Sixth Form students introduced to the new 'university degree in everything'

Students at St Mary’s Sixth Form have just been introduced to the newest post-18 offering on the block - the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS) and their degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Described by The Times newspaper as “the most radical new university to open in decades”, it is now entering its fourth year and is already attracting plenty of attention from both students and prospective employees. 

As Head of the Sixth Form, Rebecca Landshoff points out that:

“In the supportive and empowering environment of the Sixth, St Mary’s students develop individually and as part of a community, where both teamwork and independent learning are encouraged and celebrated.” 

 So, she was delighted to welcome Kestral Gaian, Head of Technology at the LIS, to speak with both the Lower and Upper Sixth about the new university and its team-oriented course.  

Describing it in brief as a “degree in everything” Kestral went on to explain the fundamentals of the LIS Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, which steps outside of the traditional higher education sector into the world of solving complex problems. 

According to Kestral:

“Young people need to see the world through the lens of solving complex problems; they need to come together to work as a team, hand in hand, because, by their very definition, complex problems cannot be solved by individuals working alone.”  

Having agreed that some of the complex problems which challenge the world include climate change, population growth, gun control and car automation, Kestral used the example of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a complex problem case study for the students to consider. By asking “is AI going to save the world or destroy it”, they encouraged the students to discuss the inevitable pros and cons, and to bring united experience and opinions together to explore this real issue. 

LIS first visited St Mary’s in 2019, when the university was in its infancy and we will be delighted to welcome them back for our UCAS day next June, where students can seek advice and guidance on further education, student finance and interview skills. 

Find out more about St Mary's Sixth Form and the London Interdisciplinary School.