giving you the tools to contribute meaningfully to change.
4. Broaden your learning
YIMs offer a chance to step outside your main subject area and engage with new perspectives. Whether you study science, arts, or social sciences, a sustainability-focused module can enrich your academic experience and inspire fresh ways of thinking.
5. Join a like-minded community
When you take a YIM, you join a diverse group of students who share an interest in sustainability. It’s a chance to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and build a network of people who are passionate about making a difference.
How to apply for a YIM in 2025/26
If your department or school allows you to take elective modules, you will hear about these at the start of Semester 2 when choosing modules for the following academic year.
To apply for a YIM, login to e:Vision. Go to ‘Your study’ and navigate to the ‘Module registrations’ section, then select ‘Elective Module Application’.
Deadline for applications: 8 March.
York Interdisciplinary Modules